This Blog is a resource tool for the students taking the "FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES" elective at Westborough High School, Westborough, Massachusetts.
Friday, September 24, 2010
PERIOD 3 - "JIM CROW"
You watched the documentary "Jim Crow" in class. Please answer the handout questions in your post.
What stood out to me the most in this film was that “Jim Crow” was a character created by whites, used for their entertainment. For me personally when I hear “Jim Crow” or “The Jim Crow laws” I think of segregation and whites and Blacks having to use separate water fountains. This was the first time I had heard of it being a character too. I identified Booker T. Washington the most with the film, because of what he went through to accomplish the things he did, like opening a school. I had a hard time relating to the KKK The hate they have for a group of people based off their skin color, is just something I don’t understand and can not relate to.
I completely agree with Allie about what stood out to me the most in this film. I never knew the origin of Jim Crow was a comedy act. This completely threw me off in the opening seconds of the film. I most identified with Fredrick Douglas since I believed in his will to stay and fight. Unlike Singleton, the one that I had most difficulty relating with, I thought this was the only way to make a better life for yourself if you were black. During those times no matter where you went, racism would find a way to haunt you. Even though I understand Singleton’s situation and the fact that he wanted to create a better childhood for his children, I believe he could have made a perfect future for them if he stayed and fought the racism. This movie brought out deep emotions from me. I felt extremely bad for all the colored people that were forced to live through this harsh racism.
I also agree with Allie that the "Jim Crow" shows were used for white entertainment. I also thought that is was shocking that African American character were white men. The person that I could relate to in the film was Booker T. Washington because he wanted to better to the lives of the African Americans. He even was able to raise money to provide and education for African American, which was very hard to do at the time. The group that I could not relate to was the KKK because of their destruction and violence that they used against the African Americans. I could not believe that the KKK could even think of killing and have so much hate towards the African American race. From this movie I felt terrible for the African Americans that had to deal with groups like the KKK and live through the racism and hate for many years.
I also agree with Allie that the "Jim Crow" shows were used for white entertainment. I also thought that is was shocking that African American character were white men. The person that I could relate to in the film was Booker T. Washington because he wanted to better to the lives of the African Americans. He even was able to raise money to provide and education for African American, which was very hard to do at the time. The group that I could not relate to was the KKK because of their destruction and violence that they used against the African Americans. I could not believe that the KKK could even think of killing and have so much hate towards the African American race. From this movie I felt terrible for the African Americans that had to deal with groups like the KKK and live through the racism and hate for many years.
I also agree with Allie that the "Jim Crow" shows were used for white entertainment. I also thought that is was shocking that African American character were white men. The person that I could relate to in the film was Booker T. Washington because he wanted to better to the lives of the African Americans. He even was able to raise money to provide and education for African American, which was very hard to do at the time. The group that I could not relate to was the KKK because of their destruction and violence that they used against the African Americans. I could not believe that the KKK could even think of killing and have so much hate towards the African American race. From this movie I felt terrible for the African Americans that had to deal with groups like the KKK and live through the racism and hate for many years.
I've watched, read, and looked up a lot of things on the Jim Crow era during my high school years, but what stood out to me was the story of one man. He said that, while he was alive, his father made him promise that he (the son) would "never get used to it." Where "it" was the discrimination against him and racial segregation. Baically, what that father was saying is no one should lose hope that one day the world will be a better place and things will improve for them. That undying hope caught my attention. I'd say that was probably the most memorable quote from the video.
I identified most with Booker T. Washington because he thought he could make a difference in this world even though he was only one man. He taught the students at his school about dignity and how to love hard work. He accented the fact that blacks were still largely discriminated against (even though they were free) but they couldn't give up.
I couldn’t relate to that Governor (Benjamin Hoffris, Hoffman, or something?), who said that blacks BELONG in the cotton fields because God said so. He just didn’t want to get his hands dirty with manual labor and relied on the idea of Social Darwinism’s to get his opinions across. The KKK terrorized blacks (and others) to get them to submit to their “rule.” I don’t believe in Social Darwinism nor do I support discrimination against people, so the methods of the governor and KKK angered me.
The film brought feelings of frustration and disappointment. I felt frustrated that so many Americans believed in Social Darwinism and mistreated so many people. I know no one’s perfect, but I just couldn’t help but be frustrated with the fact that so many people followed suit of the KKK and killed and terrorized those people in the minority.
I agree with Allie on the 3rd question. I don't understand how people can hate someone because of the color of their skin. How can ANYONE believe in Social Darwinism?!
What stood out to me the most in the film was the origin of the name for the Jim Crow laws. Jim Crow was a character in a show that was a white man with make up on to be a black man. This was a comedy and the point of the show from the clip that we saw seemed to be to make fun of blacks. People clearly found it entertaining because it was a sucessful show. I identified the most with President Grant. This is because he was just about the only white figure from the movie who opposed the Jim Crow laws. As it is difficult for me to identify with any of the black figures in the movie, because I've grown up in a primarily white town, and I completely disgree with the Jim Crow laws, I can some what identify with Grant. I had the most difficulty identifing with the African Americans in the movie. Just as I said before, I've grown up in a place where I am part of the overwhelming majority, so I have never been on the recieveing end of racism. This movie brings a slight feeling of shame. As a person who is proud of who I am as an American, it is upsetting to see that our own government put in place and condoned such horrific laws.
I agree with Anna's comment about the father tell his son about never getting used to the restrictions from the Jim Crow laws. No human should ever have to get used to being treated like less of a human than another person because of their race or any other reason.
What stood out most for me in the film was how the name Jim Crow started. It was a a form of entertainment for white Americans making fun of African Americans. Jim Crow was the name of the black American they used to stereotype black people and make fun of them. This stood out to me because I never knew thats where the name Jim Crow came from. I most identified with Fredrick Douglas. This is because I admired how he stood of for all black Americans despite how much society was trying to put them down. I had most difficulty relating to the black Americans that were being treated so harshly. I cannot imagine being treated the way they were. I agree with Sam Nichols with how he felt from the movie. Like Sam, I also got the feeling of shame after watching these movies. It's tough to see what Americans did to some people, knowing I am an American too.
What stood out for me mostly in the film was how white americans used racist comedy for entertainment. This is not something I am proud of and believe that all americans wanted to feel superior to someone for example the african americans. I identified with Fredrick Douglas the most in the film mainly becasue I knew about his background from last year and his devotion to fighting racism in the U.S. I had the most toruble relating to the so called KKK, mainly becasue of there views and destructive acts. I was unable to understand and agree with the KKK's views towards other races and the U.S. This film at first made me curious of what times were like during the Jim Crow Era as and African American and the troubles they faced. I was also agry at what the KKK believed in and there acts of violence that occured towards innocent people.
I agree with Sam. I was also surprised that the Jim Crow Laws came from this racist show. It was shameful to watch people laugh be entertained by racism and the stereotyping of African-Americans. I couldn't relate to the K.K.K at all. In my opinion they were terrible, sadistic, and extremely racist people who were dangerously violent and evil.
What stood out to me in this film was the rise of the kkk. When they showed the image of thousands of people marching down the street in white uniforms a chill went through me. I could not believe people where comfortable enough to openly participate in such an awful act. The person that I really connected to was the white man from the bus boycott; his selflessness was extremely admirable and I hope that if i was ever in his situation i would be able to identify with him. The feelings this film brought to me was hope. Even though this had a sad tone and was about an awful experience, the music and survivors where uplifting and hopeful.
I agree with sam where he says we have grown up in a town where we dont have to face the severity of discrimination that people during the jim crow era did, so i feel i will never be able to relate to them and if i said i could relate to their struggles it would be very ignorant.
What stood you to me most in the film was a passion with which all the speakers who were interviewed spoke with. They made it a point never to forget what happened in that era and to preach the truth to generations that followed. I identify with Frederick Douglas the most because he never backed down against the white oppression even though he had been abused by it his entire life. It is difficult to identify with the African Americans in the film because I have no first-hand accounts or experiences of the troubles that they experienced during the Jim Crow era. This movie brought out feelings of frustration and sympathy. I was frustrated at how the whites treated the blacks, but I also felt sympathy towards that African American plight.
I believe with Anna in the fact that it is frustrating to see that people could believe so strong in social darwinism that they felt racism was the right thing to do.
What stood out most to me in the movie was the fact that many laws and racist motives were derived from a comedy act used to make fun of blacks. I identified most with Booker T. Washington because he stayed true to his goal and accomplished it against all odds. I admire his dedication and perseverance. I was unable to relate to many of the people facing the prejudice because I am fortunate enough to live in a society where I am not constantly discriminated against because of the color of my skin. This movie almost made me feel guilty for what my forefathers had done to blacks. Although there is no way I could have prevented this from happening, as a white person there is some guilt involved.
I agree with Shady that it was very surprising to hear where the Jim Crow laws got their name.
What stood out to me was some of the images, paintings, and videos from the time period that were shown in the film. We've talked about Jim Crow before in history classes, but I've never really seen such violent, vulgar, and depression images of the time. The person that I think I relate to the most is the son of the father who says to go through the back door, but never get used to it. I think I would be the kind of person who would mind their own business and stay out of trouble, while hoping that better times were on the way. The person I had the most time relating to was the governor who said that black people belonged in the cotton fields because God said it was so. To invent such a blasphemous lie and support it is not something I could ever see myself doing. The film brought up feelings of sadness, shame, and anger. I felt bad for African-Americans for everything they were put through, I felt shameful of what our white American ancestors did to blacks, and I felt anger towards the KKK and the ignorant racists who spread violence and lies.
I agree with and relate to Sam Nichol's inability to relate with the African-Americans due to the fact that I've never been in that position of oppression.
The thing that stood out most to me about the film was the fact that the character Jim Crow was created by whites as an act of comedy. It seemed as though the white population did not see it as a racist act but as something to laugh at. The person i most identified in the film was Booker T. Washington. I had the most difficulty relating to Jim Crow himself. I cant see how someone could dress up as a minority and make fun of their race publically. I just dont understand that. The feelings that the film brought up were that i felt extremely bad for the black people that had to live through this era.
The thing that stood out most to me about the film was the fact that the character Jim Crow was created by whites as an act of comedy. It seemed as though the white population did not see it as a racist act but as something to laugh at. The person i most identified in the film was Booker T. Washington. I had the most difficulty relating to Jim Crow himself. I cant see how someone could dress up as a minority and make fun of their race publically. I just dont understand that. The feelings that the film brought up were that i felt extremely bad for the black people that had to live through this era.
The thing that stood out to me the most during the film was how this Jim Crow was used as a form of entertainment. It was disturbing to think that a comedy act could start a movement of hate a violence. The words Jim Crow remind me of a time of racial segregation and ignorance in this country. I honestly couldn't relate to anyone in this film because I can't even imagine the hardship that the African Americans had to endure in this time. I could easily say that I relate least to the KKK in the film because these people committed crimes due to the simple fact that they were a different color. I felt embarrassed that members of the nation I love would commit such hate crimes and were so ignorant.
I also liked the part that Anna mentioned, when the son was told by his father to "never get used to it", I thought it was inspiring and shows how hard they had to fight to not accept the thoughts or actions of the large group they had against them.
27 comments:
What stood out to me the most in this film was that “Jim Crow” was a character created by whites, used for their entertainment. For me personally when I hear “Jim Crow” or “The Jim Crow laws” I think of segregation and whites and Blacks having to use separate water fountains. This was the first time I had heard of it being a character too. I identified Booker T. Washington the most with the film, because of what he went through to accomplish the things he did, like opening a school. I had a hard time relating to the KKK The hate they have for a group of people based off their skin color, is just something I don’t understand and can not relate to.
I was not in class for this film
I completely agree with Allie about what stood out to me the most in this film. I never knew the origin of Jim Crow was a comedy act. This completely threw me off in the opening seconds of the film. I most identified with Fredrick Douglas since I believed in his will to stay and fight. Unlike Singleton, the one that I had most difficulty relating with, I thought this was the only way to make a better life for yourself if you were black. During those times no matter where you went, racism would find a way to haunt you. Even though I understand Singleton’s situation and the fact that he wanted to create a better childhood for his children, I believe he could have made a perfect future for them if he stayed and fought the racism. This movie brought out deep emotions from me. I felt extremely bad for all the colored people that were forced to live through this harsh racism.
I also agree with Allie that the "Jim Crow" shows were used for white entertainment. I also thought that is was shocking that African American character were white men. The person that I could relate to in the film was Booker T. Washington because he wanted to better to the lives of the African Americans. He even was able to raise money to provide and education for African American, which was very hard to do at the time. The group that I could not relate to was the KKK because of their destruction and violence that they used against the African Americans. I could not believe that the KKK could even think of killing and have so much hate towards the African American race. From this movie I felt terrible for the African Americans that had to deal with groups like the KKK and live through the racism and hate for many years.
I also agree with Allie that the "Jim Crow" shows were used for white entertainment. I also thought that is was shocking that African American character were white men. The person that I could relate to in the film was Booker T. Washington because he wanted to better to the lives of the African Americans. He even was able to raise money to provide and education for African American, which was very hard to do at the time. The group that I could not relate to was the KKK because of their destruction and violence that they used against the African Americans. I could not believe that the KKK could even think of killing and have so much hate towards the African American race. From this movie I felt terrible for the African Americans that had to deal with groups like the KKK and live through the racism and hate for many years.
I also agree with Allie that the "Jim Crow" shows were used for white entertainment. I also thought that is was shocking that African American character were white men. The person that I could relate to in the film was Booker T. Washington because he wanted to better to the lives of the African Americans. He even was able to raise money to provide and education for African American, which was very hard to do at the time. The group that I could not relate to was the KKK because of their destruction and violence that they used against the African Americans. I could not believe that the KKK could even think of killing and have so much hate towards the African American race. From this movie I felt terrible for the African Americans that had to deal with groups like the KKK and live through the racism and hate for many years.
Absent sorry
I've watched, read, and looked up a lot of things on the Jim Crow era during my high school years, but what stood out to me was the story of one man. He said that, while he was alive, his father made him promise that he (the son) would "never get used to it." Where "it" was the discrimination against him and racial segregation. Baically, what that father was saying is no one should lose hope that one day the world will be a better place and things will improve for them. That undying hope caught my attention. I'd say that was probably the most memorable quote from the video.
I identified most with Booker T. Washington because he thought he could make a difference in this world even though he was only one man. He taught the students at his school about dignity and how to love hard work. He accented the fact that blacks were still largely discriminated against (even though they were free) but they couldn't give up.
I couldn’t relate to that Governor (Benjamin Hoffris, Hoffman, or something?), who said that blacks BELONG in the cotton fields because God said so. He just didn’t want to get his hands dirty with manual labor and relied on the idea of Social Darwinism’s to get his opinions across. The KKK terrorized blacks (and others) to get them to submit to their “rule.” I don’t believe in Social Darwinism nor do I support discrimination against people, so the methods of the governor and KKK angered me.
The film brought feelings of frustration and disappointment. I felt frustrated that so many Americans believed in Social Darwinism and mistreated so many people. I know no one’s perfect, but I just couldn’t help but be frustrated with the fact that so many people followed suit of the KKK and killed and terrorized those people in the minority.
I agree with Allie on the 3rd question. I don't understand how people can hate someone because of the color of their skin. How can ANYONE believe in Social Darwinism?!
What stood out to me the most in the film was the origin of the name for the Jim Crow laws. Jim Crow was a character in a show that was a white man with make up on to be a black man. This was a comedy and the point of the show from the clip that we saw seemed to be to make fun of blacks. People clearly found it entertaining because it was a sucessful show. I identified the most with President Grant. This is because he was just about the only white figure from the movie who opposed the Jim Crow laws. As it is difficult for me to identify with any of the black figures in the movie, because I've grown up in a primarily white town, and I completely disgree with the Jim Crow laws, I can some what identify with Grant. I had the most difficulty identifing with the African Americans in the movie. Just as I said before, I've grown up in a place where I am part of the overwhelming majority, so I have never been on the recieveing end of racism. This movie brings a slight feeling of shame. As a person who is proud of who I am as an American, it is upsetting to see that our own government put in place and condoned such horrific laws.
I agree with Anna's comment about the father tell his son about never getting used to the restrictions from the Jim Crow laws. No human should ever have to get used to being treated like less of a human than another person because of their race or any other reason.
Sorry, that last comment was from me.
What stood out most for me in the film was how the name Jim Crow started. It was a a form of entertainment for white Americans making fun of African Americans. Jim Crow was the name of the black American they used to stereotype black people and make fun of them. This stood out to me because I never knew thats where the name Jim Crow came from. I most identified with Fredrick Douglas. This is because I admired how he stood of for all black Americans despite how much society was trying to put them down. I had most difficulty relating to the black Americans that were being treated so harshly. I cannot imagine being treated the way they were. I agree with Sam Nichols with how he felt from the movie. Like Sam, I also got the feeling of shame after watching these movies. It's tough to see what Americans did to some people, knowing I am an American too.
i was absent on the day of the film
What stood out for me mostly in the film was how white americans used racist comedy for entertainment. This is not something I am proud of and believe that all americans wanted to feel superior to someone for example the african americans. I identified with Fredrick Douglas the most in the film mainly becasue I knew about his background from last year and his devotion to fighting racism in the U.S. I had the most toruble relating to the so called KKK, mainly becasue of there views and destructive acts. I was unable to understand and agree with the KKK's views towards other races and the U.S. This film at first made me curious of what times were like during the Jim Crow Era as and African American and the troubles they faced. I was also agry at what the KKK believed in and there acts of violence that occured towards innocent people.
I agree with Sam. I was also surprised that the Jim Crow Laws came from this racist show. It was shameful to watch people laugh be entertained by racism and the stereotyping of African-Americans. I couldn't relate to the K.K.K at all. In my opinion they were terrible, sadistic, and extremely racist people who were dangerously violent and evil.
What stood out to me in this film was the rise of the kkk. When they showed the image of thousands of people marching down the street in white uniforms a chill went through me. I could not believe people where comfortable enough to openly participate in such an awful act. The person that I really connected to was the white man from the bus boycott; his selflessness was extremely admirable and I hope that if i was ever in his situation i would be able to identify with him. The feelings this film brought to me was hope. Even though this had a sad tone and was about an awful experience, the music and survivors where uplifting and hopeful.
I agree with sam where he says we have grown up in a town where we dont have to face the severity of discrimination that people during the jim crow era did, so i feel i will never be able to relate to them and if i said i could relate to their struggles it would be very ignorant.
What stood you to me most in the film was a passion with which all the speakers who were interviewed spoke with. They made it a point never to forget what happened in that era and to preach the truth to generations that followed. I identify with Frederick Douglas the most because he never backed down against the white oppression even though he had been abused by it his entire life. It is difficult to identify with the African Americans in the film because I have no first-hand accounts or experiences of the troubles that they experienced during the Jim Crow era. This movie brought out feelings of frustration and sympathy. I was frustrated at how the whites treated the blacks, but I also felt sympathy towards that African American plight.
I believe with Anna in the fact that it is frustrating to see that people could believe so strong in social darwinism that they felt racism was the right thing to do.
What stood out most to me in the movie was the fact that many laws and racist motives were derived from a comedy act used to make fun of blacks. I identified most with Booker T. Washington because he stayed true to his goal and accomplished it against all odds. I admire his dedication and perseverance. I was unable to relate to many of the people facing the prejudice because I am fortunate enough to live in a society where I am not constantly discriminated against because of the color of my skin. This movie almost made me feel guilty for what my forefathers had done to blacks. Although there is no way I could have prevented this from happening, as a white person there is some guilt involved.
I agree with Shady that it was very surprising to hear where the Jim Crow laws got their name.
What stood out to me was some of the images, paintings, and videos from the time period that were shown in the film. We've talked about Jim Crow before in history classes, but I've never really seen such violent, vulgar, and depression images of the time.
The person that I think I relate to the most is the son of the father who says to go through the back door, but never get used to it. I think I would be the kind of person who would mind their own business and stay out of trouble, while hoping that better times were on the way.
The person I had the most time relating to was the governor who said that black people belonged in the cotton fields because God said it was so. To invent such a blasphemous lie and support it is not something I could ever see myself doing.
The film brought up feelings of sadness, shame, and anger. I felt bad for African-Americans for everything they were put through, I felt shameful of what our white American ancestors did to blacks, and I felt anger towards the KKK and the ignorant racists who spread violence and lies.
I agree with and relate to Sam Nichol's inability to relate with the African-Americans due to the fact that I've never been in that position of oppression.
The thing that stood out most to me about the film was the fact that the character Jim Crow was created by whites as an act of comedy. It seemed as though the white population did not see it as a racist act but as something to laugh at.
The person i most identified in the film was Booker T. Washington.
I had the most difficulty relating to Jim Crow himself. I cant see how someone could dress up as a minority and make fun of their race publically. I just dont understand that.
The feelings that the film brought up were that i felt extremely bad for the black people that had to live through this era.
The thing that stood out most to me about the film was the fact that the character Jim Crow was created by whites as an act of comedy. It seemed as though the white population did not see it as a racist act but as something to laugh at.
The person i most identified in the film was Booker T. Washington.
I had the most difficulty relating to Jim Crow himself. I cant see how someone could dress up as a minority and make fun of their race publically. I just dont understand that.
The feelings that the film brought up were that i felt extremely bad for the black people that had to live through this era.
The thing that stood out to me the most during the film was how this Jim Crow was used as a form of entertainment. It was disturbing to think that a comedy act could start a movement of hate a violence. The words Jim Crow remind me of a time of racial segregation and ignorance in this country. I honestly couldn't relate to anyone in this film because I can't even imagine the hardship that the African Americans had to endure in this time. I could easily say that I relate least to the KKK in the film because these people committed crimes due to the simple fact that they were a different color. I felt embarrassed that members of the nation I love would commit such hate crimes and were so ignorant.
Absent on 9/24
I also liked the part that Anna mentioned, when the son was told by his father to "never get used to it", I thought it was inspiring and shows how hard they had to fight to not accept the thoughts or actions of the large group they had against them.
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