This Blog is a resource tool for the students taking the "FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES" elective at Westborough High School, Westborough, Massachusetts.
Friday, February 26, 2010
PERIOD 7 - "THE CHILDREN'S MARCH"
Today, you watched the film, The Children's March. Please post any thoughts you have about the film and comment on at least one other student's post.
Before watching this film, I had no idea that there were such hostilities between blacks and whites in Boston during the time period. I agree with what Osman and Ethan thought about how surprising it was that it took place in MA. The video did a great job of showing how much of a problem it was for the students to coexist and made me realize how racism really affected everyone in communities- not just the African Americans, but the city as a whole.
I agree with Rachel when she is surprised by the movie. I knew there were prolems with Blacks and Whites were all over the country but I did not realize how violent boston was towards intergration, and how so many people fought to keep Black students out of White schools.
I found this video very interesting its crazy how blacks where so discriminated its hard seeing these things and hard to understans that it also was happening here in the state of MA
In the Children’s march film, although it is not my first time seeing it, I am still amazed by Bull Connor. It amazes me that he was elected to his position and given so many freedoms. It seems absurd in this day and age that we would allow a man of his position to drive around in a tank and unleash the police. It is as if he is the king of Birmingham. And I agree with everyone else’s posts in that I was surprised to see the resistance to immigration in Boston which is usually considered a progressive city in terms of civil rights.
I thought that the hundreds of students who participated in the D-day march were all internally strong. I don't think people realize how difficult it was for African Americans back then, and for children of our age and younger to do something like that is beyond belief. I know many students at WHS, including myself, wouldn't participate in such a protest because it's scary. Blacks would be beaten for doing absolutely nothing.
I also agree with Osman and Ethan that it was surprising to see so much hatred from the whites towards the blacks in Massachusetts.
I was really shocked when watching the film. Those kids were so brave, I was really impressed with their courage. They stood up when no one else would. I found the part with the kids jumping out the windows to be incredible. I am totally in awe of what those kids were brave enough to do.
I agree with Jon, the rule that Bull had over the city was frightening. The fact that he was driving around in a tank was stunning to me.
This movie has so far really touched me as i found it amazing to see all those children fight for their freedom. This just shows that no matter what your age, you have the absolute right to fight and march for you freedom.
Concerning the integration of Boston Public Schools, I am going to disagree with all of you and say that I do not think it was necessarily right. I do not believe that forced integration was beneficial for the situation at hand. In the movie, it portrayed both parties as having no desire to co-exist so why force them together? I also really respect the blacks (and whites for that matter) that valued their sense of tight knit community. Up until last year, I had never heard of a man named Malcom X. He preached at one point during his life, that making black people white by integration is a means of weakening them and diminishing their sense of identity. He said that it was important for blacks to cultivate their culture and heritage and strike as a mass.
I had seen the video of The Childrens March before as well, but like Jon it amazes me every time. In this situation I believe integration was needed because the blacks were persecuted and were unhappy. It just shows that any one can make a difference and if you protest with large numbers of people- change can happen.
I was also shocked by the courage the students and young people showed in the "D-Day" march, when not even the adults were brave enough to take a stand. That took some real guts.
First off, I agree with Mr. Gallagher. It is important to use first and last names when blogging, especially if someone in the class has the same first name as you.
In regaurds to the film, I was inspired. The way the radio stations used codes and certain songs to send messages was really interesting. And the response of the students was remarkable. Vaughn made a good point in class when he said that many students today probably would not have the guts to leave school and go to jail. I know it would be a difficult decision for me and probably one that I might not be tough enough to make. However, it would depend on the circumstance.
what caught my eye was the fact that the children, all the young people that actually stood up for their belief in freedom. They were brave to go against all expectations and deal with the brutal reality that they were living.
Prior to seeing this film, I had no knowlege of the children's march. I thought this was a very interesting portrayal of how music and radio can play a role in mass protests. It seemed that the kids became more unified by Birmingham's hip, underground radio. In regard to the situation in Boston, I agree more with Allie's point. Though integration was necessary, I feel there was no overall desire to integrate at this given time in Boston.
I belive that what the kids did "trying to help unite the races"was one of the best things i have ever heard because it changed how people have been seeing each other. because ever scinc the begining of man people have been being racist to diferant races and religions then teaching the next generation and the next and soforth at home about it in an endless cycle of hating differances but now with the childrens march we a starting to go in a new direction of aceptance for everyones diferences and finaly becomeing one people.
I agree with the comments from some of the other students who thought that the rule of the commissioner of public safety, Bull Connor, was frightening. his title and election are so ironic and absurd to an outside eye, because while his job is to protect the people and keep them safe, he was targetting the blacks, specifically the black children who were protesting, and he was intentionally putting them at risk, contrary to his purpose. I also disagree with Sanjiv's prediction that no student at Westborough would have the bravery to protest in such a way. If one individual were to stand up against something that they believed strongly in, many people would take inspiration from that act and consider joining the cause themselves. As the intial group grows, it becomes easier for more and more people the join the movement, because it has become safer and more attractive. If the cause were great enough, I think we, as a school, could muster the courage to fight for our ideals; I don't think we have many causes that haven't already been won for us, and certainly no cause great enough to lead us to this kind of action.
I'm going to put an obvious question out here. Why didn't anyone say anything about police brutality the cops instegated most of the violence and caused the fighting why didn't anyone question that?
No one questioned the police brutality because it was Birmingham Alabama during the 1960's. President Kennedy only intervened when he had to after the photos were released the public. Everyone was willing to turn a blind eye as long as it didn't make them look bad.
Before this film I had never heard of the childrens march but after watching the film i was surprised that the kids were able to have as amuch success as they did. I was also very surprised at the fact that someone like Bull Connor could be elected into office and allowed to have a tank. But the children getting as much success as they did was cool to me because through all the abuse and hate in the city the kids kept their heads up and prevailed.
I agree with Osman. I had no idea that the hostilities between blacks and whites had spread to the east and it surprised me to see that this was the case in Boston, as well. I also liked the fact that the film accentuated the perspectives of the students, when discussing how it was going to school with the white students.
I was so shocked at the violence and racism that occured in Boston. I had no idea this ever went on. I think that the forced busing really helped with integration.
sara, I agree with you completely. Its so hard for me to understand and grasp the concept of racism and discrimination. To see this video and the first hand footage of this happening shocked me
I loved this documentary. I really thought it protrayed the difficult times that the blacks were experiencing during that time. And I felt that the children's march was an amazing part of our history that should never be forgotten.
What stood out to me was the strength of the kids and that even when the police and firemen started using force and violence on the second day they stood their ground. Also that when the children were faced with the violence they didn’t fight back and I believe that if they had the march could’ve turned out a lot worst in terms of injuries. As for Boston, I agree with Allie I don’t believe the city went about integrating the right way. If I was a parent in Boston at that time I wouldn’t feel comfortable sending by kid across the city to a new school.
This video was great. Although the event was not, the video really captured the essence of the people involved. The differnt people who where involved in the movement and spoke during the movie made it easy to understand and made it personal to me.
I swear I got chills watching this movie. Seeing people who actually lived it made it so wierd, and to see how children made such an impact in the intergration of burmingham is outrageous. I almost wish I could have been a part of such an amazing movement and make a difference.
32 comments:
I really was surprised to see that even Boston, a strong place for freedom and equality was so racist.
Before watching this film, I had no idea that there were such hostilities between blacks and whites in Boston during the time period. I agree with what Osman and Ethan thought about how surprising it was that it took place in MA. The video did a great job of showing how much of a problem it was for the students to coexist and made me realize how racism really affected everyone in communities- not just the African Americans, but the city as a whole.
I agree with Rachel when she is surprised by the movie. I knew there were prolems with Blacks and Whites were all over the country but I did not realize how violent boston was towards intergration, and how so many people fought to keep Black students out of White schools.
I found this video very interesting its crazy how blacks where so discriminated its hard seeing these things and hard to understans that it also was happening here in the state of MA
In the Children’s march film, although it is not my first time seeing it, I am still amazed by Bull Connor. It amazes me that he was elected to his position and given so many freedoms. It seems absurd in this day and age that we would allow a man of his position to drive around in a tank and unleash the police. It is as if he is the king of Birmingham. And I agree with everyone else’s posts in that I was surprised to see the resistance to immigration in Boston which is usually considered a progressive city in terms of civil rights.
i was surprised by the turn out of people and that the police and black people weren't at each others throats
I thought that the hundreds of students who participated in the D-day march were all internally strong. I don't think people realize how difficult it was for African Americans back then, and for children of our age and younger to do something like that is beyond belief. I know many students at WHS, including myself, wouldn't participate in such a protest because it's scary. Blacks would be beaten for doing absolutely nothing.
I also agree with Osman and Ethan that it was surprising to see so much hatred from the whites towards the blacks in Massachusetts.
Allison Shea
I was really shocked when watching the film. Those kids were so brave, I was really impressed with their courage. They stood up when no one else would. I found the part with the kids jumping out the windows to be incredible. I am totally in awe of what those kids were brave enough to do.
I agree with Jon, the rule that Bull had over the city was frightening. The fact that he was driving around in a tank was stunning to me.
This movie has so far really touched me as i found it amazing to see all those children fight for their freedom. This just shows that no matter what your age, you have the absolute right to fight and march for you freedom.
Concerning the integration of Boston Public Schools, I am going to disagree with all of you and say that I do not think it was necessarily right. I do not believe that forced integration was beneficial for the situation at hand. In the movie, it portrayed both parties as having no desire to co-exist so why force them together? I also really respect the blacks (and whites for that matter) that valued their sense of tight knit community. Up until last year, I had never heard of a man named Malcom X. He preached at one point during his life, that making black people white by integration is a means of weakening them and diminishing their sense of identity. He said that it was important for blacks to cultivate their culture and heritage and strike as a mass.
I had seen the video of The Childrens March before as well, but like Jon it amazes me every time. In this situation I believe integration was needed because the blacks were persecuted and were unhappy. It just shows that any one can make a difference and if you protest with large numbers of people- change can happen.
I was also shocked by the courage the students and young people showed in the "D-Day" march, when not even the adults were brave enough to take a stand. That took some real guts.
Hi Folks. Don't forget to use your first and last name to get full credit. "Ruby
Bergonia" said...
First off, I agree with Mr. Gallagher. It is important to use first and last names when blogging, especially if someone in the class has the same first name as you.
In regaurds to the film, I was inspired. The way the radio stations used codes and certain songs to send messages was really interesting. And the response of the students was remarkable. Vaughn made a good point in class when he said that many students today probably would not have the guts to leave school and go to jail. I know it would be a difficult decision for me and probably one that I might not be tough enough to make. However, it would depend on the circumstance.
what caught my eye was the fact that the children, all the young people that actually stood up for their belief in freedom. They were brave to go against all expectations and deal with the brutal reality that they were living.
Prior to seeing this film, I had no knowlege of the children's march. I thought this was a very interesting portrayal of how music and radio can play a role in mass protests. It seemed that the kids became more unified by Birmingham's hip, underground radio. In regard to the situation in Boston, I agree more with Allie's point. Though integration was necessary, I feel there was no overall desire to integrate at this given time in Boston.
This video was very interesting to watch it a second time from sophmore year to now. it still shocks me how cruel people where.
I belive that what the kids did "trying to help unite the races"was one of the best things i have ever heard because it changed how people have been seeing each other. because ever scinc the begining of man people have been being racist to diferant races and religions then teaching the next generation and the next and soforth at home about it in an endless cycle of hating differances but now with the childrens march we a starting to go in a new direction of aceptance for everyones diferences and finaly becomeing one people.
I agree with the comments from some of the other students who thought that the rule of the commissioner of public safety, Bull Connor, was frightening. his title and election are so ironic and absurd to an outside eye, because while his job is to protect the people and keep them safe, he was targetting the blacks, specifically the black children who were protesting, and he was intentionally putting them at risk, contrary to his purpose. I also disagree with Sanjiv's prediction that no student at Westborough would have the bravery to protest in such a way. If one individual were to stand up against something that they believed strongly in, many people would take inspiration from that act and consider joining the cause themselves. As the intial group grows, it becomes easier for more and more people the join the movement, because it has become safer and more attractive. If the cause were great enough, I think we, as a school, could muster the courage to fight for our ideals; I don't think we have many causes that haven't already been won for us, and certainly no cause great enough to lead us to this kind of action.
I'm going to put an obvious question out here. Why didn't anyone say anything about police brutality the cops instegated most of the violence and caused the fighting why didn't anyone question that?
No one questioned the police brutality because it was Birmingham Alabama during the 1960's. President Kennedy only intervened when he had to after the photos were released the public. Everyone was willing to turn a blind eye as long as it didn't make them look bad.
Before this film I had never heard of the childrens march but after watching the film i was surprised that the kids were able to have as amuch success as they did. I was also very surprised at the fact that someone like Bull Connor could be elected into office and allowed to have a tank. But the children getting as much success as they did was cool to me because through all the abuse and hate in the city the kids kept their heads up and prevailed.
I agree with Osman. I had no idea that the hostilities between blacks and whites had spread to the east and it surprised me to see that this was the case in Boston, as well. I also liked the fact that the film accentuated the perspectives of the students, when discussing how it was going to school with the white students.
I was so shocked at the violence and racism that occured in Boston. I had no idea this ever went on. I think that the forced busing really helped with integration.
sara,
I agree with you completely. Its so hard for me to understand and grasp the concept of racism and discrimination. To see this video and the first hand footage of this happening shocked me
I loved this documentary. I really thought it protrayed the difficult times that the blacks were experiencing during that time. And I felt that the children's march was an amazing part of our history that should never be forgotten.
What stood out to me was the strength of the kids and that even when the police and firemen started using force and violence on the second day they stood their ground. Also that when the children were faced with the violence they didn’t fight back and I believe that if they had the march could’ve turned out a lot worst in terms of injuries. As for Boston, I agree with Allie I don’t believe the city went about integrating the right way. If I was a parent in Boston at that time I wouldn’t feel comfortable sending by kid across the city to a new school.
This video was great. Although the event was not, the video really captured the essence of the people involved. The differnt people who where involved in the movement and spoke during the movie made it easy to understand and made it personal to me.
I swear I got chills watching this movie. Seeing people who actually lived it made it so wierd, and to see how children made such an impact in the intergration of burmingham is outrageous. I almost wish I could have been a part of such an amazing movement and make a difference.
I was not here on the day this was watched in class. I was out sick.
i have seen this many times and it still blows my mind on how even in the north things where so bad i agree with osman. It still blows my mind ..
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