While the Manhattan Institute's report that America is getting less and segregated will (and should) be looked at as progress, we can't help focusing a critical eye on what exactly this means. For instance, how much of this integration — much of which has occured in large metropolitan areas — is the result of gentrification and/or Black and Hispanic families being displaced? Also, what role does class play in all of this? Are poor Blacks beginning to live in integrated communities too, or are more affluent Blacks the only ones who've been able to benefit from this progress?

Lastly, while total integration has its benefits, are we convinced that segregation is inherently bad?