Civil Rights in the United States Essay Example
Civil Rights in the United States Essay Example

Civil Rights in the United States Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (1009 words)
  • Published: May 22, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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Fifteen laws are included in the topic of civil rights in the US. "The New Civil Rights" author Kenji Yoshino stresses that law plays a crucial role in establishing new civil rights that align with our current beliefs. Nevertheless, it is evident that law alone cannot fully establish a new set of civil rights as multiple pieces are required to complete the puzzle.

The significant role of media in this issue cannot be ignored. Media selectively presents information to the public and limits our perspective. This narrow-minded approach to news only highlights what the media wants us to see. Furthermore, they tend to add irrelevant details, such as a person's race, to a situation that holds no importance. For instance, news crews may incorporate a person's race while reporting on a crime scene. To address this problem, educating the next generation ab

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out new sets of civil rights from a young age is crucial.

Teaching young children about civil rights can result in a lasting comprehension and respect for such rights. It is unwise to rely on legal systems alone to determine civil rights as this places excessive faith in governmental decisions. Yoshino (488) suggests that civil rights should be viewed as a tool for advancing the welfare of all people rather than solely certain groups. One must keep in mind that personal values may not always coincide with government viewpoints.

The government's inability to comprehend the larger perspective could lead to major setbacks in civil liberties. The ongoing discussion on creating new civil rights requires open dialogue where people share their opinions and debate various issues. It is emphasized that laws alone cannot guarantee the implementation of these

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new rights, but it is everyone's responsibility as citizens, not just a select few legal experts, to come up with a viable solution.

According to Yoshino (487), it is beneficial for non-lawyers to engage in logical discussions outside of the legal system. Teaching younger individuals about ethical behavior can have long-term benefits as they carry this knowledge with them throughout their lives and pass it down to future generations. It's important to keep in mind that enhancing society requires patience.

Repairing the mindset and mistakes from previous generations will require many generations. Additionally, the strength of civil rights will depend on the persuading skills of the individual. Civil rights encompass laws, movements, or acts established by the government. However, according to Yoshino, there are numerous groups who face covering demands that fall outside of conventional civil rights categories such as race, sex, (sexual) orientation, religion, and disability (486). Although laws exist, they are an incomplete solution to coerced assimilation.

Human rights, such as the right to life and those outlined in the US Constitution, are inherent and separate from civil rights - protections granted by government or society. While it is crucial to align civil rights with human rights, eliminating racial biases and promoting mutual respect can be challenging. Yoshino (483) notes that the Supreme Court typically favors claims related to individual freedoms over those regarding equality for specific groups.

Despite the importance of laws in ending old civil rights and beginning new ones, a singular influential figure, such as Martin Luther King Jr., is necessary to combat the negative impacts of inequality in America. Succinctly stating that "Racism is wrong" is not enough; it is imperative to take

action and promote the message of why racism is unacceptable for civil rights activism to progress.

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, covering refers to an item or element that conceals or safeguards something, primarily. However, Kenji Yoshino argues that it has a more profound meaning, particularly for the current discussion. He asserts that covering denotes "reducing an unpopular identity to blend in with the majority" (479). It is imperative for individuals to express their genuine personality openly in society.

There are individuals who feel the need to conceal their true identity in order to survive. A prime example are Middle-Eastern women who veil themselves completely to comply with local laws or avoid endangerment. Similarly, in a society that casts judgement, countless individuals from the LGBTQ community remain hidden in fear of public abuse. It is important for us to aid people in expressing their true selves and resist conforming to societal expectations that hinder individuality. However, we must also acknowledge that perpetuating the idea of covering can reinforce harmful stereotypes (Yoshino 485). We strive to support those who need it most.

It is not helpful to simply encourage gays or blacks to behave in a certain way in order to promote equality. The essential solution to promote change in civil rights and transform the world is to educate children. Parents must instill this critical knowledge into the minds of their children. Research has shown that children absorb the majority of their learning from their parents during their early years.

Children observe and absorb information, mimicking actions and attitudes like monkeys. When parents emphasize the negative aspects of the world, such as racism, sexism, and intolerance, children internalize and

carry these beliefs with them. Although repairing the world may take multiple generations, progress must start somewhere. The media also has a significant impact on children's lives.

News channels had little importance in the early years as children's shows, particularly cartoons, were the main focus. By incorporating civil rights themes into programs on Cartoon Network aimed at kids, it is possible to educate young minds effectively. The promotion of genuine authenticity in modern society requires the nurturing of an inclusive and accepting culture that does not discriminate based on factors like religion, sexual orientation, race or disability. This undertaking must commence with educating children about equality and civil rights as they have the potential to shape societal perspectives in the future.

By altering their perspectives, individuals can eliminate hostility towards marginalized groups and those who don't conform to societal standards. This shift in outlook will encourage people to express their true selves without fear of persecution. The necessary components for this change exist; it's our responsibility to determine which ones are relevant.

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