Evening star., 1946-12-24
More on SEGREGATION Issue

More on SEGREGATION Issue
To the Editor Of The Star:
In recent column appeared a COM
munication from Margaret H. Worrell,
stating: 1T appears all right thinking
Negroes favor segregation" The writer
takes issue with her upon the following
grounds:
First, that segregation could be de-
sirable at all.> A people, a democracy.
a nation, or any group is more than
the sum of its constituents-it is the
relation of the parts each with the other
as well as to the entity. Segregation,
on any basis, disturbs the interrelated-
ness of the whole and makes it only as
strong as its weakest part. Thus segre-
cation creates weakness and vulner-
ability in our American group life.
Second, that segregation in any form
could be the result Of right thinking.
1t creates lack Of understanding, sus-
picion, mistrust and finally hatred. In
our American leadership. among so
many different peoples and nations.
experience has shown that dictatorship
and horrible war destruction results
from separation, segregation and lack
Of understanding between human beings
Third, the matter Of segregation is
not personal as so many people, in
feeding their ego and prejudices, seem
to feel. The right to enjoy life. liberty
and the pursuit Of happiness is histori-
cally basic for all people in our de-
mocracy. This right is not privilege
to be withheld from people at will. To
has paid the same for his seat as any
other person has paid and who conducts
himself In satisfactory manner is not
privilege to be bargained for; it is
the right to receive value in return
for proper exchange.
Fourth, the issue of race is ludicrous.
Hundreds Of Negroes with fair skin go
to any theatey here in Washington
weekly. Others with darker skin are
barred because of race" The question
should turn upon individual worth and
conduct and pigmentation should not
be controlling factor in determining
democratic rights and procedures.
Finally, segregation often is confused
with the question of social intercourse.
There Mrs. Worrell Is correct. Social
intercourse is a matter of choice and
every one should choose his associates
No one expects to become chummy with
the person next in line in bank, bus,
theater or any other commercial enter
prise, but segregation per Sc is Nazi
technique for undermining democratic
government.
GLADYS T. PETERSON.
Principal, Randall Junior High School
To the Editor of The Star:
The League of Women Voters Is an
organization which promotes political
responsibility through informed and
active participation Of citizens in gov
ernment." The national platform, which
is the guide for action on the local
level, states that: Government by the
people requires protection Of minority
groups against discrimination"
On October 20, 1916, the board of the
District League met for consideration
of that particular section of the plat
form. It unanimously was agreed that:
Segregation Is essentially discrimina-
tory" zELLA D. LEONARD,
President, Voteless District Of Colum-
bia League OF Women Voters.
To the Editor of The Star:
Kindly allow me sufficient space in
your paper to ask Mrs Edward r. Norris
II she Is . Negress.
II she is not. then she Is not pre-
pared to speak Of that so-called basic
happiness" OF the Negro.
Perhaps, however, she recalls the
clown who laughed and made others
laugh, though his own heart was heavy
with sorrow.
Iriasmuch as am Negro say
authoritatively that we are people with
all the emotions and longings Of other
members of the human race. That
does not carry any other meaning nor
require any special Interpretation.
ELSIE JEFFERSON.
Chonnor Ronohs