Premium Essay

How Far Do You Agree That Progress Was Made for Black Americans?

In: Other Topics

Submitted By Gandhiashish1
Words 318
Pages 2
How far do you agree that the years 1945-55 saw only limited progress in improving the status of African Americans? The years of 1945-55 saw limited progress in improving the status of African Americans to an extent; however, during this time period there was also an increased amount of progress for the African American community in improving their status. There were many key factors, which contributed to improving the status of African Americans, such as the work of key civil right parties, for instance the NAACP and their approach to increase grass-roots activism, and their increased membership shows their wide support. In addition to this, there was also help from economic and political victories which demonstrated a fundamental shift in the attitudes of the federal government. There was also help from de jure change, such as significant civil rights court cases and Federal Intervention from President Harry S. Truman, which as a result improved African Americans status. On the other hand, the problems that remained for African Americans was a lack of de facto change, such as the states reluctant attitude to de-segregate, and also there was opposition from the white population, which included brutal violence towards the African American Community, when they had protests. Finally, the opposition from politicians towards de-segregation and civil rights for African Americans all contributed towards limited progress in improving the status of African Americans. The interpretation of progress in improving the status of African Americans was shown through the successful work of the NAACPF (National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People). They were well known for challenging the laws on segregation and Jim Crow Laws, through testing the power of the court, as well as putting pressure on the politicians in Washington and increased grass-roots activism amongst

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

‘of Mice and Men’ Serves as a Reminder That Dreaming Is Futile. How Far Do You Agree with This Representation of the Text and Its Key Themes?

...that dreaming is futile. How far do you agree with this representation of the text and its key themes? To first answer the question we need to define a key element, what are dreams? When we dream we contemplate the possibility of doing something or indulging in fantasies about something greatly desired. Yet they are necessary to keep the levels of hope high in people to stand for what they believe in whether it be the inadequacies of society or something else. Furthermore without incorporating dreams and having something to achieve in our life will result in an endless stream of days that have little connection or meaning. The representation of dreams occurs via prejudice and stereotypes- Crooks, because he is black in a racist culture- seems to be no hope for him; Curley’s wife, only woman on the farm and regarded as a tart- will never feel wanted, another hopeless situation; Candy, one-handed- can’t do the same work as the others and is old- can’t socialize with anyone, lonely and isolated. These situations give reason for dreaming as it becomes a paradise for those who wish for something more in their life and acts as a beacon of hope yet over time dreams either materialize or they question reality and in the book no one achieves or has achieved their dream- Lennie and George, Curley’s wife and Curley. Dreams will always be a source of hope but if they are not achieved you begin to realise that they are futile which is why to some extent I agree with the statement. The killing...

Words: 1516 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Discrimination

...led to the marginalization and oppression of various minority groups in American society. The ideology of white supremacy has led to discriminatory legislation and allowed racist sentiments to permeate the social institutions aimed to serve the citizens of this country. Minorities in general and African Americans in particular, have historically been the primary targets of the discrimination in this society exercised not only by governmental institutions in this country, but also by the majority of the white population in this country. With the end of the Jim Crow era, proponents of white supremacy were now faced with a new dilemma, how to continue the oppression of African Americans in this country in a “post-racial” society. American society began to be seen as a “color-blind” environment, which made the discrimination of individuals based on race non-permissible. Discrimination now had taken a new form, instead of discriminating against African Americans based on race; supporters of white supremacy now criminalized and labeled them as criminals. Michelle Alexander in her book The New Jim Crow, explains how this new form of discrimination continued the same oppression towards African Americans that was exercised in the Jim Crow era and was now “justified” by discriminating them on the basis of criminal behavior. Through the creation of this new system of criminalization, Michelle Alexander explains how the stigma and discriminatory legislation that followed which she terms...

Words: 2057 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Obama Speech

...is your answer. It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference. It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled – Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America. It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day. It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America. Barack Obama: 'A new dawn of American leadership' Link to this audio I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all...

Words: 1970 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Sds Movement

...inception in Ancient Greece, liberal education has afforded its students a truth for new understanding, that makes them well-rounded citizens. In terms of the American education system when it reached its pinnacle in the 1950s, its course was just as quickly reversed in the 1960s. A major culprit in the degradation of higher learning can be shouldered by Students for Democratic Society(SDS).To understand how these events came to be, we must first look at the values/objective of this very organization that came to be at the turn of the decade in 1960 at University of Michigan and Cornell University. Liberal education gives a liberating and freedom that is meant to be worth to educate the person in order to take part in civic life, as a future citizen. The ASEAN the Association of American Colleges and Universities states that a liberal education is that which liberates the mind from ignorance and cultivate social responsibility. Liberal education, unlike vocation is not to train, but to change people. Liberal education allows the student to learn how to think rather than what to think, to have a philosophical understanding wanting to question the reason of being and teaching. A liberal educated person is one that can think outside the box and question the norms of nature. They are free-thinkers.Failure in the closing of the American mind is the failure to have a basic principle of ideas and classic works that contributes to literature, politics etc to educate men, women and society...

Words: 6425 - Pages: 26

Premium Essay

How Did Jackie Robinson Influence The Civil Rights Movement

...Robinson, as he was the individual who progressed a movement that was a long time coming. Jackie Robinson was the perfect person to come along and make a difference on two completely different fronts. Robinson stood for an issue greater than his own dilemma and pushed forward the Civil Rights Movement due to his actions. Robinson at first, was passive when it came to Civil Rights, but as time passed he became more determined and was able to stand tall in the face of adversity. Compared to what he easily could have done, he went over and beyond his role. Jackie Robinson was the perfect advocate to usher in a new era of change, not only on the baseball field but also on the frontline of the Civil Rights movement. The most successful advocates for change are...

Words: 1903 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Ethics

...The Necessity for Civil Disobedience..………………………………………..9 Part VI: What Difference Did the Civil Rights Struggle Make? ..................................12 Conclusion…....................................................................................................................16 Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………….18 INTRODUCTION This research will focus on the topic of “Civil Disobedience and its Relativity to Christian Ethics.” The research will address whether it is ever justifiable to disobey the laws of secular governments. In doing so, it will discuss the Doctrine of Civic Responsibility as it relates to Christian Ethics. Furthermore, Romans 13:1-7 will be referenced to provide additional insight into how the Church has historically responded to civil government’s demands on society. DEFINITION OF CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE What is civil disobedience? This is the term used when an action is taken against civil government as a result of a civil law or practice that is considered in direct conflict with God’s law of love. More will be discussed on this subject as it relates to Christian ethics. DEFINITION OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS What...

Words: 5181 - Pages: 21

Free Essay

The Birmingham Campaign

...The Birmingham movement was a culmination of King’s ideas, theology, experiences and civil rights tactics’. How far do you agree with this statement? Martin Luther King undoubtedly played a key role in helping black people win civil rights through the Birmingham movement in 1963. However it can be argued that his leadership though effective was only partly responsible for the gains made by the campaign; as the opposition changed their tactics, Martin Luther King’s ideas and theologies were tested and therefore he was made to harness alternative strategies that had been initiated by other civil rights activists. Essentially the Birmingham movement was crafted to allow the best possible outcome. King preached a distinctive philosophy based on the teachings of Jesus and the example of Mohandas Gandhi. He believed that all Christians should love their enemies and never retaliate. Nonetheless, he also taught that Christians should stand up to injustice. Consequently, he advocated civil disobedience and direct action, insisting that protest should always be peaceful. The perseverance shown through peaceful protest won mass support from both the public and media making it difficult for Federal government to ignore demands. King involved in provoking the authorities but it can be said that the brutality stimulated from such protests was what gave King the upper hand; it provided him with the driving force to challenge the system. Peaceful protest was applied to the Birmingham movement...

Words: 1210 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Racial Polarization

...who are highly conservative are more likely to hold negative perceptions of African-Americans and other minorities. Furthermore, racial antipathy affects the way individuals perceive Barack Obama. In light of recent trends, this study tested whether individuals who identify themselves as Republicans are substantially more likely to maintain negative racial attitudes. The study also investigated whether white Americans are more likely than other racial groups to harbor racial prejudices and disapprove of Barack Obama. Results from this study indicated that racial resentment plays a significant role in contemporary politics. Data from between-subjects ANOVA and correlational analysis suggested that the Democratic Party and Republican Party are polarized in regards to racial issues. Moreover, conservative whites are the most likely racial group to hold racial prejudices against African-Americans. Finally, disapproval of President Obama is highly associated with high levels of negative racial stereotypes. Keywords: race, antipathy, conservatism, prejudices, Obama Is Racial Antipathy Increasing? The Polarizing Effect of Obama’s Presidency In 2008, Barack Obama became the first African-American to become President of the United States. His election marked a pivotal turning point in American politics. To millions, Obama’s election signaled the start of a post-racial America. The country was infused with euphoria as citizens from diverse backgrounds celebrated his historical...

Words: 6638 - Pages: 27

Premium Essay

Afericna American

...from Anti Essays, your source for free research papers, essays, and term paper examples. “African American’s Journey to Freedom” Charity Johnson HIS204: American History since 1865 Instructor: Leslie Ruff February 11, 2013 “African American’s Journey to Freedom” To some African Americans it may seem ironic that The United States of America is known as “the land of the free” considering that majority of their ancestors entered the US as slaves. African Americans were brought to North America via the middle passage which originated during the fifteenth century.   They were enslaved for approximately 400 hundred years until the end of the Civil War in 1865. Although African Americans were enslaved in America, they were determine to survive and one day be freed in this great country. During The African American’s journey to freedom several significant events took place which was inclusive of but not limited to: The Civil Rights Movement of 1865-1877, Separate but Equal Legislation (Plessy vs. Ferguson court case) in 1896, The Harlem Renaissance of 1920, Brown vs. Board of Education in 1954, The March on Washington Movement of 1963, and The Black Power Movement of the late 1960s and 1970. I will discuss the significance of these events in relation to the African American journey to freedom and how they have help shape American society today. THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT OF 1865-1877 Frequently when one hears of the Civil Rights Movement we automatically think of the Civil Rights events...

Words: 5251 - Pages: 22

Free Essay

Momoland

...Complex Systems in Education CSE ESSAYS COURSE Complex Course on Writing English and American Essays for Advanced Students English Language Programs Division Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Writing 2 United States Information Agency, Washington, D. C. 1999 2 3 How to Use this Complex Course Частные уроки Английского Языка 387-1231 MIND Speaks to MIND – Selected American Essays 4 Preface Some years ago, a visitor to our office, a professor of English at a large foreign university, asked if the English Language Programs Division had published a book of American essays for foreign students – especially students at the advanced level. Having to respond in the negative, I was, nonetheless, “intrigued” by the idea of a collection of essays that would form a source of stimulating ideas or thoughts that could be thoroughly examined in the EFL classroom, discussed and debated in free conversation, and perhaps, ultimately, lead to a significant growth in the exchange of information between cultures – via the printed page. From this rationale, then, there issues an explanation for the title, Mind Speaks to Mind, which itself is an “exchange of information” between the editor and Edward Hoagland in his essay, “On Essays”! And, readers are encouraged to study this essay first as a type of guideline concerning the nature/purpose of the essay. It is found on page 26. For ease of reference, the essays are presented in alphabetical order according...

Words: 42425 - Pages: 170

Premium Essay

Politics

...REVISION BOOK ARAB –ISRAELI What was Zionism * The longing for a homeland for the Jews. * It is the international political movement supporting the re-establishment of a homeland for the Jewish people.’ * ‘The historic homeland of the Jews was in the land of Israel.’ * ‘Since its establishment, Zionists continue to support it.’ * ‘It encourages the migration of Jews to Israel.’ * ’40% of Jews live in Israel and this % is rising.’ * ‘Zionism wants to strengthen and protect Jews and the State o What problems faced Palestine in 1945 Civil disruption.‘ * Large numbers of Jews wanted to go to Palestine.’ * ‘The US was supporting a state of Israel.’ * ‘Should immigration be allowed?’ * ‘Campaigns of violence by the Irgun.’ Why did Britain decide to hand Palestine over to the United Nations * ‘It did not want to stay.’ * ‘Because of the cost.’ * ‘There was violence.’ * ‘Because of its view of Zionism.’ * ‘The pressure from the Irgun.’ * ‘Because of the guerrilla campaign. Explains why * ‘At the end of the war Britain was under great pressure to change its policy and allow in survivors of the holocaust. They refused and this brought about violent protest.’ * ‘The Irgun deliberately attacked and killed British soldiers including the explosion at the King David Hotel. The violence from the Irgun was intended to persuade the British to leave.’ * ‘Because...

Words: 87832 - Pages: 352

Premium Essay

What Does the Matsushita Case Teach You About the Relationship Between Societal Culture and Business Success?

...Hill 7e End of Part Case Notes Part One: Globalization There are no Part One cases. Part Two: National Differences in Political Economy; Differences in Culture; Ethics in International Business Nike: The Sweatshop Debate 1. Should Nike be held responsible for working conditions in foreign factories that it does not own, but where subcontractors make products for Nike? Answer: Most students will probably agree that Nike should be held responsible for the working conditions in foreign factories where subcontractors make products the company sells. Students taking this perspective are likely to argue that since the workers are there to produce the products for Nike, the fact that the company does not actually own the facilities is immaterial – Nike is the beneficiary of the work done in the factory. Some students may suggest that Nike be resolved of some responsibility if the factories also produce products for other companies. 2. What labor standards regarding safety, working conditions, overtime, and the like, should Nike hold foreign factories to: those prevailing in that country or those prevailing in the United States? Answer: The question of whether of whether to hold foreign factories to the same standards as domestic factories is difficult. Some students might argue that Nike should require all factories regardless of their location to maintain the same standards when it comes to working conditions, overtime, and so on. Other students however, may suggest that...

Words: 13231 - Pages: 53

Premium Essay

Racial and Ethnic Politics

...Racial & Ethnic Short-Answer Questions (15) Should reparations be paid to the descendants of victims of slavery? • Some reject the decision made in the Bakke case that providing a remedy for the effects of racial discrimination is unconstitutional. They argue that the idea of reparations is rooted in international law. • Affirmative Action is inadequate, the ‘Maafa’ (meaning disaster, i.e., slavery) is a crime against humanity, and therefore compensation is required. • In the past 50 years apologies and financial compensation has been given to a wide range of groups, including survivors of the Jewish holocaust (as well as descendants of the victims), Japanese-Americans who were imprisoned during the Second World War and native Americans who had their land illegally seized in the USA. • African Americans have been demanding compensation for slavery since the end of the American Civil War. Immediately after the abolition of slavery, the demand was for 40 acres and a mule to ensure they would not be dependent on their former slave-owners. Then, between 1890 and 1917, there was a movement to lobby the government for pensions to compensate for their unpaid labour under slavery. Since 1989, Congressman John Conyers Jnr (Michigan) has introduced a bill every year to study the case for reparations. Each of these initiatives has been largely ignored by the political establishment. • Reparations would ensure full recognition of the scale of the Maafa and, at the same time...

Words: 8688 - Pages: 35

Premium Essay

We Should Abolish Columbus Day

...Nichole Oliver Professor Scott ENG-ENF 3/III April 23, 2016 We Should Abolish Columbus Day Only two federal holidays in the United States bear the name of two specific men, ironically one of them fought racism -- Martin Luther King Jr., and the other was a genocidal racist – Chistopher Columbus. Opposition to Columbus Day (observed on the second Monday of October) has intensified in recent decades, while the former passes each year with relatively little controversy. The issue of if we should still celebrate Columbus Day is widely discussed. The topic remains important because it concerns fundamental moral and economic questions related to the origin of how Christopher Columbus got his recognition. In my essay I will touch on the ongoing debate of if we should erase Columbus Day as one of our federal holidays. As our young minds are still developing and processing information of our history, which hopefully holds an importance to the American citizens of this great nation, there is a poem taught to children about our history. How does the saying go? Ah, yes! In fourteen hundred ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue… We are taught that Columbus is viewed a valiant adventurer that opened up the worlds eyes by discovering the Americas; on the contrary, he is perceived a symbol of slavery and genocide. His trip to America is often claimed as a voyage of bravery in his attempts to discover new lands and did however lead to the permanent colonization, settlement, political...

Words: 1389 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Race-Ethnicity

...Means to Us” page goes on to elaborate on the broad definition of diversity and that it includes “what’s seen and unseen” and also includes “race, gender, family, sexual orientation, work experience, physical ability, and religion.” The definition of inclusion is listed next which states that they “embrace those differences.” The “Diversity & Inclusion Team” page provides information on what they do. They want to attract a more diverse group of people and create an “inclusive environment that values the differences of its associates and customers.” They state that they promote diversity and use diversity to their advantage which in turn helps their position in the marketplace. A&F trains their management teams in cultural awareness and their associates in cultural norms and customs. The “Initiatives” page gives examples of their trainings they provide in their different areas of the company. “Diversity and Inclusion Week” is an initiative that brings together employees from all over the world to participate in activities to help build their cultural awareness. I was quite surprised to read the...

Words: 1770 - Pages: 8