Mr. Shawn
AMST History, Period 1
20 January 2012
Civil Rights Movement
Throughout the whole unit of the Civil Rights Movement, I've learned quite a lot from it. To give you a little idea about this topic, think about the slogan at this time, "We Shall Overcome." I believe that we've learned how to stand up for our rights. Just like the time of the March on Washington, millions of people protested (for high unemployment rates for African-Americans, school integration, and violence against civil rights activists). Another example would be the Gay Liberation Movement. The gays didn't care what people thought about them, they just wanted acceptance. They're proud of who they are, and strongly walked out to a Gay Pride Parade to protest. In life, when people doesn't accept who you are, you shouldn't back down from it, then. You need to show the crowd who you are NOW, and stand up for yourself NOW. It starts NOW.
Everyday, America, and everywhere else, still struggle with plenty of issues when it comes to equality and equity. One of the common issue would be racism. During the time of the Asian-American Movement, they were to being pointed at because of their race. African-American, Mexicans, and Whites would wonder why the Asian-Americans came to America living here so easily, and well-educated. Everyone would assumed every single asian was 'smart.' Nothing has changed much from this time of period. Up until today, this is still happening NOW. Asians are still being stereotyped as the smart ones (a.k.a. 'nerds'). What I believe, is that in order to put this to an end, the Asian-Americans should stand up and protest NOW. Simply that, or this stereotyped will be continued for years. If it doesn't start NOW, than certain people will never have their opportunities to show who they truly are.
There are many connections to the present, from the events and ideas of the Civil Rights Movement. Malcolm X is a perfect example in this case. In one of his speeches (in 1964), he said, "I'm nonviolent with those who are nonviolent with me. But when you drop that violence on me, than you've made me go insane, and I'm not responsible for what I do. And that's the way every Negro should get." Malcolm believed that violence was the answer, depending on the situations. This is how it connects to the present NOW. People are often getting bullied here and there, because in their mind, they think violence solves everything -- it does not. Violence happens everywhere you go. What's terrible about this is that it's not a big deal to the society anymore, because it happens so often. If only our society would think like Martin Luther King, violence would not be the answer. Our world would be one peaceful place, NOW.
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