Mainstream Social Norms And Civil Rights

141 Words1 Pages
Social norms are hidden rules of society that when not followed, may carry social penalties. There are many examples of mainstream social norms that led to the civil rights movement that are seen as deviant behavior today. Before the civil rights movement colored and whites were to never be seen together. Both races had separate bathrooms, attended different schools, sat in different spots on the bus. Signs were used to show non-whites where they legally walk, talk, drink, rest, or eat. Restaurants, pool halls, doctors’ offices, and even parks accommodated one or the other but never both, at least in the same area. Colored people were usually given the less pleasant of resources such as water fountains and bathrooms. Whites were given more