Monday, March 30, 2009
Jo Ann Gobson Robinson
This reading has been my favorite so far in the semester. I think Robinson's article is extremely important in understanding the racial conflicts in the 1950's-1960's and the progress that has been made. Robinson became part of the Women's Political Council because she believed, along with the council, that this behavior "will continue as long as black Americans will allow it". The irony was that these African American women orchestrated a thorough and well planned boycott against the public transportation system, during a time of little respect for not only blacks, but for women as well. The council received tons of mail and complaints which was the inspiration for the boycott, but the effects of the humiliation and shame caused on these buses was even more of an inspiration. Many people started to fear riding the buses so they walked more. Also, there was a large increase of violence and injuries within the black community because they had so much built up anger and didn't know who to take it on, so parents would take it out on their children, and children would take it out on their pets. Although there was an increase in violence, Claudette Colvin raised awareness and respect all over the country. Claudette's case caused families from all over the country, black and white, to send money and letters during the tough times of her trial. Rosa Parks also helped raise awareness because she was so well connected to the community. In addition, Rosa Parks was important because she helped show the changes in gender norms over time because she (an elderly woman) was asked to move for a young, white male. Very unusual for today's societal gender norms.
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I agree that this was an extremely important article. It not only shows the racial conflicts (just as you said), but it shows how people helped with Civil Rights Movement who were not well known, such as Jo Ann Robinson Gibson. We talked about the hierarchy that took place during the Civil Rights Movement, and how certain people were the face of the CRM. Robinson was a prime example of a person who contributed greatly, but was not well known. I also thought it was interesting how patient African Americans were. It goes to show how well planned the CRM was.
ReplyDeleteYeah, this reading really was moving. Its interesting to see how Jo Ann Gibson Robinson took part in the movement, and how much "behind the scenes" work went into making the boycott possible. In the prologue, the editor introduced the irony of Robinson's unpublished manuscript. I think that this fact was added into the story to parallel the way that women and stories of powerful African American women have been willfully remembered (or not, for that matter).
ReplyDeleteI also found this article to be one of the more interesting reading selections for this course. I agree with Cody's reasoning that at least part of the importance of this article stems from the fact that it highlights some of the less well-known actors behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott. I think Robinson's writing clearly demonstrates the fact that the Civil Rights Movement needed to establish a few well-known leaders to organize the masses in a more coherent manner. What I found the most surprising was how willing Robinson and her contemporaries were to relegate themselves to the background for the sake of the greater good.
ReplyDeleteAlong the same lines, I was also unaware of the importance of other people besides Rosa Park in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. I was always under the assumption that Rosa Parks was the only "actor" in this situation. I was totally unaware of all the work that was going on behind the scenes, including the work done by Jo Ann Gibson Robinson. I have learned about the boycotts in many classes throughout my life and have never heard of Robinson. That's why this article was so interesting and revealing to me.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of you, and also think that its important in the context of today, where there is so much change and so many movements to be a part of. Even being a leader in a local activism group can have a real impact on the city or even state level. This reading shows you that a small group of dedicated individuals really can make a difference by working together.
ReplyDeleteA small group CAN make a difference but look at how long it took them to see any changes. Minorities in America have experienced racism and its still happening today. Someone was talking yesterday about how horrible the "white man" is and why America is so desirable despite that. is the land of opportunity worth all the other things America comes with?
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