Julie Huynh English/History February 29, 2012 Word Count: 449 The Civil Rights Movement The African-American civil rights movement was an act trying to get rid of the racial oppression in America. This movement wanted to win equal rights for African Americans. In the 1900s, racism against African Americans was very popular among cultures. White Americans would not share the rights that they had with the African Americans; instead, they put more labor and burden upon the African Americans’ shoulders. Because of this, the African Americans had many motives for the start of the Civil Rights Movement.
Although these two are the most prominent, they are not the most important. The most important is the sociological concept primary socialization, but is not displayed until later. First Racism is introduced in the opening scenes through the use of derogatory terms. The main character, Derek Vineyard, begins to refer to African Americans and other minorities as parasites and problems in the United States. In this same scene he also shows views of white supremacy because he states that minorities come to America only to exploit it as opposed to establishing themselves as “model citizens”.
As stated in his own words in Document 1, “Because the Negro in this country holds the balance of power and if the Negro in this country were given what the Constitution says he is supposed to have, the added power of the Negro in this country would sweep all of the racists and the segregationists out of office. It would change the entire political structure of the country. It would wipe out the Southern segregationism that now controls America’s foreign policy, as well as America’s domestic policy.” This clear view of Black Power by Malcolm X holds a clear bias towards the Black Power demanded by many, serving to inform other African Americans of their rights. Given the fact that this statement came from Malcolm X, an influential leader, the very words of this would serve to be important to the black community, which was highly influenced by such leaders, though the views of Malcolm X were hindered by a clear bias towards black rights only. Here, Malcolm X argues, like many other leaders and protestors of the Civil Right Movement, that Black Power was paramount among the people and that it was the mainstay of the identity and the stability of America.
Corruption Based on Color Alveda King once said “Racism springs from the lie that certain human beings are less then fully human. It’s a self-centered falsehood that corrupts our minds into believing we are right to treat others as we would not want to be treated.” Unfortunately in 1930’s Alabama people treated others based on their skin color causing racism to be a reoccurring problem. Therefore, racism and segregation was harsh, and seemed never ending for African American citizens, even after slavery, but it could have been avoided if people treated other the way they wanted to be treated. Segregation or “separation of the races,” was one of the many ways for people to promote racism in the 1930’s (Novak, Julie). Birmingham, Alabama was one of the most tightly segregated cities at the time (“Alabama”).
He also brings up about how civil right leaders have the right to bash these black celebrities that are putting down their own race. They fought so hard to be free and have the same rights as a white person so he is confused on why they would bash their own race. He should have added more statistics and maybe where he got his facts. He says the homicide is on the rise for black woman and rape is often found with black girls primarily. Where did he get those statistics?
He asks Richard what the co-workers had said and that they would be punished but Richard’s fear is too great and just accepts his pay and leaves. White supremacy is shown clearly in this instance where his co-workers feel that they had every right to scare a child and make him feel completely inferior. They did not want African Americans to feel like they had a voice, equality and certainly did not want blacks to feel as if they were someone of importance. The fact that Southern whites fear and discourage black migration to the North exposes the degree to which their pride and even their very economic welfare depends on the presence of blacks. Racism is a means to an end, as oppressors employ racist measures in order to achieve power over another group.
The American Civil Rights movement was a very treacherous and horrific time in American history. African Americans were long censored in this country and they finally took a stand to make American citizens follow what the constitution says, “All men are created equal”. For activists, such as Malcom X and Martin Luther King, Jr., this journey to bring their people justice would certainly not be an easy one. Although they both wanted the same thing, both of these activists had very different thoughts and ways to make it happen. In order to reach this desired goal that they have been awaiting, strategies were much needed.
This was the land they were born on. This was their home. Being American might mean being so self-centered to put our so-called “discoveries” before trying to even reach an understanding of life that was already thriving in this land. But no, if anybody isn’t white, they might as well be called savages. According to the people that pillaged and plundered all the land that wasn’t theirs, practiced slavery, denied equal rights to women, and discriminated everybody that looked different in every way
In addition, Agent Ward from “Mississippi Burning” stated: “Mr. Anderson, if you were a negro nobody would give a damn what you thought.” This shows that the black community is viewed so unequally by the racist white population, that even their most basic rights, free speech and expression, have been taken away from them. It also states the fact that inequality is a part of everyday black oppression and that the black community isn’t allowed to express their views without violence from the whites or racists. This allows us to see that it is evident that racism shadows people from the
They fell victim to one of the most terrible groups in United States history; the Ku Klux Klan. This group better known as the KKK looked to "protect" white Americans from racially impure "intruders". They did so by using violence and intimidation. During the 1960's African American leaders had been trying to gain their people's civil rights. During this time period the KKK was especially vicious because of African-Americans newly found unity and confidence.