Was the civil rights movement worth it?

Answer 1

United States citizens have rights ensured by the Constitution, including the right to vote and to be treated by their local government fairly - that is, equal to other US citizens regardless of skin color. Most people would agree that the Constitution is worth supporting. The disadvantage of a century-long denial of those rights, not to mention the terrible history of slavery before, is an argument for affirmative action programs designed to meet constitutional obligations and ideals. Many people would agree efforts made to right those perceived wrongs was worth it. Most African-Americans have greater opportunities than ever before, perhaps even equal opportunity, although many inherit an impoverished environment and opportunities are realistically unavailable. The resulting frustration and on-going cycle of poverty might raise this question.