Final answer:
The ridicule of white Americans implied their perceived superiority and justified mistreatment of people of color.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ridicule of white Americans implied that they were being portrayed as superior and superior to people of color, particularly African Americans and Native Americans. This ridicule perpetuated the racist belief that white people were more civilized and advanced than non-white individuals, which justified their mistreatment and discrimination.
This belief was reinforced during the time of slavery, as white Americans viewed themselves as a superior race and used slavery as a means to exploit and dehumanize African Americans. The idea of white superiority also continued after slavery ended, leading to segregation, discrimination, and systemic racism.
It is important to recognize that not all white Americans hold racist beliefs, and many actively fight against racism. However, the historical context and societal structures have perpetuated racial inequalities which still exist today.