Racial Policy and International Relations

T HE bulk of this issue of THE ANNALS is, I assume, addressed primarily to Americans-as it should be. But since the whole problem of desegregation and integration is part of our dirty linen which inevitably is from time to time on view for the world, I would concern myself here with what the world sees and, thus, speak not only to Americans, but also to others who are troubled about the problem. Some of the things I shall say will be rather harsh; but I trust they will need neither apology nor explanation. By some kind of empathy the United States has come to be identified in the world mind with the equality of men, not equality as Mr. Jefferson has been misinterpreted to mean it, but equality of opportunity and of initial advantage. Part of this reputation has been deserved, but part of it is belied by the actual facts. At the outset let it be clear: the evil part of the American record on racial policies, especially in the light of our professions, is a major blot on our escutcheon, and it does positive and serious damage to the whole cause of freedom and democracy in these days in which the United States has emerged into a position of world leadership. One could even argue that the correction of racial abuses in this country is so vital and integral to the democratic cause to which the American people have dedicated themselves that there can be no quibbling over the remedy if our whole structure is not to be mortally affected. Coercion must be used should it be necessary, since the argument for gradual social change has too long and too often been abused to be any longer acceptable if we would continue to fill our role of leadership in the free world. It is an extraordi

International relations · Political science · Politics · American Constitutional Law and Politics · Law