When reflecting on the documentary we watched last week, I noticed a few overarching themes that encompassed the strategies of the Black Civil Rights Movement. These themes seem to be united under nonviolence, sacrifices, and appeal to the public. For example, Martin Luther King, Jr’s approach to the movement came in the form of nonviolent protests; he also appealed to the masses through his well-known “I Have a Dream” speech. This strategy of inspiring his supporters to make change and encouraging them to break the law was effective. We can also see a similar strategy among the Freedom riders, who were blacks and whites who rode the greyhound buses together. Although a handful of them died at the hands of people who opposed the Black Civil Rights Movement, the message they sent to the public was that the Freedom riders, among many others, were willing to give their lives for what they believed in. Finally, many events relating to the Black Civil Rights Movement were broadcast on television and the media, so that they would reach an even broader audience and spread awareness of the movement.
We should keep in mind what we have learned from past civil rights movements, such as the effective and proven strategies utilized by Black Civil Rights activists, and apply those to present-day issues. Minority, LGBT+, and women's rights have not completely been achieved yet, not in the federal government nor everyday society. Our country has a long way to go before we achieve equal rights and representation for people from all walks of life.
I agree that while some progress has been made, we haven't achieved full equality for everyone. Many agree that our newest president isn't exactly trying to create equal rights, and at the same time, people are protesting. Do you think that people will get more/less/the same amount of rights through the combination of the president and the people? Will one overturn the other? Do they lock each other in a standstill?
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