Oppression has been a common topic both in history and in current times, but what is it? Oppression is prolonged, cruel, or unfair treatment or control. (dictionary.com) Oppression has happened in the United States since the dawn of America. It is still happening in current times. But is there a difference between then and now? Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In early American writings, there were strict rules about how people were to live proper, God-fearing lives centered around the church. This is exceptionally evident in the works of William Bradford and Michael Wigglesworth; however, the authors begin to see flaws in Puritan society and those views are expressed in their writings. There is a movement away from total acceptance of Puritan views and rules. In The Maypole of Merry Mount Nathanial Hawthorne illustrates these problems by metaphorically comparing those suffering the ill effects of Puritan rule to the residents of a festive and joyful town known as Merry Mount. Hawthorne describes a beautifully decorated town celebration involving a particular maypole. The maypole is decorated with antlers and a garland and is surrounded by dancers holding the ribbon hand in hand. Each dancer wears a mask depicting happy men and women and different animals. A young couple waits by the pole to get married, but they do so in vain. Soon, disapproving Puritans led by Saint John Endicott show up, tear down the Lighthouse of Joy, then whip and stockade those who have misbehaved. It's safe to say that we are living in the most progressive period in our history. We can look to things like our first black president or the approval of same-sex marriage at the federal level to see that we are finally going in the right direction. Given all of our modern victories, people of color still face many difficulties in their daily lives that someone who is white doesn't face. It's safe to say that we are living in the most progressive period in our history. We can look to things like our first black president or the approval of same-sex marriage at the federal level to see that we are finally going in the right direction. Given all of our modern victories, people of color still face many difficulties in their daily lives that someone who is white doesn't face. Over half a century ago, lawmakers passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which essentially aimed to end any discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Please note: this is just an example. Get an article habit now from our expert writers. Get a Custom Essay Things like racial segregation when it came to public accommodations and restrictions on voter registration, by law, were reduced thanks to this law. As we know, racism and other forms of oppression among African Americans and other minorities are very present today. Racism is something that has been institutionalized into American DNA (read Jim Crow) for centuries and even though we currently live in this socially progressive time, we can look around us and find oppression everywhere. Over half a century ago, lawmakers passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which essentially aimed to end any discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Things like racial segregation when it came to public accommodations and restrictions on voter registration, by law,.