Segregation Essay, Research Paper
Though 1963 was not the year of integration, it was still a continued debate throughout the southern states. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines segregation as the separation or isolation of race, class, or ethnic group by enforced or voluntary residence in a restricted area, by barriers to social intercourse, by separate educational facilities, or by other discrimitory means. Far after the integration proclamation those of different ethnic or racial class were discriminated. Colleges and Universities were unhappy with the integration laws, as well as public restaurants and stores. This discrimination was concentrated mostly, if not completely, in the Southern states. Those confederates that had seceeded from the Union, could not fathom the idea of integration, much less abide by the laws it set. This caused continuous debate throughout the country. The South did not want integration, they were happy with things the way they were. Yet, the constitution deemed segregation unconstitutional. The issue was not whether it was right or wrong, yet would public officials turn there heads at acts against integration. Would the South allow integration to continue, even though the United States Constitution has clearly set that segregation is unjust.
The act of segregation is cruel and harsh. To isolate an individual completely on the basis of their skin color or religious beliefs is an unreal concept. It has no concrete basis. To this day, the year 2000, American’s continue to struggle with racial and ethnic equality. Segregation is wrong, yet some will continue to be close-minded and ignorant.