1. Poverty: Both black and white communities faced widespread poverty, especially during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Economic hardships affected many families, regardless of race, leading to unemployment, homelessness, and hunger.
2. Health Issues: Infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, influenza, and smallpox posed health risks to both black and white populations. Inadequate access to healthcare, poor sanitation, and malnutrition further exacerbated health problems within marginalized communities.
3. Discrimination and Violence: Although discrimination and violence disproportionately affected black individuals, there were instances where whites also experienced discrimination, albeit to a lesser extent. For example, white women faced gender discrimination in the workplace and society, while some white immigrant groups faced xenophobia and social exclusion.
4. Lack of Economic Opportunity: Both blacks and whites from impoverished backgrounds struggled to find well-paying jobs. Economic opportunities were often limited by racial discrimination and prevailing socioeconomic inequalities, hindering social mobility for many individuals.
5. Labor Exploitation: Many blacks and whites worked in low-wage jobs, such as sharecropping, factory work, and domestic service, often enduring harsh and exploitative working conditions.
6. Social Segregation: Both blacks and whites experienced segregation in various aspects of society, including education, housing, transportation, and public facilities. This separation reinforced social divisions and limited opportunities for interaction and understanding between the races.
7. Lack of Political Power: Black and white citizens who belonged to marginalized communities often had limited political power. They faced barriers to voting and holding public office, which made it difficult to advocate for their rights and interests.
8. Psychological Distress: The stress of living in a segregated and often hostile society affected the mental health of both blacks and whites. Discrimination, prejudice, and social ostracism contributed to psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, and trauma.
It is important to recognize that while blacks faced unique and systematic forms of oppression, there were also areas where they shared common struggles with whites, particularly those belonging to marginalized socio-economic groups. Addressing these shared challenges required collective efforts to promote social justice and equality for all citizens, regardless of race.