The Civil Rights Movement:

The Civil Rights Movement:

A Dark Reminder of a flawed society

Lately, everywhere I turn, I am reminded of the Civil Rights Movement, a legacy of freedom, tainted by violence and bloodshed, that stands as a testament to the cruelty and injustice of a flawed society. Vestiges of that dark era keep popping up out of the blue--on the television, in conversation, on the radio--drawing my attention back to those turbulent times.

It began a few weeks ago, while helping my niece study for a history test. She is studying Post Civil War Reconstruction. During that time, many civil rights issues were already beginning to spark attention. “The Civil Rights Bill of 1866 was the first statutory definition of rights of Americans and is still on the books today. And so began the long, bloody battle for freedom that challenged the status quo and changed the course of history.

Later, that very same evening, while flipping through the television channels, I just happened to catch the movie, The Help. For those of you who may not know, The Help is a 2011 period drama written and directed by Tate Taylor, and adapted from Katherine Stockett’s 2009 bestselling novel of the same name. The film and novel recount the story of a young white woman and budding journalist, Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan. The story focuses on her relationship with two black maids, Aibileen Clark and Minnie Jackson, during the civil rights era in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi. “Skeeter” decides to write a book chronicling the African American maids point of view, a detailed narrative about the white families who employ them and the hardships and struggles they endure on a daily basis while in their employment. Although the film neglects some important historical aspects of the time, it presents a deeply compelling depiction of segregation and bigotry. What it lacks in fact, it more than makes up for in the performances of Emma Stone, Viola Davis, and Octavia Spencer. The Civil Rights Movement called to me again, through those brave women. The strength and courage it must have taken to endure such hatred and cruelty, every day of one’s life, just to live, is both awe-inspiring and heartbreaking. That thought weighed heavily on my mind and my heart. Even more troubling, was the sickening realization that one human being could actually do that to another. But, the sad truth is that it did happen. Suffering and segregation was reality for African American men and women all over the country.

A few days later, I had a group of friends over for dinner, from all walks of life. The eclectic nature and multiplicity of our motley little crew makes for some titillating dinner conversation. After dinner, we take our coffee, retire to the living room, get some melodious ambiance going, and have ourselves a good old-fashioned chin wagging! We natter for hours about everything from arachnophobia to zoetropes. Subsequently, the chitchat turns to a more serious discussion of current affairs. In the 1960s and ‘70s, the time of the Civil Rights Movement and the Hippies, who shared the rocky road to civil rights and freedom, our colloquy would have been referred to as a rap session. Being such a diverse group, the topics of conversation focus on gay rights, racism, gender equality, and socio-economic segregation. As I listen to the fears and concerns of my friends and family, relating to modern civil rights and the oppression of a broken society, once again my thoughts travel back in time. I think of slavery, Aibileen and Minnie, my own memories of rioting in the streets and a nation in the throes of fear and hatred. The parallels between now and then are uncanny. Here we are, living in a new age of enlightment , a new millennium, and we are still battling the same evils our ancestors did! It would appear that society hasn’t evolved since the dawn of time. A select few, still controlled the masses. Differences still spawn fear, hatred, and injustice. We are still fighting for freedom and equality.

It’s no mere coincidence that I would be drawn to the Civil Rights Movement. Growing up in such a volatile age made a huge impression on my life and my view of society. Had we learned nothing from the past? Were the sacrifices of those who paved the way to freedom made in vain? Did the Civil Rights Movement influence social evolution? Does America have a caste system? What are modern civil rights issues? How do the problems we face today affect society? What legacy are we leaving for future generations? And then ask yourself, "What can I do to make a difference?"