Henry Louis Gates, Jr, an African American, describes his encounters with racial segregation while growing up in his hometown in his memoir, Colored People. In his book, Gates tell us of his struggle towards liberty in his divided community. Set during a civil conflict in the United States, Henry Louis Gates, Jr, provides his audience with his own battle within his own town of Piedmont, Virginia. Gates believes that even though cultural diversity has many advantages; that integration is the only way to truly be apart of the American society.
The strain of segregation had many negative effects on Gates and many other members of minority groups. Gates describes the condition in his hometown as separate, but certainty not equal. In his memoir, Gates remembers a restaurant that did not treat colored patrons the same as white patrons; “ It was as if there was a permanent take away only sign for colored peopl
. . .
He provides an interesting illustration of his mother’s side of the family, the Colmans, by stating, “ They feared that world where so much humiliation had lain in wait, ambushing them blindsided, unawareness. “ The growing diversity of the American population makes the quest for unifying ideals and a common culture all the more urgent. Segregation caused blacks to be intimated. In his book, Gates was disturbed to realize that even his family was plagued by intimidation. You were supposed to stand at the counter, get your food to go, and leave” (Gates 17). This statement shows how blacks chose to separate themselves regardless of any segregation laws. has similar views on segregation in the United States. must continue as an example of how a highly differentiated society holds itself together,” is a quote form Schlesinger’s writings that shows how he believes that unity !
among all races is the only way to keep the American society together (Schlesinger 130-131). One can assume from his tone that Gates did not agree with this type of segregation. However, Gates feels that this may have caused the lack of opportunity for Africans in Piedmont.
Approximate Word count =
622
Approximate Pages =
2 (250 words per page double spaced)
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