A new plan:

I have thought long and hard on how segregation could be ended. How do you have both sides win? Is it even possible? Can I even see all the sides right now or am I still oblivious? Even with the questions and doubts running through my head I came up with an idea on ending segregation.

Building from the realization both sides are arguing for the same thing- to look out for everybody’s best interest- we could, over a series of years, investigate which forms of segregation are beneficial to people and which forms are not. For example, after studying two groups of people- one with gender equality and one with gender segregation- we would be able to see which forms of gender segregation are beneficial to people and which ones are not. They would be observed to see if wearing the same clothes or different clothes are better, whether having one restroom for both genders or two are better, whether or not class rooms with all one gender learn better than with ones mixed and so on. If we did this with all types of segregation we would be able to see where segregation would be beneficial and where it wouldn’t. By having both sides represented with their core idea expressed as the fulcrum of the investigation the results of these experiments would move towards ending segregation because both sides would see the truth leading from their defining belief.

Failing?

Many forms of segregation are illegal in the United States. Yet, many people passively aggressively cheat the system in an attempt to follow what they believe is right. Making segregation illegal didn’t stop the issue because it created a dichotomy, the winners (those against segregation) and the losers (those for segregation). Unlike other heated topics the "losers" fight back silently where as the "winners" who feel threatened voice their opinions on the matter. Until both sides are able come to a winning situation their will not be peace in the issue of segregation.

PEACE?

All of the previous acknowledgements of the differing sides proved to help us gain a negative peace (one in which neither side is ready to physically harm the other). Now, both sides look at the other with the knowledge that their core idea behind their viewpoint is the same as their own. Consequently, both sides think the other is simply dumb and didn’t come to the right conclusion from their core idea. Yet, this is not a peaceful ground on which to stop at because neither side is satisfied with the other. There is always a person who wins the argument at the end of each day, yet they fight again come morning.

Arguing for the same thing?

Both sides of segregation aim to look out for everyone’s best interest.

Exceptions to the Rule

When looking at either side I realized their would be times when both sides would contradict what they believed. Segregation is not a black and white matter, it is very complex with hidden innuendos.

Against segregation:

Someone, who is against segregation, could be for segregation in the case that a person is destructive and hurtful to those around them despite society’s openness and multiple actions towards understanding and accepting who they are. Their reasoning behind their changing viewpoint could be, in order to protect the rest of society and the continuation of desegregation for everyone else.

For Segregation:

A person could have a changed view point on segregation- at least in one case -if a person supporting segregation was put into a situation where a family member or loved one suddenly joined the ranks of those whom they wished to segregate. Especially if to keep their ideal they would have to subjugate, harm, or kill their loved one who became different.

Backbone behind the two main sides:

· Those against segregation are advocates for equality through dispersal of all, for they believe it is the best way for society to flourish.

· Those for segregation are advocates for equality through separating people into the most effective groups, for they think this is the best way for the society to flourish.

Options as vast as the Horizon

Continuing to look and think on the topic of segregation, I realized I left out an important part of the equation. I looked at my own bias but I didn’t look at what other people would bring to the table. How do people view segregation? Do we all come at the issue with the same background knowledge?

There are three main different venues from which a person can attack this situation (at least that was all I could think of their could be more)

Against Segregation

No opinion on the matter

For Segregation

I then asked myself is everyone who is in each particular venue in it for the same reasons? Or are their multiple reasons behind the view point?

In order to start looking at the various types of ways a person could look at segregation I broke up the categories and started to brain storm on what would lead a person to each view point. Please note this is not an exhausted list – there are many other ways in which either I am too biased to think of or I am still digesting the thought in my mind. So please feel free to point out ideas I missed!

To start off lets look at just one of the Venues:

Against Segregation:

Christian Values: This group is against segregation because they believe it would be going against their religion to judge others. Yet, under this category there could be differences between the denominations, each individual church, who makes up the church, and how a person interprets the bible.

Personal Experience: They have experienced segregation in a way which allowed them to see why it is not desirable in their life. In this category there could be different extremes of people. Including, those against all forms of segregation, those against the ones that hurt them or their family members, and those who only concern themselves only with the most pressing forms of segregation.

Observation: This group of people of is against segregation because they enjoy watching others and have come to the conclusion they are against segregation. Once again, this could mean a million different things – they could be against one type and not another, they could have a different definition of segregation than others, or they could be against segregation but view it as an unavoidable entity. To make this category even harder they could be observers who observed and decided to have either no opinion on the matter or decide to be for segregation.

Personality – This group is made of people who have a heart towards compassion. They always want what is best for others and if they deem segregation is bad then they would be against segregation. Yet, they could be against some types of segregation and for others – because they might think in some ways segregation allows certain people more opportunities (it would be best

A Revelation

As a next step towards understanding the vast spectrum of segregation I researched articles on the topic. I found interesting articles which touched on areas of segregation my mind didn’t even think about as being classified as segregation. Which leads me to some disturbing questions – How much of segregation do I not understand? What parts am I missing by being oblivious to their existence? How much does segregation affect everyone’s lives?

While reading the articles I realized I hadn’t thought about segregation of the sexes (which is interesting since I am a girl…), segregation of residential neighborhoods, segregation of the elderly, segregation of jobs in big cities, or even segregation between smoking and overall prosperity.

I also haven’t looked at segregation within segregation….like is there segregation between women who are attractive looking and those who are not, segregation between those who are overweight and those who are not, or even segregation between those with cognitive disabilities and physical disabilities?

The last bit of insight I gained from the articles is this question…Have we made progress in problems of segregation or have we made laws which are loosely followed? And if we just made laws why did we not follow them?

What amazed me by doing this research was- How much I didn’t consider- even when I was trying to see every possibility behind the situation. I think there is still more areas of segregation I haven’t seen and it scares me to think- even when I am purposefully looking for all the nooks and cranny’s I miss so many. I am wearing a blindfold of bias that I only folded down a little to gain insight. How do I get the whole blind fold off – to see the entirety of the situation?

As I delve into the depths of what segregation means- I have found some additional biases on my part that are second nature to the point of almost passing them by as truth instead of bias.

My most presumptuous bias had to be pointed out to me be my peers. I believe in my heart that segregation is still a major issue in today’s society. Some would say that it is not an issue- we all have the choice to do whatever we want- but I disagree. When was the last time you saw a teacher look at the worst student in her class and say, he is going to be very successful in life? How about the last time you saw a person’s initial reaction to having a disabled person be one of joy? Or the last time you heard someone look Hispanic and speak Spanish without thinking subconsciously “Are they illegal immigrants?” And the kicker- when was the last time you saw a group of males in dark hoods in a back alley and think they must be playing a nice game of twister. These automatic reactions to people put them in categories….they are (fill in the blank) which is the first level of segregation. Segregation to me means any form of putting a group of people aside from the rest of society…they are different in this area….we have confident ideas about these people in this area.

I have been a powerless observer of segregation for sixteen years- I have watched the “experts” pompously inform us of the best action, tell us what can and can’t be done, and try to push us out of the way when we become annoying to their comfortable life style in which they are the masters. To say segregation isn’t an issue in today’s society seems unfathomable. We can pretend the issue is resolved, after all that is the easiest thing to do, – but anyone who has dealt with the monster of segregation knows the issue is far from being over.

A Surprising Idea

What makes someone aware of segregation? When do we first know and understand the word? Is it from birth or do we learn it along the way somewhere? Since segregation has been and is still an issue today, maybe the first step is to figure out where it came from. Yet, when I delve deeper into the meaning of segregation trying to put my initial views aside, the more confused I become about everything. Anything could be called segregation…having different bathrooms for men and women is segregation, men not being able to wear glittery fingernail polish or watch chick flicks without a girl around is gender segregation, and better wages going to people with a higher education is segregation seemingly of those who are educated and uneducated. Our world is literally defined by many types of segregation yet, the above mentioned are not looked at as bad types of segregation by society. They are rarely even classified as segregation. What does the word segregation mean? Where is the line to draw between the above mentioned segregation and the more pressing types of segregation- for example, ethnic segregation? What bothers me the most about my thought process is this question…

Is it the seemingly inconsequential types of segregation the link which leads toward the perpetuation of the prominent types? A.K.A ethnic segregation, age segregation, disability segregation…

(p.s. I realize that this thought process is biased towards the point that segregation is still an issue today, we will look at the idea of their not being segregation in the next blog. Thank you for pointing out to me my bias, when you saw it! ^_^.…)

Some thoughts before we get into the meat of Things

Understanding a situation can take a person’s whole life- it is neither knowing the facts or ignorantly pushing ahead with an idea another imbedded – it is being able to seek with an open mind, experience the effects of the situation, and then calling on a higher being to help you ascertain the conclusion which is different from what you first imagined when blissfully ignorant. The topic of segregation is one that has been debated interminably and yet with no foreseeable future to a solution. My goal is to work towards a solution not a temporary fix – however this is no small task, with this in mind I encourage your help in my endeavor by pointing out my biases and giving me constructive ideas and criticism.

What I first want to do is after reading up on some aspects of segregation I would like to do two things:

1) revise a couple of my posits

2) Work on setting the scene in where segregation can take place

· Posits:

What if any is the causal link between the history of segregation in the United States and the continuing problems with segregation today?

What if any is the causal link between the resources a person has access to and the seemingly natural selection towards segregation- either money induced or ability induced?

Side note: Posits are written for the writer to figure out what their biases are and where they think there paper will go (they may be disproven). If you would like it might be a good idea for you to write your own posits on segregation…you can even send them to me and of course you can comment on my own.

· Rough Draft of Setting of the Scene(first sentence):

In a world where standard procedure reigns supreme in the raising of children boundaries become second nature.

Other Interesting Blog Sites From My Peers

Up on Cloud Nine http://cloudninebjeezy.blogspot.com/

This blog looks into illegal immigration in the United States

B. Cheveron http://bchevon.blogspot.com/

This blog talks about young African American males and there statistical tendency to be incarcerated.

http://tarheelbookworm.blogspot.com/

This blog talks about the controversial issue of the right for women to have an abortion.

Listed are Various Websites that have articles on different types of segregation. Almost all of them have bias but the first step of eliminating bias in an argument is to recognize it, which means a person needs to know what it is. I chose sites that were interesting to me and sites that were informative. We need to gather knowledge of all the different opinions and bias before we can move to the next step.

Race and Segregation

http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=481912991&Fmt=3&clientId=15094&RQT=309&VName=PQD

This report talks about how segregation is accounted for by income. Segregation is caused by many factors and it is important to know the different angles which lead to continued segregation.

http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1161398101&Fmt=3&clientId=15094&RQT=309&VName=PQD

This researched based article shows how segregation is still alive in the Deep South; it talks about the history of segregation, segregation in the school system, housing, and one aspect which is sometimes over looked Church. This article has a spattering of many different issues related to racial segregation today in big cities- showing that segregation is still an issue.

http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=610952891&Fmt=3&clientId=15094&RQT=309&VName=PQD

As higher education is becoming more of a need in our society for high paying jobs- the issue of good basic education is escalating. This article talks about the access minorities have to good basic education and how it relates to the continued success of white people getting higher educations.

http://ccl.northwestern.edu/netlogo/models/Segregation

This web page is very interesting…it will seem a little off topic but when I went to it I felt as if they were looking at segregation in a lens away from the initial bias of people. If your curious, go look at the site…maybe even play a game or two!

http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=79920529&Fmt=3&clientId=15094&RQT=309&VName=PQD

This article gives a different view to segregation and why it is harmful to everyone. It also makes an interesting accusation, one which was not proven in the passage but would be worth looking into for how accurate the accusation is.

http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1316475511&Fmt=3&clientId=15094&RQT=309&VName=PQD

This article gives information about the recent Supreme Court decision against voluntary desegregation of schools. This knowledge shocked me and I thought it would be a good page for others to read as well, please note however that it does not give the reasons behind the Courts decision and therefore it could be a very biased article not based on truth.

http://www.remembersegregation.org/

This site while meant to be moving, assumes that everyone is on their side…the side of not wanting segregation. It only shows the positive movement towards desegregation…not the things of which we still need to work on in an attempt to persuade people of the right of desegregation and yet they assumed from the beginning that everyone was on their side. This site is a great place for people who are for desegregation to go to and reaffirm the need for it…however, it is also a sight that will not bring people from the other side over, and it will also is a sight for people to be an easy yes man with no real motivation for desegregation.

People with Disabilities and Segregation

http://raymondsroom.blogspot.com/

I’m actually going to recommend you to go to another blog! What I like about this site is that it brings up topics that are easily pushed under the rug by most of society. I would encourage you to look with an open mind and go to other sites on his blog… Dale DiLeo just wrote a book on segregation and disabilities called Raymonds Room

http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/peoplefirstlanguage.htm

The beginning of this website gives some interesting perspectives about the group of people with disabilities – it also points out that it is the United States largest minority group. Kathie Snow also points out the powerfulness behind words and labeling- which we can use in all context’s.

http://www.understandingindividualneeds.com/page.php?identity=attitudes

This is website tries to show what is wrong with segregation by showing the past and what insinuations people make because of the past and a positive present. Notice that it would be easy to give an example against some of the things the article says, especially the statistics.

http://www.pww.org/article/articleview/11751/1/391/

This website shows just a glimpse into the nursing home problem and doesn’t explain adequately all that is going on in this aspect however it shows you that there are multiple issues when it comes to segregation.

http://www.wvddc.org/piphistory.html

*** Partners in Policymaking trains individuals on new approaches to end segregation for people with disabilities. I would highly recommend that you read this site and look around in it to understand what people with disabilities are aiming for. This website introduces you to terms used to advocate for the disabled, it has a time line which allows you to see where the segregation of disability was and where it is headed to (hopefully).

Initial Outlook

Even though my goal is to look at this subject in a non- biased way I think the first step towards this is to tell ya’ll a little bit about my back ground…my bias. By doing this I wish to get it all out of my system so that we can get it out of the way when we are seriously looking in to the topic. But please realize that I am just human and sometimes sincere efforts to avoid bias will fall short.

My Bias/ Background
I am a female college student living in the south; I am white and was born to a middle class family. Since my sister was born with a disability (two years after me) I began to see how much society values segregation. They want everyone to fit into nice and neat categories. During my school years my mom worked in a social work job were she saw the poorest of the poor and how differently they were treated. I as a young girl soaked up the stories she brought home and I came to understand my mom’s love toward some of the most amazing people she knew even though society shunned them. Segregation has no positive meaning to me; however until recently I was sheltered from the extent to which our society strives on segregation. There is almost no one who escapes experiencing the effects of it in some way. Last year my family moved and my sister and I were put into racially diverse schools which allowed us to see the differences between our racial group and others. I had unwittingly lived for seventeen years in a small town thinking that the majority of people in America were white or Hispanic ( and that those two ethnicities liked each other)…there were very few people in my previous high school that were African American, Chinese, Vietnamese or any other ethnicity other than the previous two mentioned. What a strange world I grew up in! Seeing the interactions between the teachers and peers of different races I realized two things: people often treated each other differently depending on their color and white people sometimes had an annoying air and attitude that they were better than any other race. This idea they had, this attitude annoyed me to no end. Then this summer I worked in a job where I was in the minority in two ways: the majority of people were a different color than I and the majority of them were men. However I loved it, I loved who I worked with, the atmosphere, and the nature of the job. If anything else my working experience further extended my belief that segregation has no place in society…and it in fact restricts our ability to be the most effective unit as possible. I hope this helps you understand where I am coming from and as an end note I would like to say I know I can not understand the full extent of what people experience in certain categories of segregation for I have not lived it, but then again no one has seen every side of segregation.

Posits that we may look over in the next few weeks dealing with Segregation:

What if any, is the causal relationship between a person’s ethnicity and society’s sentiments toward the individual.

What if any, is the causal relationship of a person's disability or lack of one and society’s sentiments toward the individual.

What if any, is the causal relationship between a person’s gender and society’s sentiments toward the individual.

What if any, is the causal relationship between a person’s class and society’s sentiments toward the individual.

Blog Topic

The main topic for this blog over the next few weeks is segregation- we shall look at the subject without bias with the hope of figuring out a few things about the world and about ourselves.