Oppression has been a common topic both historically and in current times, but what is it? Oppression is prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control. (dictionary.com) In the United States, oppression has existed since America's beginnings. This is still happening today. But is there a difference between yesterday and today? Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay In early American writings, strict rules were in place for how people should live properly, with God-fearing lives centered around the Church. This is exceptionally evident in the works of William Bradford and Michael Wigglesworth; However, the authors began to see flaws in Puritan society, and such views were expressed in their writings. There is a tendency to move away from total acceptance of Puritan views and rules. In The Maypole of Merry Mount, Nathanial Hawthorne illustrates these issues by metaphorically comparing those suffering from the negative effects of the Puritan regime to the residents of a festive, joyful town known as Merry Mount. Hawthorne describes a town festival beautifully decorated around a particular maypole. The maypole is decorated with antlers and a wreath and is surrounded by ribbon dancers holding hands. Each dancer wears a mask representing delighted men and women as well as several animals. A young couple waits near the post to get married, but in vain. Soon, disapproving Puritans led by Saint John Endicott show up, tear down the Lighthouse of Joy, then whip and imprison those who misbehaved. It is safe to say that we are living in the most progressive period in our history. We can look at things like the adoption of things like our first black president or same-sex marriage at the federal level to see that we are finally in the right direction. Given all of our modern victories, people of color still face many challenges in their daily lives that white people do not. It is safe to say that we are living in the most progressive period in our history. We can look at things like the adoption of things like our first black president or same-sex marriage at the federal level to see that we are finally in the right direction. Given all of our modern victories, people of color still face many challenges in their daily lives that white people do not. More than half a century ago, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed by lawmakers, whose essential purpose was to end all discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or gender. national origin. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a custom article now from our expert editors. Get a Custom Essay Things such as racial segregation in public accommodations and restrictions on voter registration, by law, were reduced under this law. As we know, racism and other forms of oppression among African Americans and other minorities are still very present today. Racism is something that has been institutionalized in America's DNA (Jim Crow laws) for centuries and even though we currently live in a socially progressive era, we can look around us and find oppression everywhere. More than half a century ago, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed by lawmakers, whose primary goal was to end..