Jan 04, 2025, 22:04

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 22:04:56 +0000
fedilaw, justice, equalrights, equalrightsamendment, socialjustice, discrimination, business, law, democracy, humanrights, naacp

@BrianJopek

https://wcl.american.libguides.com/voting/history/timeline

Progress seems to be some sort of dance.
Two steps forward, one step back.

Once, there were signs in places that read, "Whites only!" or "Blacks & Mexicans Not Allowed"
Now, we have signs that read, "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, for any reason."

There is no accountability for discrimination now. An establishment can systematically deny service to any demographic they choose, without being charged with discrimination. To put together a case for discrimination, would require a large data set, that would include the name of the establishment, and the demographics of the person denied service. Then, you would have to prove that there was a strong enough statistical correlation to make the case for discrimination. Then there would be drawn out legal battles, and the courts favor the rich. A class action lawsuit against an establishment that discriminates illegally, would be very hard to put together.

We may be running on a treadmill, with the lure of money (the carrots) dangled to tempt us, the fear of poverty (the stick) threatening us, and token illusions of progress to keep us motivated.

Maybe we need to change tactics, and step off the treadmill.
When no temptation and no fear can dissuade us from seeking equal rights and justice, that will be progress.