In any society, people tend to put themselves in groups where they feel a lot more comfortable because that is where they derive their strength and support. Even in the 21st century where society is said to be more uninformed than ever before, many are the times when people retreat to communities they have formed a long race, religion, language of communication and many other things that are socially valuable to them. That is what is commonly known as self-segregation. It might seem very beneficial to the people who engage in it, but then it is far more destructive to a society that is making significant strides into eliminating any form of segregation. But sometimes self- segregation is beneficial especially when practiced along lines that solidify one's identity. It is hard to ignore or eliminate it completely but again it should not be used as a tool of making other people feel less important.
It is a fact that in as much as many Americans live and work in diversified places, the people they feel most close to and would invite into their lives are those who look or feel more like them. Not that it is wrong to do that, but that gives an impression that people are still choosy about whom they allow into their personal spaces (Moore 121). It is not the best thing to do, and it only shows the cracks that are invisible yet very visible in society. But the question is whether self-segregation should be permitted in some places and not in others. The answer could be affirmative because sometimes it feels good to get together with people with whom one shares some attributes and characteristics as a way of developing a sense of belonging to a select social group.
It is not right to force integration on people who do not want it, and it is for that reason that self- segregation should be permissible in some instances. People should be allowed to regroup and fit in a social community where they feel a sense of belonging (Moore 120). For instance, a group of international students from Ethiopia may choose to be friends and always regroup at the end of each day’s study as a way of experiencing a sense of community and appreciating their culture. The coming together will often have a positive impact on their lives without having to send negative racial or national connotations. There is nothing good like finding a home far away from home with the people that one shares a history or culture.
In the United States, life is more monochromatic for the simple reason that the country has had a history of forced segregation and that formed part of the society’s moral garment. It is only right that people are allowed to go to restaurants and churches that reinforce their beliefs, but one will always find out that different racial groups visit the same places where their ethnic or religious groups congregate. It is right to play the diversity card, but as a way of ensuring that people celebrate their distinct traditions, then they should be allowed to practice self-segregation. People tend to stick to that which makes them comfortable, at least that is what the land of freedom and the melting pot of the universe propagates. The social world could only be more integrated if members of every society are allowed freedom to practice their common traditions and beliefs and through that people will begin to appreciate the uniqueness of each other. As long as self- segregation is not a threat to the peace and stability of others it should be allowed in some places, but not others.
Work Cited
Moore, Stephen. Sociology Alive. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes, 2001. Print
