Friday, March 18, 2011

Civil Rights Then and Now

In the days of Martin Luther King Junior and Rosa Parks the Civil Rights fight was a lot more obvious. In fact, many ordinary people went to extraordinary measures to fix the injustice of segregation and racism. After much effort, many of these great leaders brought about change. The Civil Rights Act was passed on April 11, 1968, by President Johnson who felt pressured for equal rights. Slowly, voting rights and “white” people rights were granted to all. Yet, does this mean segregation and hatred are done with? Is this discrimination and hatred extend to just blacks or is it spread throughout all races?

I’m Hispanic, and I lived in Miami with people of my similar race. Yet, everyone still divides themselves and racism exists at the lunch tables and during breaks. In classes the Hispanics sit together and the blacks with the blacks and the remaining minorities with each other. I don’t think it’s wrong to sit with those you relate to most, but what I do find unacceptable is the constant exchange of insults between races including “you little white girl” or the fact that students who recently moved to the United States are referred to as “refs” (short for refugees.)

I’ve read about young students that have made a difference. Some include 9 students that called themselves the “Little Rock Nine” who sued for the right to attend integrated schools. I wonder how I can make that difference in my school. It seems so hard to get everyone to change the way they think and act. I think I can start with myself and small group of friends. There may be few people who will want to join me in bringing civil rights and no discrimination to everyone, but one person can make a difference.