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Eric Foner Freedom

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Eric Foner Second Summary

In his chapter ‘Sixties Freedom’ Eric Foner argues about people’s transition of freedom from collective demands towards a more personal value beyond the public spectrum. Besides that, the human rights movement have expanded to different demographics such as white children, women and other minorities. For instance, Martin Luther King’s freedom movement centralizes on integration between races for the benefit of the nation in achieving the same national values. However, Malcolm X insisted black people to be independent and determine to fight for their rights, relying on one’s effort. Secondly, the War Poverty introduced by the Johnson Administration differs from the New Deal as it displayed interventions on a personal level. The denial of direct aid in eradicating poverty is replaced by long terms initiatives such as providing people with new skills, motivating through job training, education and giving access to community programs. Furthermore, the emergence of middle class white people known as The New Left narrowed its concerns regarding the institution from a psychological aspect; powerlessness. The Port Huron Statement emphasized, despite the democratic structure, we are powerless in determining the country’s direction. They sought a democracy that encourages individual participation and awareness that our share in social decision should not be obligated or distracted by the Cold War propaganda when the money can be used in eliminating poverty instead of spending on military expenses. Lastly, the Second Wave Feminism reflected the rise of new women rights which expanded towards personal lives such as economic equality, education and also comprised of intimate issues like abortion rights and birth

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