Segregation's Lingering Legacy - Essay Example

Segregation’s Lingering Legacy Some of the consequences of al racism are that children are not able to interact with other children of a different race or culture. This can lead to unintended bigotry, as since children are easily influenced, their friends, family or television may inhibit their development of logical, rational opinions of other races. It is clearly noted that children segregate themselves based on their race, as it may be more mentally comforting to the child to not be around others that are seen as ‘different’.

This ‘difference’ is damaging to every child’s psyche, because they need to associate with other people of other ethnic or racial groups. It is highly beneficial for children to learn what makes them different aside from the color of skin. Whether African-American, Asian, Native American and so on, each race and ethnicity has so much to offer and share with their communities that people of other races simply cannot understand without being taught. Institutional racism is ultimately causing widespread neglect of cultural differences that are important to learn.

I think our educational system still has a large amount of segregation because they allow it to happen. Teachers, principals and parents are all too afraid of hurting someone’s feelings or being touted as a bigot if they open their mouth and say something. Our country is so absorbed with “what will they think of me?” that society is ceasing to function. The fear of a legal claim of racism, the NAACP, the ACLU or another organization’s intervention is likely a great fear for many, so they have no desire to change the segregation.

Blacks are no better than whites, Asians, or any other race and vice versa. Our children need to be taught by their elders both in the home and in school the differences in race, culture and communities so that they can grow, learn and be steadier, well-rounded adults. Whether anyone is willing to say it or not, racism still abounds in this country. Parents, teachers and other members of every community need to stand up, speak out and stop this segregation. The only thing that is coming from it is our teaching our children that segregation, bigotry and judgment are acceptable behaviors.

Works Cited Sternheimer, Karen. “Segregation’s Lingering Legacy.” typepad.com W.W. Norton. Web. 13 May, 2011.