Definition
A segregationist is someone who actively supports and promotes segregation, especially racial segregation. It's like a person who insists on keeping different groups of people apart, often based on prejudice or discriminatory beliefs. Unlike someone who simply tolerates separation, a segregationist actively advocates for it. Think of them as architects of division, building walls instead of bridges. This term is often used in historical contexts to describe those who upheld discriminatory laws and practices, like those during the Civil Rights era in the United States. It often carries a strong negative connotation.