In Memphis, Tennessee, racial segregation was a grounded part of society and racism thrived in the area. For example, there were no black policemen in the entire city until 1948. This reveals how corrupt the situation is that continues the persecution and minimization of black American's in society. It was not uncommon to see members of the Ku Klux Klan out on the streets and committing microagressions against the black community.
While racism continued on all the way to the 50's, it slowly became clear that the tables were beginning to turn. Starting with Executive order 9981, the order to desegregate the military, minorities began to seize the equality and freedoms endowed by the founding fathers. This order came in 1948 and soon(ish) after came the decision to desegregate schools in 1954. closely followed by the arrest of Rosa Parks, her choice to not give up her bus seat ignited the revolution known as the Civil Rights Movement.
Unfortunately, the Civil Rights movement brought severe backlash. The 1950s and 60s saw a surge in KKK activity including; violence, lynchings, and bombings of black schools and churches. Also, the KKK used the rise in McCarthyism to scapegoat black Americans as seen here:
Sources:
http://www.history.com/topics/ku-klux-klan
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-ushistory/chapter/social-effects-of-the-war/
http://www.history.com/topics/ku-klux-klan
Great job on this post! It's very upsetting to see how even though there were great strides made during this time period, racism and segregation was still deeply rooted in southern society. Desegregation of the military and public schools certainly was a huge step towards equality, however, the attitudes and actions of southern whites did not change for several years to come. I find it puzzling that KKK activity increased as integration took place. Desegregating blacks and whites was a difficult process, but the most difficult part was reversing the racism that the society was built upon. Although our modern society is nowhere near perfect in terms of racial equality, it's great to see the improvement that has taken place over 50 years.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated how direct you were about explaining the severe discrimination that was especially pertinent during the 50s. While the Civil Rights Act of 1964 did ban legal discrimination, I thought you provided great info with the EEO 9981 by Eisenhower desegregating the military as a very important step into reducing the prejudice. Speaking towards the KKK, they actually increased membership based on one crucial factor: the fear that they would be pointed out for the ludicrous behavior and being able to actually have to compete against hardworking black people. It also helped that President Johnson was clear to condemn this terrorist group in 1965 and had multiple Klan members arrested for murdering a white activist too.
ReplyDeleteSource: http://www.history.com/topics/ku-klux-klan