Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1948-07-14
Letters to The Star
French Canadian on SEGREGATION

Frencn Aanao1an on SeSrSSatlOn
TO the Editor Of The Star:
In the discussion Of segregation Of the races
that has been going on for some time IN the
press and elsewhere certain salient facts seem
to have been overlooked
We Americans usually pride ourselves on
being intelligent enough to face facts, then
to act upon those facts We deplore as archaic
and ignorant the calling Of names and the
assuming of dramatic hero.vs. william atti-
tude. Yet that is being done In the matter
of race relations. With the I'm right, you're
wrong" discussion of the subject. it 10 little
wonder that it is evolving into vicious cycle,
causing trouble in all phases Of life and solving
nothing. Only the enemies within our gates"
will profit thereby, because they thrive on
trouble and do not want . peaceful America.
To say that race prejudice is wrong d futile.
You cannot abolish prejudice by edict any
more than, as some say, you can kill An idea
by legislation.
Friction is q deterrent to progress In the
physical as well as in the spiritual world. An
engineer works constantly to reduce friction.
for he knows 1t to be the enemy OF useful
work. and useful work spells progress. That
also is true in human affairs.
In family life, and in community life which
is taking over many duties formerly exercised
by the family friction is reduced In proper
ton to the similarity in background and tastes
of its members Conversely friction is increased
in proportion to the sum Of their differences.
Friction, due to differences, is also increased
as living space decreases. This brings us to the
subject Of segregation, and the fact that II Is
observed to be q problem only where there
are sizeable numbers of different races IN
limited space, such as large city.
The writer recently travelled in Canada and
had opportunity to observe conditions In our
Northeastern States. It Is significant that the
number of the colored race to be seen rapidly
lessons as one travels north. 1t is easy to
understand why citizens Of parts Of the country
where few colored persons live are in no posi-
ton to fudge about segregation. Furthermore,
It is to be noted that where, because OF war
conditions large segments of the colored race
have settled permanently in some Northern
cities, the local attitude on the desirability OF
segregation is changing.
Community Peace" Emphasized.
This is 50 to the extent that on . recent
Town Meeting radio program, colored min
lister who participated in the program COM
planned that Los Angeles, which now has
acquired a considerable colored population, is
beginning to show discrimination.
New York City additionally is q Segregated"
city. without outside pressure Of any kind. the
various races have congregated into sections
as q natural expression Of free choice. THESE
facts In favor Of segregation Of the races IN
the interest Of community peace should be
obvious to all.
Then there Is the classic example Of the
French Canadians, from whom the writer Is
descended. BY their voluntary segregation
because of differences from the English In race,
language, religion and tradition, they have
lived in peace retained their roots, and thereby
have added much to the cultural values OF
their country History indicates that those who
divorce themselves from their roots, individu-
ally or collectively, cannot become truly great.
It Is pity that many Of the colored people
who have qualities Of leadership by reason OF
intelligence and education do not really lead.
Instead of working to lift the level OF we'll
being for their race, setting an example Of
service to others, We see them alternately COM
planning begging and demanding for the bene-
fit Of few like themselves who have attained
much and still are dissatisfied
Pictures Of slum areas, the incidence Of juve.