how does chapter 23 Express the fact that racism was culturally acceptable during the 1950s?

Ruth and Dennis finally agreed to marry at New York's City Hall, but arrived there only to be confronted by discrimination. Reverend Brown later married them in his private office at the church, and the ceremony was followed by a lovely reception at a friend's home. Ruth could never go South with Dennis after that; it was too dangerous. In the end, however, she did venture back to bury his body.