Jim Crow



Abstract

Jim Crow is a reference to the activity of discrimination and segregation against the black people, in South America, between the 19th century and the earlier period of the 20th century. This paper looks into the details linked with the term 'Jim Crow'; the term, the law, effect law (economic, social and educational) and its downfall.

Jim Crow

Introduction

The term 'Jim Crow' refers to the policy or practice of segregation and discrimination against the blacks - African Slaves, between the reconstruction period and the mid 20th century. It is also referred to as Jim Crow-ism. The name came from a song title (between 1920 and 1925) that Thomas Rice sang in a minstrel show.

The term officially came into being in 1904, though there are signs of usage even before that. The song 'Jump Jim Crow' is a theatrical production dating back to 1828 performed by the comedian Thomas Dartmouth Rice aka 'Daddy' Rice. The song was a hit in the 19th century and its fame positioned the term as a pejorative or derogatory reference to the African-Americans (around 1838) and as a consequence the laws of racial segregation are referred to as the Jim Crow Laws.

Discussion

Jim Crow Laws

Origins

The federal regulations, during the 'reconstruction' (1865-77), offered the protection of civil rights in the United States South for the 'Afro-Americans' (Freedmen) who were previously slaves. The African-Americans were barred from voting by the democrats utilizing various violent activities (during 1870s). With 'white' democrats regaining power, Jim Crow laws were initiated; these laws were a tool of discrimination and segregation against the African-American citizens.

The laws

The laws supposedly gave an 'equal but separate' status to the African-Americans; however, it was only a tool that led to mal-treatment of the African-Africans which was several times inferior to the treatment offered to the white skinned Americans in terms of educational, social and economic activities.

Effect on Education

Widespread segregation of facilities in schools was a direct consequence of the laws. The schools of the black Americans were poorer in physical elements with over-crowded and rundown buildings, scarce supplies, inadequate libraries and gyms. The teachers received lesser salaries, taught outdated set of courses and were under qualified than the teachers in white schools.

Social Effect

Several harsh social effects arose. An African-American was not allowed to offer his hand for a handshake to a White-American (it implies social equality). The African-Americans and White-Americans did not have permission to ...