United States v. Alabama and voting rights discrimination enforcement

United States v. Alabama: Prejudice & Discrimination

Case Study ~ United States v. Alabama: Prejudice & Discrimination

Based on alleged racial discriminatory practices, the Civil Rights Act of 1957 was challenged. Historically, this Act addressed voting rights. The U.S. alleged that Alabama denied Negro citizens the right to vote. Subsequently, it filed a claim against Alabama. However, the District Court dismissed the claim because action could not be brought against the state.

Court of Appeals affirmed and issued a certiorari or writ allowing a judicial review to determine its merit. The Act was amended, with the Civil Rights Act of 1960, allowing any action to be taken against the state. Subsequently, the case was returned to the lower court for further proceedings (Findlaw, 2011).

Sociological Approach

Social Conflict Theory has a direct correlation to the case. When powerful people use prejudice to justify the oppression of others, this is called Social Conflict Theory (Dysart, n.d.). With respect to the case, such conflict is evident between the Negroes and the State of Alabama. Voting was another avenue to exert control.

Symbolic Interaction Theory has a direct correlation to the case, as well. Socialization creates and reinforces prejudices, hence discrimination (Dysart, n.d.). The case involved a society that systematically taught prejudicial attitudes toward the Negro citizen. Association dictated assimilation of cultural norms. Insomuch, mass media perpetuated the societal norm that fueled the hatred cycle.

The Civil Rights Act sought to ensure that all Americans could exercise their right to vote without discriminatory practices. However, by 1957, approximately only 20% of Negro citizens had even registered to vote. Ironically, the Negro population was considered the majority in several counties and Congressional districts in the South. The Act that sought inclusion had now disfranchised an entire population.

Several organizations collected evidence of discriminatory practices, such as poll taxes and literacy tests that inadvertently excluded Negro citizens. Although the states had the right to establish rules for voter registration and elections, the federal government found a loophole in the Act, whereby Negro citizens could not exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Ruling

Qualified citizens shall be entitled and not denied voting rights based on race, color, or previous servitude status. Additionally, if a person or entity has participated in any act or practice involving deprivation of any right or privilege against any person, a civil action or a temporary relief will be pursued.

Viewpoint

Discriminatory practices were encouraged, such as the Jim Crow laws that supported segregation. However, the push for segregation led to increased inequities borne by the Negroes. Many southern states encouraged segregation, as well. The original Civil Rights Act of 1957 had a limited scope, which impinged upon the rights of others.

Relevance Today

Although not as prevalent today, prejudice and discrimination is still experienced by many. Civil rights are no longer reserved for race, but it has extended to other protected classes, such as gender, religion, marital status, age, etc.… This extended protection spawned several amendments and inclusions in other Acts, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1968.

Conclusion

The case between the United States v. Alabama was impetus for equality and social change. In past, Alabama has been on the forefront of covert and overt discriminatory acts since the December 14, 1819 when it was admitted into the Union as the 22nd state (A&E, 2011). Power was used to oppress those perceived as inferior, including Negroes and poor white citizens.

The Civil Rights Act of 1957 was limited in scope and violated the rights of others. Historically, voting power was reserved for individuals who were highly regarded in society. Hence, power equates to having a voice. Negroes did not have a voice; however, with the birth of the Civil Rights Act of 1960, their voices were finally heard.