Thread: Is Racial Segregation really a human rights Violation?

Is racial segregation completely incompatible with human rights? Is it possible there may be forms of racial segragation that are fair, or even desirable to the majority of people within both races?

Consider that there can be different extents of racial segregation, ranging from completely voluntary on both sides, to forced separation of different ethnicities into different nations. Indeed, on several occassions both the USA and UN have actively supported national separatism along ethnic lines (Serbia, South Sudan, Ossetia).

One form of racial segregation, for example, might simply be to offer racially segregated class rooms to students, so that a student could choose either a racially-mixed class, or a class of only his own ethnicity. The degrees of voluntary choice could be variable; for example a student of a certain ethnicity might or might not be allowed into the class designated specifically for a different ethnicity. Or private employers could simply be allowed to choose who they hire, using race as a factor if they so choose.

The United Nations has supported the 'International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights'. Is it overreaching its original intentions?

There are, of course, several valid reasons people would want to be racially segregated. People generally prefer to be amongst those of their same ethnicity. And there can often be cultural frictions. Asian people often prefer to live under a stricter and more regulated society than hispanic people for example. Different ethnic groups comitt crimes at significantly different rates, which can lead to resentment from other ethnicities. Some ethnicities may simply just wish to preserve their cultural integrity and reduce the possibility of future assimilation.

While racial/ethnic segregation has historically often been used as a tool of oppression, I am just saying that the concept itself is not necessarily unfair.

Yeah and as soon as a Black business owner would tell you to (*)(*)(*)(*) of because you are white the (*)(*)(*)(*)storm begins.... I

Racial Segregation is bad, as in really bad, difference in Humans are mostly caused by culture, Environment and upbringing. Racial difference on a genetic level are nearly non existent.

Ghandi supported racial segregation. He did not want his fellow Indians to have to be around the native blacks.
Say something mean about Ghandi

Completely voluntary segregation may not violate human rights would probably contribute to racism and xenophobia though

I believe what is being described here is called "de facto segregation," or segregation that simply occurs as a matter of fact. This sort of segregation, which occurs naturally, is in no way a violation of a human right. It is only natural for members of a minority group to stick with one another, as they share something in common that nobody else can understand. Sure, some forms of segregation are perfectly fine, like all black schools or even small things like Korean churches. It's simple, harmless, and allows minorities to connect and learn about their culture.

Of course, segregation that hinders a minorities way of life completely violates their human rights. This sort of segregation acts like a punishment to minorities. I don't think I need to go into too much detail over this, as I think it is pretty much agreed upon that harmful racial segregation is a bad thing.

So yes, overall I guess there is good and bad segregation. It would all have to depend upon the context of the situation.

There was a wonderful Doonesbury cartoon yeats ago. The President of Walden U. if facing a group of black students.

I'm paraphrasing:
"In 1960 if I insisted all blacks live in one dormitory, I'd be a racist."
Chorus: "Right."
"And now, if I don't insist all blacks live in one dormitory, I'm a racists."
Chorus: "Right."

Once you realize that absolutely nothing you do will be right, whether it's AGW, racism, or just with your wife, you have a tendency to shrug and go on with your life, ignoring the nitwits.

The old notion of race is no longer valid. Genetics has proven that.

Ethnicity is something else and yes, segregation based on ethnicity is a human rights violation.

Funny, but I've always be amused by white power pinheads who but by an accident of birth to which they had nothing to do with, feel themselves to be superior to others of a different culture or skin colour.

This superior delusion is not based on merit or accomplishment. Its not earned nor purchased. I think it really must be based on deep feelings of inadequacy or inferiority - that or too much inbreeding.

We are all homo sapiens sapiens, regardless of colour, nationality or ethnicity.

Originally Posted by Jonsa

The old notion of race is no longer valid. Genetics has proven that.

Ethnicity is something else and yes, segregation based on ethnicity is a human rights violation.

Funny, but I've always be amused by white power pinheads who but by an accident of birth to which they had nothing to do with, feel themselves to be superior to others of a different culture or skin colour.

This superior delusion is not based on merit or accomplishment. Its not earned nor purchased. I think it really must be based on deep feelings of inadequacy or inferiority - that or too much inbreeding.

We are all homo sapiens sapiens, regardless of colour, nationality or ethnicity.

Sorry, Jonsa, but I've been disheartened, rather than amused, by the liberals who are desperate to keep racism alive, desperate to spearate Americans in to niches that can be manipulated.

I remember when it was the racists on the right who insisted that one drop of black blood made you black. Now, that's the racists on the left. It used to be the racist on the right who said that race was all that mattered. Now, it's the racists on the left. Curiously, the old racists on the right were Democrats and so are the new racists on the left. Maybe Demcorats have always been the party of division and racism, just switching sides when it was expedient.

Its not and should be encouraged for the good of every part involved.

how is it for my good?