Many times I find myself forgetting I live in a bubble, a concealed safe place, where the rest of the nation probably doesn't look like my diverse high school. And it probably isn't booming with ethnic groups in the city. However, Chicago itself, might a good example to describe the nation in a nutshell. Although Chicago, like USA, is diverse and have immigrants from around the world, Chicago is still very much segregated. Some people still live in their "caves" and refuse to leave it and venture out into a different culture. Likewise, many Americans would even stay on only one side of town their entire lives.
Racism still exists. We all love to pretend that it doesn't and hope it is getting better. But even living in a majority liberal city, I still walk outside my house sometimes with racial slangs yelled at me. Strong stereotypes still exist. And if I sat on a bus on the south-side, there will definitely be a difference in behavior and treatment than if I was sitting on a north-side bus.
I don't think segregation would help. I think separation only makes it worst. It makes people ignorant and grow deeper prejudice. It causes misunderstandings and assumptions, for there were no chances for both sides to communicate.
I don't think forced integration is a solution. In fact, I'm not completely sure if there is a true black-and-white solution. However, I do believe that there are times where forced integration is needed and only time can help cultures adapt to one another. If there WAS one set right answer, I think after The Civil Rights Movements and The World Wars, we would have found and tried it by now. But every case is different and just as fragile to balance and maintain peace.
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