Race vs Class: The Debate

Engl 165-04 Fall '22, Engl 165-16 Fall '22

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I believe that class plays a very important role in society. Many people act differently depending on their social class. Class isn’t limited to solely one person’s financial status, but instead how someone holds themselves. Class still plays a massive role in everyday life. For example, some people are allowed to do certain things because of their class. One of the easiest ways to distinguish people between certain classes is based on money. People of the lower class tend to act differently than those of a higher class. I feel like it is somewhat of a stupid concept if you really think about it. Even though I believe it is stupid, we cannot avoid being put into certain social classes. On the other hand, race is something that you are born into and can be easily distinguished by. Sadly, in some areas, certain races have harder times than other races. I believe that both race and class play way too much of an important role in everyday life. When I meet new people I don’t care what race or class they are, instead, I’m more interested in meeting who I am talking with.

Malcolm X believed all of America’s and Africa’s problems were based on class. I would agree with this. People of higher class tend to have more say in decision-making. This leads the lower class to be told what to do. This happens every day almost everywhere around the world. If we did not have social class I think we would live in a completely different world. When comparing class and race there are many differences. A person cannot change their race, but they can work to change their class. I believe Malcolm X’s strategy to change the topic from race to class was good. Instead of trying to battle a debate regarding race, approaching social class allowed African Americans to prove their worth in America.

 
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How Social Status Affects…

Engl 165-04 Fall '22, Engl 165-16 Fall '22

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I believe history has shown that past government officials time after time set up loopholes for racial inequality. In the 1800s when states were in between being slave states or not, the states that decided not to make laws still shows actions of racism. Free black people pushed for voting rights within the state that they were owed. But, government officials took advantage of their power to create laws such as only allowing men with land or no criminal records the right to vote. Even though they didn’t directly pass laws labeled “Black men can’t vote”, at the time at least, they knew that free black men didn’t have enough money to own land, and they were unable to attain jobs that would grant them high pay. In addition to that, many black men were arrested for petty crimes. The government officials made it impossible for black men to have power. 

In the present day, inequality is present in early childhood opportunities that can pave the road to success. Schooling in low-income communities, communities mainly made up of people of color, offer poor quality education in comparison to schools in high-income areas. 

The article, An End to the Class vs. Race Debate, by Ralph Richard Banks stresses the idea of “ racial disparities in social mobility is economic inequalities in disguise”. The article goes on to explain the economic outcomes of black people in these communities, comparing boys and girls, then comparing them to white people in high-income communities. Putting into perspective the challenges of socio-economics. 

From the 1800s to now, the social status of an individual made up a lot in paving the path for an individual. I do not believe that the communities or families an individual is born into solely determine their future but being born into a community with low-income status bring in many more obstacles to fight through than being born into a community that works in your favor. 

Article link: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/21/opinion/class-race-social-mobility.html

 

 

Is It Class or Race?

Engl 165-04 Fall '22, Engl 165-16 Fall '22

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Is the divide between white Americans and African Americans based on class, or race? Lower, middle, and high-income families determine someone’s class. Back then the divide was based on class. Africans being brought over to America to be used as slaves instilled that they were nothing more than objects. This caused a class divide between slaves and white people. This class divide was brought upon African Americans because of slavery. African Americans were put at a disadvantage from the start in America. They had harder upbringings because their access to education and simple human rights were limited. How is someone supposed to fight for their rights when they have no say? African Americans were put at a financial disadvantage during slavery and even after. They were forced into slavery and had no way of making money. Even after African Americans were free, they were still being underpaid. White people took advantage of the idea of slavery and forced African Americans into it without them having any say. 

In today’s time the issue is more about race. African Americans have rights now and they have a say in who, or what they want to do. Everyone in today’s time can see an African American and realize that they are their own person, and they are entitled to their own opinions. African Americans are still fighting today for equality. The race issue begins with discrimination and how African Americans still face racism. People can recognize African Americans as individuals, but that does not stop racism unfortunately. African Americans still face disparities in America as well. They face healthcare disparities, as well as financial disparities. African Americans are still put at a disadvantage, which is why there are still BLM protest and movements. African Americans face more of a race issue now, rather than a class.

“Race vs. Social Class Essay.” Bartleby, https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Race-vs-Social-Class-F3WSESYTJ#:~:text=THESIS%3A%20Race%20differences%20in%20identity%20and%20social%20position,of%20social%20division%20and%20stratification%20in%20North%20America.%22.

 

 

The Klu Klux Klan. Where Are They Now?

Engl 165-16 Fall '22

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The better known “KKK”, an activist group created in 1885, mostly led by caucasian men,was a group of horrible people who did horrible things to many people and unfortunately still do. This group assembled as racist, hatred fed individuals who covered their faces and bodies in white outfits that could be betrayed as looking like ghosts to hide their identities. In this group the members would target African Americans and beat them and go as far as killing them as well. During the Civil Rights movement countless African Americans were burned, hung, shot, and beaten by this notorious group. Although after the Civil Rights movement brought change and the incidents involving the Klu Klux Klan faded out, does not mean they stopped their actions. In 2017, there was a boost in the membership of this group, according to news articles, nearly more than half of the members came into existence in the past three years. There is not much information found on the activities they are taking part in as of today. Most information says they hold meetings and will wear their “attire” on occasion, but they are not killing like they used to, thankfully. When stepping back and taking a look on the Klan during the Civil Rights movement compared to modern day there are various changes to be seen. In the time of the movement, the Klan was killing, harming or beating African Americans near to death over the movement. Various activist were murdered by the group or if not murdered they were in near death condition, when found after the group was associated with them. This group was horrendous in their gruesome actions but over the years have luckily calmed down. Many laws and organizations are put up against the group today, preventing their actions from proceeding as they once were. Hopefully in the near future there will no longer be the group known as the “Klu Klux Klan.”   

Cited from

Trimble, M. (2017, August 14). KKK groups still active in these states in 2017. U.S. News & World Report. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2017-08-14/the-kkk-is-still-based-in-22-states-in-the-us-in-2017



 
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The Horrors of June 21, 1964

Engl 165-16 Fall '22, March Blog Prompt

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Mickey Schwerner, Andy Goodman, and James Chaney were all civil rights activists who were working on a project for the Congress of Racial Equality, or CORE for short. One of their main goals was to get black people to register to vote in Mississippi. Mickey Schwerner was married to Rita Schwerner Bender who was also a civil rights activist in Mississippi. Before moving to Mississippi, Schwerner led a CORE group in Manhattan and was also helping in trying to desegregate Maryland. Andrew Goodman had grown up in a community that was very big into activism and socially progressive. James Chaney was very big on activism from his teen years and continued into his adulthood. He had been a part of the freedom bus rides that traveled from Tennessee to Mississippi. 

They were attacked by KKK members and were killed while traveling back to Mississippi from Ohio. They were first stopped by a deputy for speeding and once released they continued on their way back to Meridian. The deputy followed them all the way to the county line where he once again pulled them over but instead of taking them into the station he took them to a deserted area. The deputy turned them over to the KKK where they were severely beaten and shot then they were buried and remained undiscovered for over 40 days. They were traveling to a church that had been burned down that they were planning on using as a freedom school. It was as they were returning from the church that they were harassed by the deputy and taken to a secluded area. There were 18 men arrested in regard to their murder yet only ten were actually convicted of anything. None of the men arrested had a trial held for murdering Schwerner, Goodman, and Chaney. 

 

 

Voting Rights

Engl 165-04 Fall '22, Engl 165-16 Fall '22

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Out of all the choices made by the characters in March, I personally think that the choice to get Black Americans to wait in line until they register was the best idea. I think that it was the best because no one died from it and it helped to get the ball rolling more for equal voting rights. It was a good way of showing opposition to segregationist politicians like George Wallace as well. Also, actions like this were an excellent way of saying that the segregationist system was not something that they were willing to live with.

Although at the time when they were planning this it was definitely very risky, the benefits largely outweighed the costs. This is true because if actions were not taken segregationist politicians could have stayed in power for much longer. Not only that but the right to vote is a very important right that should be given equally to all people regardless of race or ethnicity. For example, the right to vote can change the course of history. However, this did come at the possible cost of those standing in line getting hurt or even killed. But even with this possibility I think that without hindsight it was still the right move as there are arguments for voting being a right worth dying for.

With hindsight included it becomes even more of a good idea. Not only did the loopholes to make it very difficult for Black Americans not be able to vote go away but segregation would end due to things like this. Luckily no one died and the goal of getting segregationist politicians out of office would be fulfilled as well. In conclusion, I think that waiting in line to register to vote is one of the best choices made by any character in March.

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Victims of Hate.

Engl 165-04 Fall '22, Engl 165-16 Fall '22

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Three men were brought to the attention of the public when they disappeared near a town named Philadelphia in Mississippi. 

Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman, and James Chaney were victims of heinous murders committed by the Klu Klux Klan. They were targeted because of their involvement in civil right activism. Schwerner and Goodman were members of the Congress of Racial Equality, also known as the CORE. 

Michael Schwerner was not only an activist but was a husband. He was married to Rita Levant, at the time of his death she was attending Queen’s College. He grew up in New York City and was raised by his father and mother, Nathan and Ann Schwerner. 

Like Schwerner, Andrew Goodman was also from New York City. He was the son of Robert Goodman and Carolyn Goodman and the brother of Johnathan and David. At the time of his death, he was still attending college. He died at age 20. 

James Chaney was one of two sons  Fannie Lee and Ben Chaney had. His little brother’s name was Ben, he was only nine years younger than him. Unlike Schwerner and Goodman, Chaney was born in Meridian, Mississippi. 

All three victims had families they were ripped away from. They were ripped away from the opportunity to continue to advocate for civil rights. They were ripped away from their lives by individuals with such heinous intentions. Unfortunately, they are known for their murders but should be recognized for their lives and the impact they were trying to make.

Sources:

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-kkk-kills-three-civil-rights-activistshttps://www.visitmeridian.com/explore/historic-trail-markers/civil-rights/civil-rights-trail-marker-18/https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/freedomsummer-murder/

 
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Who Were They?

Engl 165-04 Fall '22, Engl 165-16 Fall '22

On June 21, 1964, three civil rights workers named Mickey Schwerner, Andy Goodman, and James Chaney were murdered in Neshoba County. The civil rights workers had gone to Neshoba to investigate the burning of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. The Lauderdale County unit, Neshoba County unit, and Ku Klux Klan murdered the three activists, then buried them. Now the real question is who was Mickey Schwerner, Andy Goodman, and James Chaney?
Mickey Schwerner was born on November 6th, 1939, in New York City. Mickey Schwerner was a white Jewish-American civil rights activist. Mickey graduated Cornell University in 1961, and later become a social worker in Manhattan. June 1962 Mickey married Rita Levant and they joined the Congress on Racial Equality the next year together.
Andrew Goodman was born on November 23, 1943, in New York City. Andrew Goodman was a white American civil rights activist. People described Andrew as a smart student with an innate kindness and a strong commitment towards social activism. Andrew’s parents were supporters of equality and social justice which influenced Andrew to become involved in social and political activism at a youthful age. Andrew volunteered to take part in the Freedom Summer campaign to register Black people to vote in Mississippi, where he met James Chaney, and Mickey Schwerner.
James Chaney was born on May 30, 1943, in Meridian, Mississippi. James Chaney’s parents ingrained a keen sense of racial pride into him at an early age. In 1959 James and his friends were suspended from school for wearing buttons that condemned the local chapter of NAACP for not acting on racial issues. Chaney was expelled a year later for a similar incident, then went to work with his father as a plasterer. 1963 Chaney joined the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE).
These three men were murdered for fighting for human rights. Their bodies were recovered from Earthen Dam by the FBI on August 4, 1964. I would join a movement that has great meaning to me, even if it risked my life. I would be sticking up for what I believe in, and what others like me believe in.

    

Michael Schwerner            Andrew Goodman                 James Chaney

Resources: 

  • “James Chaney Fought for Civil Rights – African American Registry.” African American Registry, 2019, aaregistry.org/story/james-chaney-fought-for-civil-rights/.
  • “Andrew Goodman.” Thefamouspeople.com, 2011, www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/andrew-goodman-4617.php.
  • “Michael Schwerner Dared to STAND – African American Registry.” African American Registry, 2011, aaregistry.org/story/michael-schwerner-dared-to-stand/.
  • “The Murder of Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner – MS Civil Rights Project.” Mscivilrightsproject.org, 2019, mscivilrightsproject.org/neshoba/event-neshoba/the-murder-of-chaney-goodman-and-schwerner/.
  • Image- Simkin, John. “Michael Schwerner.” Spartacus Educational, 2016, spartacus-educational.com/USAschwerner.htm.
  • Image- “James Chaney Was One of Three Civil Rights Workers Who Were Killed By…” Getty Images, www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/james-chaney-was-one-of-three-civil-rights-workers-who-were-news-photo/514682504. Accessed 28 Oct. 2022.
  • Image- Birthday, Today. “Andrew Goodman Biography, Age, Weight, Height, Friend, Like, Affairs, Favourite, & Other.” Today Birthday, 10 June 2017, todaybirthday.in/andrew-goodman-biography-age-weight-height-friend-like-affairs-favourite-birthdate-other/. Accessed 28 Oct. 2022.
 
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3 people, 3 deaths

Engl 165-04 Fall '22, Engl 165-16 Fall '22

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Michael (Mickey) Schwerner, Andrew (Andy) Goodman, and James Chaney were all civil rights activists who promoted voting registration among African Americans. Schwerner, James Chaney, and Andrew Goodman, two of his closest friends, traveled to Longdale to visit a Methodist Church that was bombed by the Klu Klux Klan because it was going to be used as a Freedom School. They were then arrested but released later on in the evening. After being released they were walking on the side of the road when they were horribly mobbed, killed, and buried in an earthen dam by the Klu Klux Klan. FBI agents then found their bodies a few days later in the dam at Old Jolly Farm.

Michael Schwerner a white Jewish-American civil rights activist was born in 1939 and killed in 1964. He was married to Rita Levant, both field workers and a part of the Congress on Racial Equality (CORE).  In the summer of 1964, he organized and led Congress on Racial Equality (CORE) to intend to hold classes and drives to register African Americans to vote in the state, which was called Freedom Summer. Schwerner was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Andrew Goodman was also a white Jewish-American civil rights activist and was born in 1943. He wasn’t married but did have a brother named, David. While he was in college he joined Congress on Racial Equality (CORE) and volunteered in the Freedom Summer campaign.

Alike Goodman, James Chaney was born in 1943. When Chaney was 15, him and his friends all wore paper bandages that read “NAACP” (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) showing their support for civil rights organization. In the Congress on Racial Equality (CORE) he organized voter education classes, introduced Congress on Racial Equality (CORE) workers to local church leaders, and helped the workers get around the counties.

One thing I noticed was that two out of these three men were white men just standing up for what they believe in. They were mobbed and murdered not because of their color but for supporting people of color. Personally, I wouldn’t do something that I knew would get me killed just because I’m not the type of person to take huge risks.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Chaney

Michael Schwerner, Activist born

 
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Mickey Schwerner, Andy Goodman, and James Chaney

Engl 165-04 Fall '22, Engl 165-16 Fall '22

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Mickey Schwerner, Andy Goodman, and James Chaney were murdered by Klu Klux Klan members in 1964. They were freedom activists who were riding to Mississippi in reaction to the burning of the Mnt Zion Church. The Klan wanted to kill CORE leader Mickey Schwerner for his devotion to integration in the south. During their ride, they were stopped by fake police. Klan members then murdered Mickey Schwerner and Andy Goodman before beating James Chaney and shooting him. 

It is hard for me to grasp that this level of crime was being organized against racial integration at this time. All three of these people were dedicated to fighting for racial justice. They put their lives on the line for what they believed in. Mickey Schwerner moved his wife closer to Mississippi so he could start his new life working for $9.80 an hour as a social worker. James Chaney was a fifteen-year-old African American boy who join the CORE movement to fight for social justice. He was murdered by Klan members before he could make it to Mt. Zion Methodist Church. Andy Goodman was also a member of CORE and was riding to Mt. Zion Methodist Church. He was shot in the heart by police and the Klu Klux Klan.  

I do not know what I would do in a situation like this. There are many problems going on currently in the world that my peers and I do not react to in the same ways as these three men did. I do not know if I would risk my life for something I thought was so much bigger than me. I feel like sometimes my actions will never affect the bigger picture of any huge problem. I do respect them though for their brave actions and dedication to social justice.

 
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