An
issue no amount of Civil Rights can change
It would be incorrect to suggest the Civil Rights
movement of the 1950’s and 60’s failed to change the lives of African
Americans. On the contrary, the courage of activists gained black citizens
legal rights and an equal place in American society. This legacy inspires
movements globally to this day. Nevertheless, its core aims of achieving total
equality is far from a reality. It could even be said that discrimination is
part of human nature and will always exist. This is something the Civil Rights
movement will never be able to change.
On May 17th 1954 it was ruled indefinitely
that segregated schools were unconstitutional. What followed was a decade of
unprecedented achievement in legislative rights for African Americans. Two
civil rights acts were passed in 1957 and 1964 respectively. The latter of
which eradicated segregation in public places and in employment. The 24th
Amendment of the same year outlawed taxing on voting for African Americans[1]. These are all major legal
successes for black citizens. In 1963 230,000 protestors took to the streets to
show solidarity. Sympathy to the notion of racial equality was growing. Clearly
the movement had started the road to change. But just how much could it change?
It is necessary to highlight the limitations that
belong to these changes. It could be argued African Americans legal equality
was theoretical. It would be naive to believe that Black Americans were
instantly treated with the equality and respect legislation promised. Despite
desegregation in schools being national law, Arkansas State attempted to block
nine students entering. Resistance to their entry became so large that hundreds
of national guards escorted the students in. Similarly, in 1963 four black
children were killed in the Birmingham Church bombing. 1964 saw violent riots
in Harlem, Chicago, Rochester and Philadelphia. A year Later 34 were killed
after an eruption in Wyatt. The two central leaders of the movement were
assassinated. Malcolm X in 65’ and Dr King three years later[2]. Instances of progression
were countered by these examples of people’s refusal to accept races as equal.
Progression has been
made due to civil rights activism. African Americans are no longer subjected to
living segregated. Due to the United States constitution every man has equal
rights. However, simply because the law states total equality, does not make it
the reality. To this day statistics show that on average Black citizens will
have a poorer quality of life compared to white. 32.8% of Black American children
are living in poverty according to the University of Michigan[3]. Despite legally having
the same opportunity, in regards to economic and education African Americans
simply do not. Although not accepted in society, discrimination is still prevalent.
Looking at recent events exemplifies this. The media is constantly filled with
reports of unlawful police brutality towards black males. Disturbances in
Baltimore, Chicago, and San Diego are eerily reminiscent of the 60’s. Statistics
potentially support the genuine belief that there is institutionalised
discrimination within certain sectors of the establishment such as the police
force. Police killings of African Americans outnumber those of white by some
distance. The reality is that racial violence is still instigated by
communities within the United States. Despite the best efforts of any civil
rights movement races have continued to clash rather than live in complete
harmony. This was the ultimate goal set out by the movement. It would not be
too far to suggest that instead discrimination of colour and creed is rooted
within the psyche of some humans. No amount of victories on paper will be able
to eradicate this issue unanimously
No comments:
Post a Comment