In 1960, in greensboro, north carolina, young african-american students demonstrated against segregation by sitting at luncheon counters that only served white patrons. why were some white americans, especially in the south, so opposed to integration?

Long held racist views by white Southerners helped to spark their opposition to integration. During this era, there were still many white citizens who saw blacks as inferior to them. Along with this, many whites were worried about the mixing of races. Essentially, these individuals were worried that if black and white citizens were able to eat together, go to the same schools, etc. they would end up in relationships. From their they would have children who were a mixture of both black and white. This reality scared many southerners.

Lastly, many southern politicians felt that integration would be a threat to the traditional southern lifestyle.