Setting my Sights on Civil Rights

After weeks of studying about the Civil Rights Movement, there were many things that I found out that influenced and shaped what America is today. From learning about Brown vs. Board of Education, where it stated that "seperate is not equal", to listening to a clip of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, these events expanded my knowledge of ending injustice. One of the events that affected me the most was D Day, where African American children fought for their rights, not only for themselves, but for their parents. What I learned about this was that anyone can fight for their rights, regardless of age, when they truly believe that they deserve it. I thought that these kids, the "secret weapons", were really courageous marching into jail, and more importantly, still marching when being targeted at by fire hoses and police dogs. Another lesson that learned during this period was that different styles of speaking can influence and convince certain people. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X's speeches are perfect examples of viewing a certain way to speak towards an audience. Martin Luther King's booming voice focused more on overcoming discrimination by non-violence, and used imagery and metaphors to implant a vision "over the mountain" in the audience's mind. Malcolm X, on the other hand, focused more on "swinging than singing"; his words were bringing the humor out of people that made them laugh. The Civil Rights Movement was a major step in bringing the people of America together to conquer discrimination and racism.

But of course, America right now is not perfect. We face different struggles that are still going around, ones that we thought would never show up again. One major factor that's still with us is racism, people all over the country thinking that they're more superior than another race. Even though there were many acts in limiting racism, we still see some kind of form of it. Institutional racism and the white flight are ones that most people barely see, yet it may be happening right in front of them. Another struggle is equality and equity across the nation. For example, building elevators at schools ONLY for the disabled? Is that really equal? As we can see, it's hard solving these kind of problems and trying to give fairness to everybody.

There are many great things that came out of the Civil Rights Era. Our schools are no longer segregated, African Americans have the right to vote, and non-violent protests are what most people use today to prove their point. Despite the problems we still face today, America has grown into a much better place than it was 60 years ago. The Civil Rights Movement still influence people into speaking out and fighting for their beliefs; whether it's LGBT or animal rights. This movement really affected America into becoming a land of freedom, and hopefully it will carry on to future generations.

The Movement That Led to Improvement

Learning about the Civil Rights Movement has taught me more than just what happened. The Civil Rights Movement taught me that teamwork can lead to success, even against something as concrete and intimidating as a law itself. Every action, march, speech and gathering served a purpose in ending the injustice of segregation, and every individual played a part in the movement. One of the most memorable and iconic events that is associated with the Civil Rights Movement is Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech that he delivered during the March on Washington. Another lesson that I learned is that the youth is capable of more than many people think. During "D-Day," it was the kids that went out and fought for their beliefs, facing imprisonment with a smile on their face, and getting sprayed with a fire hose with no fear. I also learned that violence is not the only way to achieve something. The Freedom Riders merely sat on a bus and were able to spread the word about segregation, without resorting to violence. The Civil Rights Movement was a colossal leap towards a fairer country.

Despite the success that the Civil Rights Movement had, we still struggle with injustice and discrimination today. While we face some unfair treatment of minority races, some of the major focus and conflict has been on GLBT rights. Some forms of unfair treatment of the GLBT community is the debate over Proposition 8 and the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, both of which limit the rights of the homosexual community. Discrimination against other groups of people also exist, such as the achievement gap between different races, a form of institutional racism. Other forms of racial discrimination are hate crimes against certain groups of people, and affirmative action, which causes unfairness by attempting to be fair. While the Civil Rights Movement was progressive, there is still a lot to be done in order to achieve national equity.

The Civil Rights Movement was a crucial and memorable part of United States history. The events and their consequences have led to equal learning opportunities, due to Brown v. Board of Education, and allowed us to be a united school of diverse races. Having African Americans lead large groups of people has led to a change that has not occurred before, an African American president was chosen to lead the whole nation. The use of nonviolent protest that was used before and during the Civil Rights Movement still continues to be used today as well. Present day events have been influenced by such an inspiring movement.

The Civil Rights for the Non-Whites...

A lot can be taken from the Civil Rights Movement. Racism, equality, equity, and living together are the biggest lessons learned. By learning these lessons we have come a lot further as people who live in peace. Although their is still a lot of violence based on race, their is a lot less then when before the Civil Rights Movement happened. The Civil Rights movement made us come together because whites were helping blacks ans blacks were coming together to fight the prejudice whites. Without the Civil Rights Movement blacks would still be separated from whites and the United States would be permanently segregated.

Racial violence, hate crimes, and gang violence are all examples of equality. People put themselves above others based on the color of their skin, wealth, looks, and even weight. Hate crimes happen because one race thinks they are superior then another which causes violence when the second race fights out against the first race. Equitable problems are on the same level. A poor person is not going to have as fair a treatment in life as a billionaire. Not just based on money but based on things like job interviews, healthcare, and academics. The billionaire will be picked over the poor person because the poor person can't be on the same level as the billionaire, creating unequitable circumstances.

The Civil Rights movement changed the lives of all Americans. The qualities of equality and equity of the Civil Rights Movement are still upheld today. Blacks and whites are for the most part have fair treatment. A person can't be turned down for a job because they are black or because they are white. So the racism doesnt interfere with a persons opportunities which were with held during the Civil Rights Movement. But now blacks and whites can now have the same treatment due to the Civil Rights Movement.

Civil Rights Movement: Reflection

There are things I learned following the Civil Rights Movement about lessons learned in the process. For example, people cannot change what others think, but at the same time they can change how they act. Therefore, their actions will change the way they think. Also, people are their own downfall. Our forefathers brought African- Americans here. Yet, we blame them for being here. They are part of the history of the greatest nation in the world. But we hated and despised them and still do and for years the "United" States went nowhere. People realized that this was an obstacle that they themselves needed to find a way through, as opposed to jumping over it or going around. America still struggles when it comes to equity and equality.

During Dr. King's speech many hearts and minds were touched. He focused on the future and how our possibilities to get there as a nation were endless. Many people were convinced, white and black. But some still wanted segregation. Activists like Dr. King sparked the decisions of the government to change laws that were pro-segregation, such as the Jim Crow Laws. These laws changed how people were treated, for example, by making public places and accommodations necessary for intergrated uses, regardless of race and color. Soon enough people started to accept the fact that they had to be intergrated and forget about their hatred toward blacks.

America's struggle to acheive equity and equality still balances our lack of accepting differences in all its forms. "Equality is not synonomous with equity and, thus, rather than striving for equality amongst groups of people we should work toward equitable inequalities that reflect the needs and strengths of the various groups" (Jay Hill). Hill was referring to educational purposes but this statement is true in more of a broad view and can be applied when talking about equity and equality.



http://mste.illinois.edu/hill/papers/equity.html

Not Afraid

A common ideology in America is to be afraid. Be afraid about getting beat up, afraid of the government, and even afraid of life itself. But in Eminems' hit song "Not Afraid" he talks about not being afraid and to just walk the world. Here is the chorus: "I'm not afraid, To take a stand, Everybody, Come take my hand, We'll walk this world together, Through the storm, Whatever weather cold or warm, Just let me know that your not alone, Holla if you feel like you've been down the same road."

Eminem is saying that he isn't afraid to take a stand and stand up for what he believes in. Everyone that feels the same way as him should follow him. They will go through it together, no matter what. Don't be alone, unite, and say something if you want change. This is one of my favorite songs from Eminem because he is finally rapping from his heart and not about crazy stuff. My favorite line in this song is "Imma be what I set out to be, without a doubt undoubtedly, and all those who look down on me, I'm tearing down your balcony." He is saying that he will be what he wants no matter what or who he has to go through.

As you can see, Eminems song "Not Afraid" talks about a common ideology, being afraid. He is saying that you shouldn't be afraid, and to stand up for what you believe in. Many people in the United States are afraid of many things, but they shouldn't have to be. This song is very inspiring to anyone that listens to it and is byfar Eminems best song.

Music Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcw2LY6wtW4

Video of the Year

The video of the year is Bad Romance, About two weeks agao the MTV music awards were awarded to the best music videos. Lady Gaga was nominated a record breaking thirteen times this year. That night she took home a record breaking eight moon men awards. Seven of them were awards for one music video in particular, Bad Romance. The video gove over five thousand view in the first minute it was put on Youtube. This music video is by far the best work she has done and the best music video I have ever seen. Because of this video, the music industry and the new pop starrs all trying a lot harder to make the next great video for thier fans to make art or political statements.

The music video's deeper meaning is about human trafficking, but with a pop twist of high fashion, pyrotechnic bras and twleve inch high heels. A dark room is shown and a light comes in and shados white futuristic coffins in which one of them have the word "monster" spelled out on it. Then a claw pops out of one and they all emerge from the coffins in all white latex outfits. We see Lady Gaga in a white tub with huge eyes with large pupils and she is being drugged so they could sell her to a Russian mob boss. She is forced to preform for the mob boss and his associates and is bought by the boss. At the end she is walking towards him and takes off her clothes ready to do the deed sudenly the bed goes up in flames. She is later seen in red lengerie and all the lights are turned off when the song is over. At the end we see Lady Gaga on the burned bed with a skeleton next to her and she is wearing a bra that shoots out sparks with a cigarette in her mouth.

Lagy Gaga had rejuvenated the pop industry. New and old artist are going to start trying a lot harder in thier music videos because the success of Lady Gaga's Bad Romance music video. The Wall Street Journal noted Gaga as one of the few pop starts of present time who really understands "spectacle, fashion, shock, choreogrpahy- all the things Madonna and Michael Jackson were masters of in the 1980's. Bad Romance will be in line with all those great music videos like Thriller and Like a Prayed. She has yet to disappoint.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I

Welcome to the United Snakes

Music can spread many messages, but lately in our generation, people spreading the truth aren't recognized. While you're listening to Lady Gaga or Lil Wayne, there are artists like Brother Ali who are throwing down beats that make you think. It's refreshing to me that music hasn't fallen into the same loop that holds no meaning to it. Many of our American Ideologies are questioned in this song such as our national pride, trust in our government, freedom, and even religion. He's outright saying, "Open your eyes and take a look around". There's havoc in our country and we don't even realize it even though it's right in front of us. I believe this song really is a wake up call compared to the new music being created.

There's many ways to interpret this song, but what I got from it was basically, can we really trust our government? After listening to this song, I began questioning what freedom really meant. I also wondered how much trust we actual put into our elected officials. He uses powerful lyrics speaking about where tax money is actually going in lyrics such as "S**t the governments an addict, with a billion dollar a week kill brown people habit." Also, our national pride is being put under the spot light in this song. History is addressed showing that we have made progress, but at what cost? The people who came here basically stepped on the Native Americans and enslaved people as they went along. In certain lines, Brother Ali speaks about it such as when he says, "pioneered so many ways to degrade a human being that it can't be changed to this day." Is our history justified just because we can say "look at where we're at now"?

You don't have to agree with my opinion, but this song makes so much sense. Although I realize our government is not perfect, we contribute to the spreading madness. Can you believe it? We contribute to funding wars even when we're against the idea of it. When I hear this song, I begin thinking about what our country really stands for. Take a look at the chorus for example.
"Welcome to the united snakes
Land of the thief, home of the slave
Grant imperial guard where the dollar is sacred
And power is God"
This part made me wonder if our country is worth being praised. The settlers did pretty much steal this land and not only that, but as years progressed, they brought slaves as well. Those slaves were mistreated and didn't have any kind of freedom until someone finally stood up for them. There seems to always be some kind of segregation in this country. Notice how the chorus emphasizes how money has become valuable and above all, religion has power. I couldn't believe I was further questioning my home just from hearing one song. When he said "Now stand your a** up for that national anthem", I found myself smiling at how true this was. How can we be proud of a history that still continues in a different form? Maybe the government really is the addict spending money on war instead of schools. It's a terrible thing when you take a step back and look at the total damage done. There's so much I can say about this song, but all I can really say is listen to this song carefully and let everything sink in.


"Uncle Sam Goddamn" by Brother Ali. Track 12 on "The Undisputed Truth" (2007)

Uncle Sam Goddamn by Brother Ali

Ah,
The name of this song is Uncle Sam Goddamn
It's a show tune but the show ain't been written for it yet.
We're gonna see if tony Jerome and the band
can maybe work this shit out for me
And straighten me out right quick
I like it so far man

Yeah

Come on, let's go

Welcome to the united snakes
Land of the thief, home of the slave
Grand imperial guard where
the dollar is sacred and proud

Let's do this shit for real, come on now

Smoke and mirrors, stripes and stars
Stollen for the cross in the name of God
Bloodshed, genocide, rape and fraud
Written to the pages of the law, good lord

The cold continent latch key child
Ran away one day and started acting foul
King of where the wild things are, daddy's proud
Cause the roman empire done passed it down

Imported and tortured the work force
They never healed the wounds or shook the curse off
Now the grown up Goliath nation
Holdin open auditions for the part of David, can you feel?

Nothing can save you, you question the rain
You get rushed in and chained up
fists raised but I must be insane
Cause I can't figure a single goddamn way to change it

Welcome to the united snakes
Land of the thief, home of the slave
Grant imperial guard where the dollar is sacred and power is God

Welcome to the united snakes
Land of the thief, home of the slave
Grant imperial guard where the dollar is sacred and power is God

All must bow to the fat and lazy
The fuck you obey me and
why do they hate me, who me?
Only two generations away from
the Worlds most despicable slavery trade

Pioneered so many ways to degrade a human being
That it can't be changed to this day
Legacy so ingrained in the way that we think
We don't only need chains to be slaves

Lord it's a shameful display
The overseers even got raped along the way
Cause the children can't escape from the pain
And they're born with the pores
and this hatred in their veins

Try and separate a man from his soul
You'll only strengthen him and lose your own
We'll shoot that fucker if he walk near the throne
Remind him that this is my home (Now I'm gone)

Welcome to the united snakes
Land of the thief, home of the slave
Grant imperial guard where the dollar is sacred and power is god

Welcome to the united snakes
Land of the thief, home of the slave
Grant imperial guard where the dollar is sacred

Hold up, gimme one right here, hold up

You don't give money to the bums
On the corner with a sign, bleeding from their gums
Talking much, you don't support a crackhead
What you think happens to the money from yo' taxes

Shit the governments an addict
With a billion dollar a week kill brown people habit
And even if you ain't on the front line
When the master yell crunch time you right back at it

You ain't look at how you hustling backwards
And the end of the year add up what they subtracted
3 outta twelve months your salary
Paid for that madness, man that's sadness

What's left get a big ass plasma
To see where they made Dan Rather point the damn camera
Only approved questions get answered
Now stand your ass up for that national anthem

Welcome to the united snakes
Land of the thief, home of the slave
Grant imperial guard where the dollar is sacred and power is God

Welcome to the united snakes
Land of the thief, home of the slave
Grant imperial guard where the dollar is sacred and power is God

[instrumental break]

Custom made, the consumer news

Keep saying we're free
But we're all just blue (x3)

Custom made, the consumer news
Keep saying we're free
But we're all just blue

Uncle Sam Goddam Lyrics