Essay On Boyle's Speech To The Naacp

On November 7, 1954, a white woman by the name of “Patty” stood in front of an NAACP meeting in Virginia to proclaim that the struggles of Black Americans to integrate were not as difficult as they appeared. Boyle was a controversial figure not only for her “radical” views, but also for how she approached addressing prejudice in the South. As a staunch integrationist voice, she exhibited a compelling rhetorical style that prompted discussion about race relations among her white peers. Though her relentless activism contributed to changing attitudes around integration, Boyle’s perspective as a white woman limited her pragmatism. Boyle’s speech to the NAACP highlights the advantages and shortcomings of the unique role that white individuals play

I don’t think that’s fair, do you?” There was a long pause, then the reply: “No, I don’t. I’m going to think about that. Goodbye—and thank you” (Houck and Dixon 14). Boyle employs multiple narratives similar to this one, in which a white Southerner is confronted with the idea that their racist ideology is unfounded and proceeds to reevaluate their perspective. Her argument is based on the logic that because white Southerners have been raised with false notions of Black Americans, presenting counternarratives that dispel these beliefs will change their attitudes against integration. While Boyle presents many examples of success under this idea, her sample size consists mainly of her peers: educated, upper-middle-class white Southerners. The flaw in her logic is that Boyle assumes that her experiences with this sect of the white population can be easily applied to the entire white South. Boyle’s identity inhibits her ability to fully grasp the realities of racial tensions in the

Still, her unwavering idealism served as a symbol to the NAACP for the potential future of race relations. Reverend Benjamin Bunn stated that her voice “demonstrated white willingness to recognize blacks as equals” (Dierenfield 274). Boyle concludes her speech with two noteworthy elements: a call to action and a prayer. She tells the NAACP to “regard [themselves] as goodwill ambassadors to the majority group,” encouraging them to participate in public activities with white Southerners to foster fellowship and counter racist stereotypes. This goal falls in line with her overall strategy of challenging prejudice with knowledge and experience. However, Boyle fails to recognize the reality that prejudice runs deep and this may put Black citizens in danger no matter how “upstanding” they are. Once again, her position clouds her ability to understand the standpoint of her audience. Boyle proceeds to end her speech with the peace prayer, asking God: “Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith.” The use of prayer in her advocacy reflects her religious upbringing, particularly her experience of reconciling racial separation with Christian values of love and