Are Northern States of the USA More Racially Segregated Than the South?

The question of whether the northern states of the USA are more racially segregated than the South is complex and multifaceted. To address it effectively, we need to first define segregation and then consider how to measure it. My personal background, extensive experience with both the North and the South, plays a critical role in my perspective.

Defining and Measuring Segregation

Despite common misconceptions, no state is inherently segregated. Rather, it's the cultural and institutional behaviors that shape residential and social patterns. Understanding segregation involves a clear definition and an effective measurement method. I grew up in the predominantly African-American neighborhoods of Washington D.C., SE Washington DC and PG county Maryland. However, I also had close connections with the deep South and Northern urban areas, providing a well-rounded perspective.

Census Data and Its Limitations

The use of Census data to determine the ratio of racial identification in geographic districts often portrays a higher degree of segregation in northern urban areas. For instance, Milwaukee frequently tops the list. Similarly, if segregation is measured in terms of concentration in institutions such as schools, northern regions tend to stand out. However, these methods have significant shortcomings.

Rural and Urban Differences

In rural counties, a population that is overwhelmingly white or black may not show statistical segregation, even if 'sundown towns' or similar practices were prevalent. For a county to be considered segregated by these measures, it must have a substantial presence of two or more non-dominant racial groups.

Non-Geographical Segregation

Segregation is not just about geography. It also manifests in institutions outside the public school system. For example, an academy in the Mississippi Delta, where the student body is almost entirely white, won’t show up as segregated if its public school system is predominantly black. Additionally, within schools, segregation remains despite desegregation efforts. Moreover, occupational segregation within and across industries further complicates the picture.

Geographical vs. Social Segregation

The North has a higher degree of geographical segregation, evident in census data, but it might not be as overt. For example, racial steering by real estate companies is often unspoken in the North. Conversely, the South may have less geographical segregation but more overt social segregation, with distinct codes of conduct governing race relations.

Personal Experience and Observations

My family experienced segregation first-hand, from being refused housing to traveling restrictions. The rural South and northern urban areas reveal different forms and levels of segregation. The North may show more obvious segregation in terms of geography, while the South exhibits more overt and socially ingrained segregation.

Personal Reflections on Living in Different Regions

Both the North and the South feel very segregated to me. While the North’s segregation is more covert and less discussed, it remains prevalent. In contrast, the South’s segregation is more visible and openly discussed but less pronounced geographically.

In conclusion, it is not accurate to claim that the North is more racially segregated than the South. Segregation is a complex issue influenced by geography, institutions, and social codes. Both regions have their unique forms and levels of segregation, but understanding these differences requires a nuanced approach and personal experience.