I've been thinking of race relations in the USA, specifically between the black minority and the white majority (but not necessarily including the white elite power brokers) post-1965. It seems like things were becoming normalized from about the mid-60s through the 70s and into the early 80s. Then, starting sometime in the mid- to early-80s, things started getting weird. By the 90s identity was strong. Society has become increasing fragmented along racial and ethnic lines. Nowadays, I can't even turn on the television without hearing about some race riot or other, or about racially-motivated criminal or civil actions. What was the turning point? Was it a single event 30 years ago? Was it a series of events? How did we s start moving in the wrong direction with regard to race relations?
I completely disagree. There are much more interracial marriages and neighborhood integration. We have a black president and more minorities in positions of power. Race relations are much better now than 20 and 30 years ago. More locally, NYC was a powder keg and relations are now good.
On news stories much of this revolves around policing stories, no? I think the difference is that in the video age cops are more likely to be taken to task for their bad behavior. Further, it is a question of what gets reported. I'm sure the news media has more reports of discrimination now than Jim Crow era Alabama. It is recognized that times are wrong.
