AP+P2+Segregation

Audience, Joshua Smith:



In the south, segregation had a clearly defined audience: black citizens. Blacks had to live through unequal treatment in both society and the laws that governed society. The Smithsonian Institute states that, “ In the former Confederacy and neighboring states, local governments constructed a legal system aimed at re-establishing a society based on white supremacy,” (White Only: Jim Crow in America). Blacks were an audience of second class citizens who had to struggle to survive in a society that looked down upon them. Segregation also has an audience in the modern time period. With race issues still at the forefront of American politics, many are wondering if the United States as truly progressed as a nation. Some would say no because the system of segregation in the South has been abolished and although racism still exists, it is not nearly as bad as it used to be in the South. Others, however, would say that segregation still lives on in the racial divided neighborhoods in cities across the country.

Aim: Jillian  Even though slavery was abolished in 1865, and legislation was passed in the form of amendments and acts by Congress, African Americans continued to face social, economic, and political inequality in the United States. From then on out, various court cases were taken to the Supreme Court in order to bring attention to the fact that African Americans were still facing many inequalities. The Supreme Court continually upheld decisions with regards to the legality of “separate but equal” facilities, which completely undermined all of the work and progress Congress had made (Brown vs. Board at Fifty: “With an Even Hand”). Segregation was used as a means of making African Americans less than whites, while still “obeying” the law. On many accounts, the facilities designated for blacks were in less than desirable conditions. Schools made specifically for people of color often put them at a disadvantage, with a study actually confirming that minority children learn better in a mixed classroom (“Separate but Equal?: The Road to Brown”). Even though “separate but equal” was deemed constitutional and not in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment, the practice put people of color at a major disadvantage and allowed for racism to continue to grow, even without slavery. Segregation made it legal for people of color to be justifiably discriminated against.

“Brown v. Board at Fifty: “With an Even Hand.”” //Library of Congress//. Library of Congress, n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2015. “Separate But Equal?: The Road to Brown.” //Exploring Constitutional Conflict//. Exploring Constitutional Conflict, n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2015.

Cultural: Nida



Segregation is a large portion of American history, as this country is infamous for its treatment of African American citizens in the past. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History states, “ By 1900, new laws and old customs in the North and the South had created a segregated society that condemned Americans of color to second-class citizenship” (“Segregated America”). The customs which defined society in this era are highly reflective of America’s past of being home to many slaves. Slave ownership had been practiced for generations, and the improper and unjust treatment of people of color became accepted. In fact, according to the History channel, “ ‘Jim Crow’ laws at the local and state levels barred them from classrooms and bathrooms, from theaters and train cars, from juries and legislatures” (“Civil Rights Movement). Jim Crow Laws created and enforced a culture of segregation, hiding behind the idea that the white and black communities had the ability to be separate but equal. This was proven to be impossible and it created a general culture of tension and mistrust amongst Americans. Although this culture has changed over time, the fight for equal rights is ongoing. The events from the past inspire Americans to fight for equality today.

Works Cited:

“Civil Rights Movement.” //History//. A&E Television Network, 2015. Web. 2 Feb. 2015.

“Segregated America.” //American History//. The Smithsonian Institution, n.d. Web. 2 Feb. 2015.

History

Even after the disbandment of slavery in the 1800s the United States has continued to be a pitiful example of segregation and racism. Although during reconstruction African Americans became congressmen and mayor in parts of the south, the racist south became infuriated with power they were taking so they released Jim Crow Laws to combat the rise of African American power. According to Smithsonian National Museum of American History, “ Denying black men the right to vote through legal maneuvering and violence was a first step in taking away their civil rights”(White Only). The introduction of these laws destroyed African Americans chance of becoming equal to white Americans. Segregation ingrained the idea that African American were not even human compared to White citizens. This connotation carried over well into the 1900s and is still current today. Prior to the 1960s the legal idea of separate but equal prevailed, however this is the farthest thing from how the country worked. Even 100 years after the end of slavery, “  African Americans in Southern states still inhabited a starkly unequal world of disenfranchisement, segregation and various forms of oppression, including race-inspired violence. “Jim Crow” laws at the local and state levels barred them from classrooms and bathrooms, from theaters and train cars, from juries and legislatures” (Civil Rights Movement). This discrimination not only scripted stereotypical, racist beliefs into the minds of Americans but also sparked the beginning of the civil rights movement.

“Civil Rights Movement.” History. A&E Television Network, 2015. Web. 2 Feb. 2015.

“Segregated America.” American History. The Smithsonian Institution, n.d. Web. 2 Feb.

2015