English November 12, 2014 Persecution of the Powerless: A Recurring Theme in American History Why does America continually prosecute and victimize the powerless? Perhaps, citizens prosecute powerless because they are the easiest victims to accuse and take control over. The theme of persecution of the powerless occurs repeatedly throughout history and still occurs today. From the Salem witch trials in the 1690s to McCarthyism and the Red Scare in the 1950s to the recent Matthew Shepard incident
with strict manner. Puritan New Englander’s believed that life was a battle between their God and his enemy, Satan. . These humans in the 17th century did not have an explanation for everything that happens, unaware to the naked eye. Supernatural occasions could only be defined as God’s work. However, when a wicked supernatural event were to occur the “obvious” explanation was Satan. In puritan New England, humans abided with the social values shaping their lives to have regulated customs to keep