The Civil Rights Movement In James Baldwin's Native Son

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The civil rights movement was a significant race movement in United States History. African Americans fought for their rights before, but this time they stood their ground. They challenged the government and American citizens’ idea of freedom. Subsequently, civil rights activists challenged the government and American citizens views on freedom. Therefore, in order for African Americans to be free, activists had to make them see things from their point of view. Activists utilized American views to make them look at the racial inequality in the United States. There are many cases where civil rights activists put America on the hot seat. Writers like James Baldwin painted a picture of black America for his white counterparts. In addition, events …show more content…

Baldwin writes about his personal experience “American freedom” and how it made him question it. He conveys his feelings towards racism. He shares his stories of race riots and beatings he received on the account of his race. White Americans could eat at the nice restaurants and he constantly heard “We don’t serve Negroes here” ( Baldwin, Native Son,p.594). One night he was cut because he went to a diner he was not suppose to go to. How is this freedom? Can one America go as they please while the other lives in fear? Baldwin illustrates this is not freedom and tells America about his experiences. It is not a beautiful picture, but it one step closer to showing people his plight and making America and the government evaluate …show more content…

According to Foner, “Police chief Eugene “Bull” Connor unleashed his forces against thousands of young marchers. The images, broadcast on television, thousands of children being assaulted with nightsticks, high pressure fire hoses, and attack dogs produced a wave of revulsion throughout the world” (Foner, Give Me Liberty, p.772). This event got international attention. The world questioned the United States stance on freedom. America preached equality to other nations, but did not practice what they preached. President John F. Kennedy did not respond to the civil rights movement at first (he was focused on containing communism) had to turn his attention to his own nation (he outlawed discrimination in all public places). Freedom was more than democracy, but it was equality for all

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