Did you think inequality in America was a thing of the past? Think again. Let's take this back to the landmark legislation known as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. It outlawed everything from unequal application of voters registration to racial segregation in schools and public facilities.
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 declared that all citizens are to be granted equal protection under the law i.e. the Act of 1866 granted citizenship, but discrimination? Well that was fine, until 1964. And let's not pretend that this act passed with flying colors on both sides - many people opposed the bill both in the House and the Senate.
If 1964 doesn't sound like long ago to you, it's because it wasn't. That's right, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is only 52 years old meaning that America has only believed that everyone deserves equal treatment until 52 years ago. Let me put this number into perspective for you. Here are things older than the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
1. Both Presidential Nominees
2. George Clooney
That's right, homebody is 55.
3. Your Parents
Probably.
4. Lego
5. Jamaica, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar and dozens more
None of these countries gained independence until the 1960s - yet all of these countries are older than the Civil Rights Act.
6. Nike
Only has the Civil Acts Right beat by a few months - but still older.
7. The Beatles
8. Obama
Youngest elected president, STILL older than the Civil Rights Act.
9. The Cat in the Hat
10. The NBA
Founded 70 years ago.
11. Madonna
12. Queen Elizabeth
Well, clearly.
13. Long Distance Calling
14. How Long a Twinkie Would Last
They could survive a nuclear war, so they last a while, but still.
15. Breakfast at Tiffany's
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16. To Kill a Mockingbird
Was published only 4 years before the Civil Rights Act.
17. "I Have A Dream" Speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Just one year before the landmark legislation was passed.
So what's my point here? It's simple. The Civil Rights Act is not that old. It hasn't even hit its 100-year mark and there have already been many actions against it such as voter suppression laws, bathroom laws and even laws allowing businesses to discriminate against who they will and will not serve. (Yes you, North Carolina) The Civil Rights Act of 1990 was even vetoed by President Bush and failed an override attempt by the Senate. So if you think that inequality is over, you are surely mistaken. We've got a long way to go.
