So no, laws controlling the interaction of individuals based solely upon skin color did not arise out of a vacuum, but neither does it follow that these laws were in accordance with the majority, or can be pointed to as evidence that racisism abounds. If a practice is popular and common it is far less likely that a law will be passed enforcing that practice, only when the practice is uncommon and unpopular is force employed. Laws do not suddenly materialize out of nowhere Brian. In the case of segregation government worked against the interests of the business owners as well as consumers, regardless of skin color. The fact that a business owner did not have the financial or political power to face down military might controlled by the government hardly gives justification for blaming him for the actions of those controlling that military and political might.
Most people disagree with most laws ijn some fashion.
Time and again in surveys across this nation we find that people would willingly give up the freedom of speech, that being the freedom of speech of others that they do not like of course. We are very quick to restrict the freedom of others and others of our own, which is why legislators have such an easy time taking more of our freedom on a daily basis. Same as we have today. The only difference is in who holds the strings of power. If a practice is popular and common it is far less likely that a law will be passed enforcing that practice, only when the practice is uncommon and unpopular is force employed.