The Position of the Negro in the American Social Order in 1950

Abstract

In the discussion so important and so challenging a theme as the position the Negro in the American social order in 1950, it must be clear that we have in mind more promise and prospect than prophecy; more opportunity, needs, deficiencies, and the will to do than pure prediction; and more the realistic facing facts than that which tends primarily towards the Utopian picture. Nevertheless, there is no reason why we should not project boldly upon the screen a picture commensurate with the ideals and potentialities the American scene and some estimate of conditions which must obtain in order to achieve it. The realistic approach to such a projected picture will somehow seek to ask and to answer some such questions as these: In terms the American scene, what will be major assumptions our civilization which will approximate the best possible attainable position the Negro in the social order as we enter upon the second half the 20th century? Compared with this, what are the realities the society which we now have and what are its limitations? Next, what will it take to bridge the distance between what we want and what we now have? Then, how may we go about getting what it takes to bridge this distance? And, finally, what are next steps and the best procedures? It seems to me that the assumption a notable ten years, from 1940 to 1950, in American development in respect to the position the Negro in the social order is a realistic one justified by both dilemma and promise. For here at the turn the midcentury, we may well hope to integrate plans and approach new frontiers through the orderly process cultural development. For instance, we can utilize a sort super-census or social inventory the nation which will be much needed and may be attainable at that time; we may realize upon whatever may be gained through the concept and practice realistic social planning, American style; we may realize upon the mistakes and the tragedies errors race persecution in other lands; and we may realize on the great American characteristics high motivation and celebration at certain stated periods. Our assumption that America will know by 1950 more her new frontiers and will be well ready to start on new epochs implies both a timeliness and an urgency that this fundamental question minority people shall have an increasingly natural and realistic development in the projected picture. More especially, since greater numbers Negro people now reside and will continue for sometime to reside in the South; and since the South and the nation are everywhere taking stock how regional problems economy and culture may be reintegrated into the national fabric to the enrichment the South and the nation, it is es-