Talking Point #7

"One More River to Cross" Charles Lawrence

Premise:

-labeling
-De facto vs. de jure segregation
-schooling
-society
-Brown vs. Board of Education
-recognition
-race
-segregation
-equality
-ignorance

Argument:
Lawrence argues that the Supreme Court’s reasoning in striking down an interdistrict desegregation order in Detroit was flawed in that it misunderstood the true nature of the institution of segregation. No one realized what is really happening with racism in the United States.

Evidence:
1. “Segregation’s only purpose is to label or define blacks as inferior and thus exclude them from full and equal participation in society.”

2."If one views the Brown case narrowly, as a case intended to desegregate the nation's schools, history has proven it a clear failure" (281)
-proving that he thinks Brown was a failure.

3."Once the state has effectively institutionalized racial segregation as a labeling device, only minimal maintenance is required". (286)


Comments:
It was not easy or enjoyable for me to read this piece by Charles Lawrence but I believe that he brings up things that no one wants to believe happens in society today. Many people think that segregation is a thing of the past. Although it may not be as extreme as it was many years ago, it still occurs. Until people realize and recognize what is occurring wtih segregation in society, nothing can be done to fix it.