The Harlem Renaissance influenced the American culture greatly. The Harlem Renaissance was one of the first movements that created an opportunity for the White culture to appreciate the Black culture. For example, the Jazz movement came forth from the Harlem renaissance. Jazz and blues musicians such emerged to create black culture integration into the white culture. In particular, provided the Black race awareness of the racial and socioeconomic problems of Black.
Moreover, the civil rights movement was the movement in which Blacks empowered themselves to fight for social and economic equality in America. Essentially, it was attempt to successfully integrate the Black race into the incredible White dominated social structure.
In 1955, a young man by the name of Emmett Till was found brutally beaten, shot in the head and thrown in a river near Money, Mississippi. The 14-year-old boy from Chicago, Illinois made a pass at a white woman in a store. When the White men of the town heard wind of this, they made strides to kill the young boy. However, the boy’s death was not in vain, as it was one of the events that sparked the beginning of the Civil Right’s movement. The tragedy of the boy’s death brought together civil right’s activists all over. Before this African American studies class, I had never heard of this tragic event. I was very saddened that such an event ever occurred. However, this history is the sad reality of the American past. Although the history is gruesome, it is important that we continue to learn about these events in order to gain a better understanding of what the civil rights movement was and how it affects our daily lives today.
The SNCC was established in the 1960’s as the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee. Originally, this committee was set up fro sit-in’s and freedom rides. However, as the 1970’s drew closer, the committee changed their names to the Student National Coordinating Committee in order to satisfy the changing environment of the civil right’s movement. Since the climate of the civil right’s movement was changing from non-violent protests to more violent tactics, the committee changed their philosophies to match the volatile environment of the movement.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Privileges
For this assignment, it was easier for me to notice the privileges of the white man. As a Hispanic female, I face gender and racial misconceptions every single day. Below is my list of privileges that are experienced every day by either men or someone of a different race of mine.
1) A white male can be assured to be taken seriously at a car dealership/ auto repair shop, where as a woman might just be there with her “dad” or a “boyfriend”
2) I might have difficulty finding a Latino history class where as African American studies and Native American histories are offered.
3)People might find it strange when I walk into a bank and make a deposit for a $1,000 dollars. This would most certainly be different if I was a man.
4)I can use the same hair care products offered for white people where as African Americans might have more difficulty finding an acceptable selection.
5)A male gets to keep his last name while society might find it strange if a woman does not want to take his last name after marriage.
6)Successful white members of a society are the norm while a Hispanic female might get labeled as a “success story”.
7)The White race has always seen their history in textbooks while Hispanics, Blacks and Native American’s have always had to ask about theirs.
8) White man never “invaded” the New World; However, Hispanics who wish to come to the United States today are considered “invading”.
9) Males are allowed to swear, where as if a woman were to, it would be considered crude and un-lady like.
10) Males can play the field until they are older and get hip labels such as “bachelor” or “playboy”, where as if a woman were to do this, she would be labeled as “spinster” “cougar” or “old-maid”.
11)White people have the privilege of always speaking their native tongue everyday while others of a different race may not have such an opportunity.
12) Because I have an opinion, I am labeled as a “pistol” or a “sassy” female. A man would simply be considered “strong willed”.
13) Males can be bad drivers without it being accredited to their gender. If I make a mistake while driving it’s because “women don’t know how to drive”.
14) Males are supposed to play sports. If women play too many sports, she may be considered “butch” or a lesbian.
15)The only holiday many White People may know about my race is Cinco de Mayo (NO! It is not Mexican Independence Day!), while I know most of the holidays and meanings of their culture.
16)It may be hard for a Black or White person to name a famous Latino political activist, while it would be very easy for me to name several leaders of their races.
17) If a woman speaks out for her gender she might be considered “militant” or a “raging feminist”. On the other hand, a man might be considered “a man’s man” or macho.
18)Because I might have more liberal ideas, it is because I am young, inexperienced or economically challenged.
19)A white male might only have to prove himself once, where as a Black or Hispanic man might have to prove himself twice so that his shortcomings are not attributed to his race.
20) Whites are expected to know only English, whereas a Hispanic who might not know Spanish is not considered "Hispanic enough".
Writing this list evoked a lot of thought these past couple of days. There are many privileges that I experience everyday that I may not have realized yet. However, as time passes I will study myself more closely.
1) A white male can be assured to be taken seriously at a car dealership/ auto repair shop, where as a woman might just be there with her “dad” or a “boyfriend”
2) I might have difficulty finding a Latino history class where as African American studies and Native American histories are offered.
3)People might find it strange when I walk into a bank and make a deposit for a $1,000 dollars. This would most certainly be different if I was a man.
4)I can use the same hair care products offered for white people where as African Americans might have more difficulty finding an acceptable selection.
5)A male gets to keep his last name while society might find it strange if a woman does not want to take his last name after marriage.
6)Successful white members of a society are the norm while a Hispanic female might get labeled as a “success story”.
7)The White race has always seen their history in textbooks while Hispanics, Blacks and Native American’s have always had to ask about theirs.
8) White man never “invaded” the New World; However, Hispanics who wish to come to the United States today are considered “invading”.
9) Males are allowed to swear, where as if a woman were to, it would be considered crude and un-lady like.
10) Males can play the field until they are older and get hip labels such as “bachelor” or “playboy”, where as if a woman were to do this, she would be labeled as “spinster” “cougar” or “old-maid”.
11)White people have the privilege of always speaking their native tongue everyday while others of a different race may not have such an opportunity.
12) Because I have an opinion, I am labeled as a “pistol” or a “sassy” female. A man would simply be considered “strong willed”.
13) Males can be bad drivers without it being accredited to their gender. If I make a mistake while driving it’s because “women don’t know how to drive”.
14) Males are supposed to play sports. If women play too many sports, she may be considered “butch” or a lesbian.
15)The only holiday many White People may know about my race is Cinco de Mayo (NO! It is not Mexican Independence Day!), while I know most of the holidays and meanings of their culture.
16)It may be hard for a Black or White person to name a famous Latino political activist, while it would be very easy for me to name several leaders of their races.
17) If a woman speaks out for her gender she might be considered “militant” or a “raging feminist”. On the other hand, a man might be considered “a man’s man” or macho.
18)Because I might have more liberal ideas, it is because I am young, inexperienced or economically challenged.
19)A white male might only have to prove himself once, where as a Black or Hispanic man might have to prove himself twice so that his shortcomings are not attributed to his race.
20) Whites are expected to know only English, whereas a Hispanic who might not know Spanish is not considered "Hispanic enough".
Writing this list evoked a lot of thought these past couple of days. There are many privileges that I experience everyday that I may not have realized yet. However, as time passes I will study myself more closely.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Questions.Reflections
1. The NAACP served to bring together the struggle to overcome the many issues that plagued African Americans. After the end of slavery, many Blacks were on the receiving end of harsh treatment as well as malicious acts of hate. The NAACP formed in order to promote justice among all colored races. By working primarily through legal actions, the NAACP has made great strides in becoming a large proponent of Black rights. For example, the NAACP has been behind many court cases that have had dynamic effects for Black rights ( Brown vs. Board of Education, Guinn vs. United States….etc).
2. Specifically, the Oklahoma NAACP made news in a landmark case that admitted the first African American into the law school here at the University of Oklahoma. In 1948, the NAACP’s case Sipuel v. Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma forced integration on the University of Oklahoma Law School. Just two years later in 1950, the NAACP struck again in a case of segregation that was ruled by the Supreme Court as illegal. This ruling ended all segregation at the University of Oklahoma and a huge victory for African Americans all around.
3. In many ways, the legal movement was a helpful tool along side sit in’s, the Montgomery Bus boycotts and other forms of protest. Specifically, the NAACP helped to gather a case for Brown vs. Board of Education. In this landmark case, Brown’s victory overturned the “separate but equal” doctrine that was implemented in Plessy vs. Ferguson. It was these landmark cases that created more leeway for Blacks to gain more civil rights. By creating these historical legal work, the NAACP helped pave the way for the Civil Right’s Laws that we now have today.
4. By creating such landmark litigation, the NAACP has changed the lives of African Americans today. Were it not for these court decisions, the African American race may still be at the feet of the white men. The NAACP shed light on a problem that was far stretching, and in some ways, it still is. However, the legal actions of the NAACP have changed the aesthetic of our society for the better. The African American experience is a much more agreeable way of living than it might have been in the 1800’s up until the 1950’s.
5. Reconstruction began after the Union defeated the South and won the Civil War. Not only was the war-torn country in need of a face life, but the social shambles that lay after the abolishment of slavery still needed to be addressed. While many legal implementations were initiated (for example, The Freedman’s Bureau, 13th, 14th & 15th amendments), the social stigma of former slaves followed African Americans for years. Not only that, but the all repressive government also overlooked former Black slaves when it came to disbursement of land. Essentially, without land, Blacks had no legal or economical power, as many were forced to return to their white owners to beg for work. The social implications after the civil war and the abolishment of slavery were far greater that the difficulty of passing laws to give equal rights to Blacks. Many people took matters into their own hands and simply refused to hire Blacks. The punishment for breaking said laws were not as strictly enforced as they should have been.
6. Today, the NAACP still works hard to fight for equal rights for Blacks. In 2007, the NAACP filed landmark lawsuits against the biggest sub prime rate mortgage companies amid the United States financial crisis. Moreover, they are major proponents for improving Black education as well as better funding for inner city schools.
7. After hearing our speakers, I believe that I have a better understanding of the history of the Black struggle. To me, I never understood that the Black population took on the mentality of “living a life of struggle” (especially in the 1960’s). After supplementing my reading with our speakers, I am truly amazed at the legal intricacies that have worked their ways into laws. The NAACP has truly changed the lives of so many Black citizens today. Learning about the Ada Sipuel case was especially rewarding since it happened right here in Oklahoma. It inspires me to know that somebody with drive and unwavering convictions was able to change the history of an entire race. I feel very rewarded to know that I am a part of that history just by participating in this African American Studies class.
Sources:
1)http://naacpriverside.wordpress.com/2007/07/14/today-the-naacp-filed-an-historic-lawsuit-against-mortgage-lenders-alleging-racial-discrimination/
2)http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/N/NA001.html
3) http://www.africanaonline.com/orga_naacp.htm
4) Introduction to Black Studies, 160-168
2. Specifically, the Oklahoma NAACP made news in a landmark case that admitted the first African American into the law school here at the University of Oklahoma. In 1948, the NAACP’s case Sipuel v. Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma forced integration on the University of Oklahoma Law School. Just two years later in 1950, the NAACP struck again in a case of segregation that was ruled by the Supreme Court as illegal. This ruling ended all segregation at the University of Oklahoma and a huge victory for African Americans all around.
3. In many ways, the legal movement was a helpful tool along side sit in’s, the Montgomery Bus boycotts and other forms of protest. Specifically, the NAACP helped to gather a case for Brown vs. Board of Education. In this landmark case, Brown’s victory overturned the “separate but equal” doctrine that was implemented in Plessy vs. Ferguson. It was these landmark cases that created more leeway for Blacks to gain more civil rights. By creating these historical legal work, the NAACP helped pave the way for the Civil Right’s Laws that we now have today.
4. By creating such landmark litigation, the NAACP has changed the lives of African Americans today. Were it not for these court decisions, the African American race may still be at the feet of the white men. The NAACP shed light on a problem that was far stretching, and in some ways, it still is. However, the legal actions of the NAACP have changed the aesthetic of our society for the better. The African American experience is a much more agreeable way of living than it might have been in the 1800’s up until the 1950’s.
5. Reconstruction began after the Union defeated the South and won the Civil War. Not only was the war-torn country in need of a face life, but the social shambles that lay after the abolishment of slavery still needed to be addressed. While many legal implementations were initiated (for example, The Freedman’s Bureau, 13th, 14th & 15th amendments), the social stigma of former slaves followed African Americans for years. Not only that, but the all repressive government also overlooked former Black slaves when it came to disbursement of land. Essentially, without land, Blacks had no legal or economical power, as many were forced to return to their white owners to beg for work. The social implications after the civil war and the abolishment of slavery were far greater that the difficulty of passing laws to give equal rights to Blacks. Many people took matters into their own hands and simply refused to hire Blacks. The punishment for breaking said laws were not as strictly enforced as they should have been.
6. Today, the NAACP still works hard to fight for equal rights for Blacks. In 2007, the NAACP filed landmark lawsuits against the biggest sub prime rate mortgage companies amid the United States financial crisis. Moreover, they are major proponents for improving Black education as well as better funding for inner city schools.
7. After hearing our speakers, I believe that I have a better understanding of the history of the Black struggle. To me, I never understood that the Black population took on the mentality of “living a life of struggle” (especially in the 1960’s). After supplementing my reading with our speakers, I am truly amazed at the legal intricacies that have worked their ways into laws. The NAACP has truly changed the lives of so many Black citizens today. Learning about the Ada Sipuel case was especially rewarding since it happened right here in Oklahoma. It inspires me to know that somebody with drive and unwavering convictions was able to change the history of an entire race. I feel very rewarded to know that I am a part of that history just by participating in this African American Studies class.
Sources:
1)http://naacpriverside.wordpress.com/2007/07/14/today-the-naacp-filed-an-historic-lawsuit-against-mortgage-lenders-alleging-racial-discrimination/
2)http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/N/NA001.html
3) http://www.africanaonline.com/orga_naacp.htm
4) Introduction to Black Studies, 160-168
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Beyonce
As I have begun African American studies, I have begun to notice the vast influence that Black people have brought to America. It wasn’t that I didn’t recognize it, but I did not appreciate it on the same level that I do. In particular, Beyonce Knowles has captured my attention.
Beyonce is a not only a female, but also an African American icon. I have always admired Beyonce for the strong messages of empowerment that she sends to women all around. She is beautiful, strong, smart and dignified. She is one of the few idols that we can admire in Hollywood today.
Before I took African American studies, I never realized how important people like Beyonce are to not only important to the African American sector, but to a broad culture as a whole. As a Black female, Beyonce can show her sense of empowerment through her ability to overcome societal setbacks. As a Black woman, she has to overcome the prejudices that happen for both African Americans and females.
As a Hispanic woman, I realize daily struggles that result from racial and gender prejudices. It gives me hope to see an African American woman who has created so much positive energy within the African American population. Moreover, my respect for her as a female is just as abundant as gender inequality is a pressing issue as well.
It is very rewarding to see the Black community in a different light. It amazes me to know that 50 years go, African Americans were not even allowed to go to school with white citizens. Now, we have elected the first African American president. Beyonce Knowles is just one of the many success stories to come out of Black history. I am very excited to learn more about African American history and to see what other accomplishments African Americans have yet to achieve.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
My Sunday afternoon was spent watching Superbowl XLIII. I wasn’t into the game since I am not a big NFL buff, but I figured that the spectacle would be worth watching for the conversation, if not for the commercials.
I showered and arrived late at my guy friend’s apartment. There was an entire buffet line of food from M&M’s to chips and dip. To my diet’s dismay, all rhyme and reason flew out the door as I picked up a Styrofoam plate and began to mound food onto my platter. Before long, I was happily munching away on delicious food while enjoying good friends and laughter.
The entire game was rather exciting, even though I had no deep sentiments for either team. It is always a spectacle to watch the oversized men crush each other in the name of home entertainment. Forgive me for my cynicism, I just know that I would never want to be on the other side of those tackles.
The Superbowl was a great way to relax and enjoy good company. However, I must sidetrack myself to discuss how disappointed I was with this years commercial line up. I suppose the economic crisis that America is facing has produced a ripple affect that has caused all institutions to falter in some aspects. But GET IT TOGETHER PEOPLE… the Superbowl advertisements are specifically designed to maintain viewer-ship regardless of the game. As an Advertising major, I was appalled at the strikingly dull commercials that lacked the imagination of years passed. Perhaps the economic crisis has dismayed ad execs and caused the creativity to disintegrate. Whatever the case may be, something must be done.
I know that I may not be an ad exec just yet, but I know that viewers will not tune in to future super bowls if the ads that were run this year is all they have to look forward to. We need to relive the imagination in ads of years passed that gave viewers a laugh or two. Those same ads were what made the Superbowl commercials so famous.
edit..... I did not know the free blog assignments still had to correlate to AfAm studies. So, I am adding a segment to satisfy the requirements :).
As I watched the Superbowl, I must admit that I marveled at all the talent of the players. However, I noticed that many of the players on both teams were African Americans. I think that African Americans have contributed so much to our sports teams today. Their raw talents and physical capabilities have captured the hearts of those who watch them play.
As I watched the football game, I thought back to other great African American athletes. My mind pored over the greats such as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Hank Aaron and others. Earlier days did not even allow African American to compete in many sports. Now, African Americans dominate large portions of the sports entertainment world.
With the election of President Barack Obama, I believe that the United States is moving towards equality for all. Sports is just one step African Americans have taken in order to assert their equality in our society. I am proud that the people of America have decided that race is no longer a barrier, but a difference that should be celebrated.
I showered and arrived late at my guy friend’s apartment. There was an entire buffet line of food from M&M’s to chips and dip. To my diet’s dismay, all rhyme and reason flew out the door as I picked up a Styrofoam plate and began to mound food onto my platter. Before long, I was happily munching away on delicious food while enjoying good friends and laughter.
The entire game was rather exciting, even though I had no deep sentiments for either team. It is always a spectacle to watch the oversized men crush each other in the name of home entertainment. Forgive me for my cynicism, I just know that I would never want to be on the other side of those tackles.
The Superbowl was a great way to relax and enjoy good company. However, I must sidetrack myself to discuss how disappointed I was with this years commercial line up. I suppose the economic crisis that America is facing has produced a ripple affect that has caused all institutions to falter in some aspects. But GET IT TOGETHER PEOPLE… the Superbowl advertisements are specifically designed to maintain viewer-ship regardless of the game. As an Advertising major, I was appalled at the strikingly dull commercials that lacked the imagination of years passed. Perhaps the economic crisis has dismayed ad execs and caused the creativity to disintegrate. Whatever the case may be, something must be done.
I know that I may not be an ad exec just yet, but I know that viewers will not tune in to future super bowls if the ads that were run this year is all they have to look forward to. We need to relive the imagination in ads of years passed that gave viewers a laugh or two. Those same ads were what made the Superbowl commercials so famous.
edit..... I did not know the free blog assignments still had to correlate to AfAm studies. So, I am adding a segment to satisfy the requirements :).
As I watched the Superbowl, I must admit that I marveled at all the talent of the players. However, I noticed that many of the players on both teams were African Americans. I think that African Americans have contributed so much to our sports teams today. Their raw talents and physical capabilities have captured the hearts of those who watch them play.
As I watched the football game, I thought back to other great African American athletes. My mind pored over the greats such as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Hank Aaron and others. Earlier days did not even allow African American to compete in many sports. Now, African Americans dominate large portions of the sports entertainment world.
With the election of President Barack Obama, I believe that the United States is moving towards equality for all. Sports is just one step African Americans have taken in order to assert their equality in our society. I am proud that the people of America have decided that race is no longer a barrier, but a difference that should be celebrated.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)