Failures Of Integration

A provocative look at how segregation by race and class is ruining American democracy. Only a small minority of the affluent are truly living the American Dream, complete with attractive, job-rich suburbs, reasonably low taxes, good schools and little violent crime. For the remaining majority of Americans, segregation comes with stratospheric costs. In a society that sets up "winner" and "loser" communities, middle-income whites also struggle to afford homes in good neighbourhoods with acceptable schools. What's worse is that Americans have come to accept their segregated society. Most whites have bought into the psychology of the bulwark: the idea that separating themselves from different races and classes is the only sure route to better opportunity. African-Americans on the other hand have become integration weary. Many escape to affluent all-black enclaves in hopes of thriving among their own, even as they attempt to insulate themselves from their less advantaged brothers and sisters. Sheryll Cashin shows why this separation is not working for most Americans. In a rapidly diversifying America, Cashin argues a radical transformation is needed - a jettisoning of the now ingrained assumption that separation is acceptable - in order to solve the riddle of inequality. America's public policy choices must be premised on an integrationist vision if Americans are to achieve their highest aspiration and pursue the dream that America says it embraces: full and equal opportunity for all.