[SchoolofSoul]

Originally Posted by Terminal Server

Thank you. Anyone who says that (intergration was bad for blacks) was obviously not around prior to the Civil Rights movement era. It amazes me how post 1970 X-Gen Negroes always seem to eagerly rattle the sword of race bluster and regurgiate tired 1969 black nationalistic cliches. The overhaul quality of life, opportunities and social/political/economic advancement of blacks today, when compared to what it was prior to the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and a series of minority recruitment and affirmative action programs that followed, is not debatable.



The opportunities and doors that are open to blacks today, did not exist for blacks prior to the civil rights movement of 1960s when segregation and open discrimination (both legal and unwritten tradition) was dominant in America (although an effort to fight the dehumanizing weight of racial segregation began much earlier -read; "Defying Dixie:The Radical Roots of Civil Rights 1919-1950", by Glenda E. Gilmore). The limitations and restrictions placed on black life before the human and civil rights movement, cannot be realistically nor intelligently justified under a mindless argument that black Americans were "better off before integration" (e.g. as a result of the human and civil rights movement). Anyone attempting to make such an argument is clearly ignorant of the facts. Such a claim cannot be supported by history nor reality.



This is so true. As I said, this pro-segregation argument is made by those who did not exist during the 1940s, 50's or 60's. If they did, they would know very well what America is like now and what it was like then. They would know what blacks could not do then and what they can do now. They would also know the freedoms and liberties that exist today, under the post civil rights era ( the ones they never ever think about), did not exist for black people forty to fifty years ago. Think not? If you are under 40 years of age, just ask your grandparents! E'nuff said.....

You know, my pastor (who's 56 and definitely does remember Black life before the CRM) would agree with you on this, but at the same time, he's openly opined that something good was lost in the Black community, both socially and economically, post-integration. I have to say I agree with him.