Analysis: The Montgomery Bus Boycott

Prejudices and, more specifically, racial prejudices have been a plague on society for an extensive amount of time. Most believe that the worst of racial prejudices are in the past and that society has moved past them; however, Brent Staples argues that society is nowhere near past these prejudices. Staples argues this through his great use of rhetorical strategies to implement credibility and emotion into his essay. The first strategy that Staples uses to convey his message is his use of credibility to appeal to his audience. This is a very important thing for Staples to do, especially considering the prejudices towards young blacks that he makes sure to point out in his article.

Martin Luther King Jr’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail”, expressed his beliefs and his actions about the Human Rights Movement. Dr. King wanted to end segregation and he also wanted equal rights for everyone, but he was told by the clergyman that the movement was “unwise” and “untimely”. King explained that there will never be a right time for change in this society with bringing equality and justice to us all. Dr. King was told several times to wait, which prolonged his protest and marches. King became frustrated because people were being mistreated and judged everyday based off the color of their skin.

The Civil Rights era was a time of great turmoil and injustice for African Americans, however, Martin Luther King brought forth a tremendous amount of change through his “Letter from Birmingham Jail” and his “I Have a Dream Speech”. Both documents demanded that the unjust treatment of African Americans had to change, as well heavily urged African Americans to remain peaceful and not resort to violence. King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” was an excellent example for demanding change since the primary message of King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” was calling forth white moderates along with the church to no longer sit on the sidelines and allow the injustices on African Americans to continue any further. The “Letter from Birmingham Jail” focused on discussing the morality of the unjust laws created, and differentiates between man-made law and moral law. This was specifically done to show white moderates that civil disobedience was not entirely a negative thing.

Jesse Owens struggled a lot in his life with poverty and segregation, and to but all of that on your back and become a superstar is a lot. It is also worthy for being a hero of change.He wanted change for black people and any people who were treated unfair. Even after the Olympics Jesse Owens was still had to deal with racist people and people he supported segregation in America, after he had to deal with Hitler and his belief on white supremacy, but Jesse Owens just shook them off and lived his life to his fullest and motivated others to do well which also makes him makes a hero of change. In total Jesse Owens had a lot of achievements or accolades that makes him a historical

During the beginning of rock n’ roll, African Americans were trying to gain civil rights causing many conflicts between the music and race. Altschuler does a very good job on incorporating the historical events that took place as rock n’ roll began to emerge such as, Dr. King’s speech, the court case Brown vs. Board of Education, and a major integration at Little Rock Central High School. One of the biggest conflicts was that rock n’ roll music was not supportive of integration and many time criticized to a great extent. Other aspects that were made discussed throughout these two chapters were the different artist and how they did not support their own race and even some would not play at segregated venues, which included Domino and Nat Cole. Artist, such as Ballard, were condemned for the lyrics in their songs that were many times expressive towards sexuality.

Which was one of the many things that helped to kick-start protest? Another way that Dr. King defends nonviolent resistance is by saying in his letter that the lack of fairness or justice among the black community was not equal to the white community. Which was a major reason that Dr.King left Atlanta, Georgia and went to Birmingham which lead to protest. Last but not least Dr. Martin Luther King wanted to defend nonviolent resistance because it was a way to change people 's mind without anger or any sign of aggression. Dr. Martin

The 1950’s was greatly known as an “era of great conflict”, because of the civil rights movement for the African American race. A group of African Americans united and began to fight for their value. They acknowledged that something needed to be done to preserve their culture and privileges. African Americans experienced gruesome judgment during the reconstruction period that eventually drove them to their maximum limit and fostered them to fight back.

Civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and others got tired of the law “separate but equal”. This resulted in African Americans beginning to take action. Civil rights leader started nonviolence protest, marches, and silent sit-ins. The goal of these protests was to promote change for all African Americans. Many dedicated civil rights leaders lost their lives fighting for their rights.

This speech made others aware of these issues and alarmed several supporters of the Civil Rights Movement. Martin Luther King Jr. used his strengths and skills to "point out the hypocrisy of U.S. foreign affairs in view of the sorry domestic state of equality in America " (Knight). This speech was known as the turning point of the Vietnam War. In his speech, he talked about how he wanted the United States to conclude all the bombing of North Vietnam and South Vietnam. Luther was one of the many supporter of President Lyndon Johnson, however, "he became increasingly concerned about U.S. involvement in Vietnam and, as his concerns became more public, his relationship with the Johnson administration deteriorated" (“Martin Luther King, Jr., Speaks out against the War”).

Have you ever been punished so harshly to the point where it makes you rethink what life is really about? Or even question the law as well as the people in the world about their point of view on society? In the story “Letter From Birmingham Jail”, Martin Luther King Jr. criticizes the law & society by enlightening his audience with his letter from jail on how he as well as others was placed in jail due to his nonviolent protest on racism. His brief descriptions on his experience allows his intended readers African Americans, whites, as well as the press to understand the hardships in order to gain the right to freedom. Mr. King specifically indicates the understanding of African Americans, right/reason for equality, and the necessities for acceptance.

The NAACP went to the Federal Court in an attempt to have transportation segregation declared as unconstitutional. The Court ruled in favour of Black people but, Mayor of Montgomery, W A Gayle enacted their right to appeal this to the Supreme Court. Under the name Browder vs Gayle, the supreme court ruled in favour of the blacks, making the boycott a victory. This consequence was achieved because the boycott drove black leaders to initially take this case to the Federal Court. The last consequence that came from the Montgomery bus boycott was it Martin Luther King Jr. the the fore front of the Black Civil rights movement.

It started in the 1960s, Birmingham became one of the most racist cities in America, where segregation was used in law of justice and cultural ethics. Most of the African American faced legal and financial inequality, and violent riots when they attempted to take their problems to court. Birmingham protests began with a boycott against Shuttlesworth and to pressure their business leaders to have an open employment to all races of people. This also meant that they should end segregation on public facilities, restaurants, schools, and stores so that all races become equal. When local business owners and government leaders ignored the boycott, and this is when the SCLC agreed to end segregation.

Overall, going to this event was such a good idea; it opened my eyes to another culture other than my own. I 'm guilty of focusing on myself sometimes that I forget that people in other cultures struggle just as I do, we all have issues, we all have things we face and struggle with on a day to day basis. African Americans have been the victims to injustice for such a long time, coming from slavery and now high levels of incarceration. Understanding how correcting this can actually change history little by little is so important but cannot be done by one person, we all need to come together as one and correct these deep rooted issues that African Americans have been the victims to

The civil rights movement of the last 60 years has been pinnacle in creating the society we know today. Its role was simple. To address the disparities and challenges faced by the African American community. This was no easy feat and the leaders of the movement were met with opposition at every step along the way. This opposition came from not just within the communities they lived in, but from police, law makers and even the religious leaders.