Discrimination

Definition

Discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or other attributes. This term is crucial in understanding the systemic inequalities faced by marginalized groups, especially during the Civil Rights Movement, where activism sought to combat social injustices and promote equality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Discrimination against African Americans was institutionalized through laws like Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation in the South.
2. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s brought national attention to discrimination and led to significant changes in legislation aimed at achieving racial equality.
3. Key events such as the March on Washington and the Selma to Montgomery marches highlighted the ongoing struggle against discrimination and mobilized public support for civil rights.
4. Discrimination extends beyond race to include gender, sexual orientation, and disability, affecting various groups in different ways throughout history.
5. The legacy of discrimination continues to impact contemporary society, influencing debates around social justice and equality in the United States.

Review Questions

• How did discrimination manifest itself in the African American Civil Rights Movement, and what were some of the major strategies used to combat it?
  • Discrimination during the African American Civil Rights Movement was evident through practices like segregation and voter suppression. Activists employed strategies such as nonviolent protests, legal challenges, and grassroots organizing to combat these injustices. Events like sit-ins and freedom rides aimed to disrupt discriminatory practices and raise awareness about the need for equal rights.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in addressing discrimination and its impact on American society.
  • The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a significant legislative achievement that aimed to eliminate discrimination in various domains, including employment and public accommodations. Its effectiveness can be seen in the subsequent increase in African American participation in political processes and desegregation of public spaces. However, despite its passage, discrimination persisted through more covert means, necessitating ongoing efforts for civil rights and social justice.
• Assess how patterns of discrimination have changed from the 1960s to today and their implications for social movements.
  • Patterns of discrimination have evolved since the 1960s; while legal barriers have been dismantled, systemic inequalities remain prevalent. Issues such as income inequality, police brutality, and access to education continue to affect marginalized communities. These ongoing challenges have inspired contemporary social movements like Black Lives Matter and Me Too, reflecting a broader understanding of discrimination that includes intersectionality and seeks comprehensive societal change.

Related terms

Segregation:

The enforced separation of different racial groups in a country, community, or establishment.

Civil Rights Act of 1964:

A landmark piece of federal legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Affirmative Action: Policies that take factors including race, color, religion, sex, or national origin into consideration in order to benefit an underrepresented group in areas such as education and employment.