Racism is the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race and distinguishing them as inferior or superior. Looking back at the history of America, one would notice racism along with discrimination and unfair treatment between African-Americans and whites. This imbalance caused a major movement that would eventually give way to the integrated nation we live in today. Through violent and nonviolent protest, determined leaders, and Supreme Court cases, equality and justice has been established for minorities that were once considered inferior. The Civil Rights Movement was an important factor in the shaping of America; it brought equality and justice to the minorities of America, most notably
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They were forced to work long, hard hours throughout the day with little to no benefits. “Blacks were punished by being beaten, whipped, or hung if they tried to escape or disobeyed their owners” (Boyd456). Even after the Emancipation Proclamation, blacks were segregated and treated as if they were only good enough for manual labor and service. Once slaves were declared free and gained their independence from their owners, segregation went into full effect. In the case of Plessy v. Ferguson, Jim Crow Laws were established that separated blacks and whites but in equal facilities; It further enforced the fact that African-Americans were a minority and were unequal to whites (Arnesen134). This was implemented, but black facilities were dirty and much worse than the clean white facilities. Everything was segregated such as schools, theaters, swimming pools, and even toilets. Another major cause for the Civil Rights Movement were actions of the Klu Klux Klan; they were very violent and killed many African-Americans in cruel, brutal ways. African-Americans were tired and decided that it was time to fight back against discrimination and gain …show more content…
There were numerous influential people, cases, and protest to help gain equality. Without these contributing factors, African-Americans would not be allowed to live the way that they do today. While the Civil Rights Movements helped to eliminate racial discrimination legally, it still exists today. There are still many people standing up and fighting to abolish discrimination in America. The protest have become mass and reach international levels. The Civil Rights Movement has not ended and is still effective
They were forced to work long, hard hours throughout the day with little to no benefits. “Blacks were punished by being beaten, whipped, or hung if they tried to escape or disobeyed their owners” (Boyd456). Even after the Emancipation Proclamation, blacks were segregated and treated as if they were only good enough for manual labor and service. Once slaves were declared free and gained their independence from their owners, segregation went into full effect. In the case of Plessy v. Ferguson, Jim Crow Laws were established that separated blacks and whites but in equal facilities; It further enforced the fact that African-Americans were a minority and were unequal to whites (Arnesen134). This was implemented, but black facilities were dirty and much worse than the clean white facilities. Everything was segregated such as schools, theaters, swimming pools, and even toilets. Another major cause for the Civil Rights Movement were actions of the Klu Klux Klan; they were very violent and killed many African-Americans in cruel, brutal ways. African-Americans were tired and decided that it was time to fight back against discrimination and gain …show more content…
There were numerous influential people, cases, and protest to help gain equality. Without these contributing factors, African-Americans would not be allowed to live the way that they do today. While the Civil Rights Movements helped to eliminate racial discrimination legally, it still exists today. There are still many people standing up and fighting to abolish discrimination in America. The protest have become mass and reach international levels. The Civil Rights Movement has not ended and is still effective