Chapter+4

Chapter 4

It would seem the beginning of chapter four paints the rather bleak reality for African-Americans in the south in the first half of the 20th century. It seemed that until after WWII southern culture was entrenched in maintaining a status quo based upon white power. However, southern oppression of blacks actually led to breakthroughs in terms of freedom for African-Americans in the south.

Some primary reasons African-Americans began to move closer to equality in the south: 1) Segregated education actually helped promote equality as it allowed some African-Americans a unoppresive opportunity to flourish intellectually 2) World War II required that African-Americans take jobs in industry that were not available in the past 3) Technology flourished allowing for communication (radio, tv, advertising, newspapers, etc) to sprawl into even the backcountry south (from maybe more metropolitan progressive areas in the north) thus making the culture of mistreatment towards blacks in the south less acceptable 4) This is nothing but my own theory...but anyone think it is possible that the Nazi's attitude towards multiple groups in Europe possibly sparked something in Americans to consider their own oppresive ways? Maybe a stupid idea...but something that crossed my mind when reading this.

Despite the change in attitude change in policy was slow to the uptake as the "blue bloods" in southern politics were not interested in changing the way the south operated. Similar to previous eras discussed in class...society was looking to maintain itself.

How does this segregated life affect education (anyone feel that we are learning nothing new in chapter 4 so far?):

"In schools for whites, more public funds were spent, school terms were longer, teacher were better paid and usually better prepared, and more was expended on physical facilities than in schools for blacks" (Ravitch, 121).

Plessy-Ferguson allowed for separate as long as things were equal....obviously not the case...I think white southerners in places like S.Carolina (gross negligence to African-American students) would argue that African-Americans needed to take responsibility for their own schools, however, the system was not set up to truly allow that to happen...all the power and money was in white hands...thus...African-Americans would need to rely on whites to contribute to their schools (white students were receiving 3 to 1 in terms of money for schools).

"Sweatt and McLarin" court rulings Essentially decided that a white law school in Texas had to accept blacks as the all black alternative was not up to par to the primary white school (Ravitch mentions that this is one of the first times a southern government is actually taking the equal part seriously).

Brown versus the Board of Education Not only ridded America (not completely) of segregation in schools...but actually took a vocal stand that education was essential to a child's success in life.

Political power plays end chapter 4 as Brown vs. Board II allows southern governments to desegregate slowly and in their own manner....well come on...Plessy vs. Ferguson was supposed to be separate but equal...of course that did not happen....so essentially the Supreme Court felt the moral obligation to call for desegregation...but did not have the stones to force it upon southern culture.

Other Legislation that comes from Brown.....