Friday, February 5, 2010

Non-Violent Direct Action

Throughout history there has been a fight for human equality. The direct action that took place in Nashville was not only a progressive movement for the African American race but also for human kind. Ben West, a white mayor of Nashville during the time of he non-violent direct action, stated, “I am interested in Americans interested in Democracy.” When Ben west declared this statement he was not only declaring his interest in the equal treatment of African Americans in his city but also equality of people across the united states, which was a radical thought for the time.

The process of non-violent direct action in Nashville was simple. Supporters of the movement, including many students, dressed like civil humans quietly took their seats in diners across the city. They gave no fight but took beatings and criticism, and were even convicted for disorderly conduct. They key to the effectively was no resistance. These actions went onto influence other activities such as the freedom rides, which led to equality.

There were many people in the film Eyes on the Prize that spoke influentially about the situations in Nashville. I found that the interviewers with the individuals who actually took part in the sit-ins and freedom rides the most interesting. Their insights and information was irreplaceable for the legitimacy of the film. One of my favorite quotes was by Alice Walker who quoted her son who was in jail saying, “Be cool mother.” This woman’s son was not only taking part in a vital role in American history but was doing it from pacifist’s point of view.

5 comments:

  1. It is amazing how the movement was simple but very powerful. I think the protest was right thing to do at the moment to have freedom.

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  2. I found the interviews with the free riders to be very interesting again. Its amazing that they kept on fighting for what they believed in even though they kept getting hurt!

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  3. It is was really inspirational to know that it took so little for so much to happen. It's about perserverance. You said it perfectly.

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  4. ya i liked the way Alice walker tried her best to be calm even when her son was in jail for something that was not harmfull.

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  5. The interview with Alice Walker was a great insight into what families faced when one of the members was standing up for their rights. I thought that was extremely interesting to see.

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