Freedom Riders 3/26


As I watched the “Freedom Riders” documentary, the more disgusted I become at that racial injustices in American history. At the beginning of the documentary, there is a small montage of bigots giving poor excuses as to why the South should remain segregated. However, there was one quote that stuck out that stated, “You can not change a way of life overnight. The more they try to force us into doing something, the worse the reaction is going to be.” Racism should not be a way of life anyone wants to live through or put onto someone else. The Freedom Riders and many nonviolent protesters weren’t physically imposing on others, so why was the reaction of segregationists to worsening as “they try to force” them into a realistic way of life? Watching the documentary and listening to how the Riders were willing to be martyrs for the Movement as they were physically attacked, their property was destroyed via molotov and mentally drained daily makes me appreciate activism a great deal more, especially as an African American.

Comments

  1. TaylorMay 6, 2019 at 3:50 PM

    I agree with your post about the disgust and horror of racial injustices that are part of our own history. It is incredibly shocking to see the pushback and aggression of the white men firsthand. I believe reading it and seeing it have two different effects on the complete understanding of the concept. Throughout my time at W&J, I have read dozens of stories concerning attacks on the basis of discrimination towards African-Americans. However, after watching this documentary, I was in awe and utter shock after seeing what this looked like first hand. It has made this all the more impactful for me. Two quotes stuck out to me as I watched the documentary:“we are past fear, we can't stop. If one person falls, another takes their place.”, and “We cannot lose unless we allow ourselves to be so divided and lose a sense of direction and common purpose”. These two quotes embody the readiness that these brave Black men and women had on the decision to put their lives in danger for the advancement of the movement. Activism such as the ones featured here shows the urgency for change and the admirability of those who were willing to risk it all for others.

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