Introduction
The foundation of the American nation was built on inequality and exploitation. Therefore, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other underlying laws, such as the Equality Act, are fundamental to minimizing the oppression and injustice faced by marginalized groups. The act is essential in maintaining equality in a number of aspects of American citizens that were denied for centuries.
The Act protects minority groups, black Americans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other citizens from unjust discrimination in the workplace, housing, and other areas. In the current political climate that still allows for acts of violence and injustice against marginalized groups, whether it is through systemic inequalities or police brutality, the act is especially vital. As such, I find the Civil Rights Act and other related policies to be worth fighting for and sacrificing my life for in order to continue to increase equality.
Crito’s Argument on Just Laws
In Plato’s Crito, Socrates and wealthy citizen Crito discuss injustice and the law while Crito attempts to convince Socrates to escape from his imprisonment and execution. Within the work, Socrates argues that the law, or the nomos, is an institution that benefits the citizen so greatly that loyalty is essential. Essentially, he relays that all socio-political benefits can be connected to the larger governing bodies, and as such, it is reasonable to request unwavering obedience from citizens. Socrates also presents the law as divine truth, stating that the jury will find anyone who has the power to overturn the law, and it is simple to imagine them corrupting the impressionable and young (Plato, 1891). Therefore, Socrates’ choice to reject Crito’s help abides by his interpretation of the law as the ultimate justice and truth.
Personal Reflection on a Law Worth Sacrificing For
While such conduct and sentiment may have been prevalent in Ancient Greece, they are largely absent in modern society. An abundance of laws and institutional limitations are unjust and exploitative, and contribute to the disenfranchisement of marginalized and impoverished groups. However, some fundamental laws, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, are often the only legal barricades to the mistreatment of these groups (Plato, 1891).
The act provides legal protection for people who have been discriminated against in all areas prior to its implementation and spread. This includes the ability to remove racial segregation, unequal voter application requirements, employment, and other public accommodation discrimination (Plato, 1891). In later years, it would also provide opportunities for members of LGBTQ+ groups to benefit from the same protection. These laws have significantly improved the quality of life for people who faced unjust and inhumane treatment prior to these factors, such as race, sexual orientation, and religion.
Undoubtedly, the Civil Rights Act and related laws have been instrumental in combating various types of discrimination and ensuring that all individuals receive equal treatment. Before the Civil Rights Act, for instance, racial segregation was prevalent in many public facilities, such as schools, restaurants, and transportation. In these contexts, the act prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, fostering integration and equal access to public accommodations.
It is important to note that while a majority of restrictions were removed or reduced, other vital factors, such as freedom from police brutality and private employment discrimination, were not affected. The Civil Rights Act has roots in the 1948 Executive Order 9981, which allowed for desegregation in employment, the armed forces, and the federal government (Plato, 1891). Other significant actions included the ruling of school segregation unconstitutional in 1954 and the 1963 Kennedy civil rights bill (Plato, 1891). Therefore, it can be noticed that the act of civil rights had a huge impact on society at that time.
Background and Understanding of American Rights
Freedom of expression is a fundamental privilege that permits individuals to express their opinions, ideas, and beliefs without fear of persecution or censorship. This privilege is protected by numerous international laws and constitutions around the world, including the United States’ First Amendment. The ability to communicate freely enables meaningful dialogue, debate, and the exchange of ideas, which can contribute to individual and societal development in general.
Everyone has the right to personal freedom of speech, regardless of political or social beliefs. It is criticism that enables people to achieve more and to see opportunities for further growth. In many ways, this outlook has been shaped by environmental factors and recent events in a world where opposition is brutally suppressed and freedom of speech is very low, preventing people from achieving great success in various spheres of life. In my personal life, I have not had moments where people around me objected to what I say, but you can often see it around me. Other than that, there is no specific place where I learned this philosophy; most likely, it was a life experience that instilled such thoughts in me and created my worldview.
In a world without the Civil Rights Act and related laws, American society’s already hostile and divided landscape would be in peril. Minority groups would face harsh discrimination and violence in white-dominated areas and experience novel segregation. The law would continue to serve powerful groups more openly than at present. This would mean that individuals such as those in poverty, women, non-white people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other minorities would experience even greater injustice than at present.
Unfair treatment or conduct toward individuals or groups is referred to as injustice and frequently results from prejudice, discrimination, or systematic disparities. Injustices in the social, economic, political, and legal spheres are just a few examples of how it could appear. Injustice robs people of their fundamental human rights and dignity, which impedes their development and advancement in society.
Conclusion
Considering the crucial role that the Civil Rights Act and related laws have played in protecting the rights of marginalized groups in American society, we must ask: What kind of society do we wish to live in? A society where discrimination and inequality are prevalent, or where all individuals are valued and treated with respect and dignity? The solution resides in our collective actions and efforts to create a fair and just society for everyone.
Work Cited
Plato. Crito. DigiCat, 1891, Web.