Continuation Of Prejudice And Racism Flashcards
Knowledge point one - Emmett Till’s murder
Emmett Till, a black fourteen year old, was brutally murdered and thrown in the Tallahatchie River with his skull crushed in, seemingly having been shot in the head after his eye being gauged out because of saying “bye baby” to a white female.
Analysis point one
This was important for the growth of the civil rights movement as Black Americans from the North didn’t truly understand the extent of cruelty in the south, so they were disgusted and horrified at what had happened to Emmett Till, this made them motivated to join the movement to try being an end to the discrimination and treatment they were receiving.
Knowledge point two - Bryant and Milam
Both of the white men who murdered Emmett, Bryant and Milam, were arrested but due to having a white southern lawyer and a full white jury they were acquitted of Emmett’s murder.
Analysis point two
Many black Americans were frustrated as it infuriated them that the men were acquitted for such a brutal murder, so many joined the movement in order to gain justice for Emmett and gain the equality they rightfully deserve.
Limitations
Bryant and Milam highlighted the sheer lengths whites would go to maintain their superiority, so many were to frightened to join the movement as they feared the treatment they may receive from the white Americans.
Evaluation
- blacks faced continued racist treatment
- white Americans wanted to maintain their superiority, they used horrific acts of violence which terrified blacks and they had the law on their side
- after the trial Bryant and Milam sold their story to Life magazine admitting they had tortured and murdered Emmett
- until whites would face adequate consequences no black would join the movement
- WWII made blacks realise their importance in society as the were essential in protecting America so they were determined to fight for equality
