This Blog is a resource tool for the students taking the "FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES" elective at Westborough High School, Westborough, Massachusetts.
Monday, September 24, 2012
PERIOD 6 - THE CHILDREN'S MARCH
Today, you watched the documentary, The Children's March. Please post any thoughts you have about the film.
39 comments:
Robert MacElhaney
said...
I have seen these videos before about Birmingham, Alabama. It still shocks me today of what all those people did to the African Americans. I asl thought it was brave though of what all the children did, and how they did not give up becauseof how bad they wanted segregation to be over in the U.S. I aslso thought it was suprising of what the people in Boston did with the riots of keeping African Americans out of the white schools. I never thought it was like that in every single city/town there was. I thought they would have been a little nicer then what they actually were.
I remember last year, in Mr. O'brien's class, learning about the same instances in Birmingham, Alabama. When watching the film I recognized Eugene "Bull" Connor's tank and remembered some of his policies. Even though the material wasn't new, the image of a bunch of kids, younger than me, getting blown away by fire hoses never stops being shocking. About halfway through the film there was a scene of Bull Connor standing with his hands on his hips looking quite pleased and accomplished. This was right after all the kids were blasted to hell and back with the hoses. What really stuck with me were the brave young kids who stood together singing and waiting for the next round of the fireman's hose.
I knew about major events in the Civil Rights Movement, but I was never aware that The Children's March was the turning point in the Movement. I've seen the videos before, but I never knew the people in it were children. The march was a genius idea by MLK because the police wouldn't expect children to be the offenders. It was also interesting to see how the children thought going to jail would be fun. Seeing these videos on TV in Westborough back then would have been horrifying.
I've heard lectures, and seen videos and pictures of the movements and marches that happened across America but every time I watch, listen, or read about I just can't help but feel for them. Even though racism wasn't at large when i was born, I feel a connection to them. It's also very inspiring to watch the kids take charge being as young as they were for what they believed was right. Also to know that racism and segregation was happening like that all across the country, shows how far America has gotten and how long it took to get there.
I agree with Robert about the strength and courage of the kids. I also agree about Boston. Even though i grew up there i had no idea that it was that bad.
I thought that the Children’s March was an inspirational documentary. I admired how the children decided themselves to participate in the march and how they went to jail on their own. I also admired how the children tried to enjoy themselves while being in such awful situations such as singing songs and playing various games. They all had great courage and were determined to stop segregation. Lastly, I liked how there were firsthand accounts from some children who shared their experiences from participating in the march.
I agree with Robert that it was surprising to see what the people of Boston did, as they had many riots in hope of keeping African Americans out of white schools. I did not know that this had happened in Boston.
After watching this movie I'm shocked that something like what took place in Birmingham could happen in the US so recently. Especially after World War 2 and saying that Hitler was wrong for believing one race of people was better than another. Also, I admire the black peoples' effort to do something about the situation they were in and ultimately get what they wanted.
I agree with Maria in how the firsthand accounts from some of the people who participated in the movement added to the movie. I thought it was cool hearing their side and what was going through their minds at that time.
I've seen videos about the same instances when I was in Mr. O'Brien's class last year, but watching this again still never fails to inspire me, and disturb me at the same time. It disgusts me to see that this is part of American history. It's still hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that this was happening in America, but I think it's extremely important for people to learn about it and take away from it. It was inspiring to see the children taking a stand for what they believed in, because no one expected anything from them.
I agree with David's point about the kids not giving up. Even though they were getting hurt and going to jail, they didn't stop. At one point in the film, they even mentioned that they would get out of jail, just to go right back in. It really is an inspiration, watching a group of young people being able make a huge difference in our world and leaving a lasting impact.
After having watched this documentary, I feel as though I have a much better understanding of the hardships that African Americans experienced during this time in American history. I think that the children had amazing courage to stand up for their rights. They were willing to show up each day to protest, knowing that they would go to jail or get sprayed by fire hoses. I can’t even imagine what it must have felt like to be so young and to be treated the way they were just because of the way they looked. This documentary was inspiring to me because it proved that with determination, anyone can stand up for what they believe in, whether they be black, white, young, old or anything else.
I agree with what David Morency said about how far America has come. Of course racism is still prevalent today, but not nearly to the extent that it was 60 years ago.
Like a lot of people, this subject was not new and I have learned a lot about it in highschool. However, I still found this video incredibly disturbing. I almost can't wrap my mind around how much hate the whites had towards all the african americans. I can't stop wondering how you can hate a race so much for doing absolutley nothing. I was disgusted with their ignorance and their brutal actions. But at the same time, I found it realy beautiful how the blacks, especially the kids, united to stand up for themselves and never ever stopped. they stayed so peaceful the entire time which is why I found it so awful that the whites still tortured them. my favorite part was when they were being blown away by fire hoses and they were standing there like, "bring it on!" Their courage was truly inspiring and mind blowing.
My history class last year covered the Civil Rights Movement in the late 20th century so this is not the first time I have seen the footage of the Birmingham marches. Although it's not new to me, the violence and racism displayed by the people of Birmingham is sickening. What did surprise me was the busing boycotts in Boston. I was unaware that the Northern states opposed desegregation just as much as the Southern states.
I agree with johnny that it was a genius idea on the part of MLK to use the children as their secret weapon in fighting against descrimination because it was unexpected and there were so many of them wiling to stand up. It shows that age really doesn't matter and that anyone can fight for their beliefs.
I agree with Kensie that the self restraint and control of the protesters in Birmingham was inspiring. It took a great deal of courage for those kids to stand up to the racists and their discipline to remain peaceful made the whites' violent reaction that much more appalling.
I really respect the peaceful methods that the children used in order for them to help fight for their freedom. If I was in their position, I could not even process how much dicipline it would take to not fight back physically against the whites attacking you.
Before the film I was already aware of the acts that occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, but the film made me realize how cruel people were to African Americans. I also gained more respect for African Americans because i didn't fully understand the extent to which they struggled and the actions they took for freedom. I was disgusted by the scenes where the children were sprayed with the water hoses and attacked by dogs, but the fact they went back to march everyday is brave and inspiring.
The Children's march documentary that was shown in class was a part of the civil rights movement that I personally have never heard about. I thought that the drive and the power that the kids held in their hands and the way that they were able to stand up for their rights was a extremely brave thing to do. Witnessing the strength that they had shown and the determination they had was a very inspirtational thing. The children never backed down and they would keep getting put in jail, sprayed with water etc. until they obtained their rights and were treated as na equal to the whites.
i completely agree with kate on how inspirational this film was as well as how insightful it was about the march and what was behind the events that occured in Alabama.
This documentary illustrated one of the most important occurances in american history, the civil rights movements. I can't even imagine the amount of courage and bravery it took for the thousands of childern who joined the marches, knowing they would be beaten and brutally attacked. Even though I have seen images and videos of the protesters getting blown away by the fire hoses and getting attacked by dogs, it still shocks me how anybody could let this happen.
I think the children's march was so effective because, despite kids and teens being the future of any city, most officials either ignore them or want to "protect" them from getting involved; it also garnered nationwide attention because people were called to their morals when they saw hundreds after hundreds of children blasted with water, attacked, and arrested. And to think of what Bull Connor could have been doing that year in Birmingham instead of wasting the city's resources on putting these kids in jail, even buying the tank he used as a cop car.
I agree with Connie: I saw much of this same footage in O'brien's class last year, but I was still floored watching the hatred and discrimination again.
I feel that the Children's March was effective. In the end President Kennedy was able to provide some assistance to the blacks. These people had been oppressed for years and America was finally able to see what it was like in the south. The brutality of the dispanding of the crowds was remarkable. The use of powerful water against these harmless children was astounding. I think that it was a major step forward in the process for equality for the blacks and i feel it was extremely successful.
I agree with Jake, I had no idea of Boston situation until yesterday and for the children's march it is basically the first time i've heard about it in depth.
I've seen many clips and read many articles on the events that took place in Birmingham, but none managed to open my eyes as much as this one. This film really brought me to the reality of the level of hate and racism that existed in the south as well as making me realize how brave the black children and their families were.
No matter how many times i watch videos from Birmingham, Alabama it will still feel the same. I am always unable to believe how someone could treat another human being that way. I feel a bit embarrassed at times during films such as "Children's March" to how the race that I am a part of could have acted so ignorantly and savage. I also couldn't believe the man Bull Connor, he was truly afwul and doesn't deserve to be remembered.
I agree with what Robert said about the action in Boston. I had always had this idea that the North was a better place during this time of segregation, I now have a better understanding of the severity and widespread beliefs of segregation during this time
39 comments:
I have seen these videos before about Birmingham, Alabama. It still shocks me today of what all those people did to the African Americans. I asl thought it was brave though of what all the children did, and how they did not give up becauseof how bad they wanted segregation to be over in the U.S. I aslso thought it was suprising of what the people in Boston did with the riots of keeping African Americans out of the white schools. I never thought it was like that in every single city/town there was. I thought they would have been a little nicer then what they actually were.
I remember last year, in Mr. O'brien's class, learning about the same instances in Birmingham, Alabama. When watching the film I recognized Eugene "Bull" Connor's tank and remembered some of his policies. Even though the material wasn't new, the image of a bunch of kids, younger than me, getting blown away by fire hoses never stops being shocking. About halfway through the film there was a scene of Bull Connor standing with his hands on his hips looking quite pleased and accomplished. This was right after all the kids were blasted to hell and back with the hoses. What really stuck with me were the brave young kids who stood together singing and waiting for the next round of the fireman's hose.
I like what Robert said about how the kids took initiative. In the end it was the kids who made everything possible.
I knew about major events in the Civil Rights Movement, but I was never aware that The Children's March was the turning point in the Movement. I've seen the videos before, but I never knew the people in it were children. The march was a genius idea by MLK because the police wouldn't expect children to be the offenders. It was also interesting to see how the children thought going to jail would be fun. Seeing these videos on TV in Westborough back then would have been horrifying.
I was absent on the date this blog was assigned.
I agree with David's point about Eugene "Bull" Connors actions, he was ruthless and should have been taken out of office long before.
I've heard lectures, and seen videos and pictures of the movements and marches that happened across America but every time I watch, listen, or read about I just can't help but feel for them. Even though racism wasn't at large when i was born, I feel a connection to them. It's also very inspiring to watch the kids take charge being as young as they were for what they believed was right. Also to know that racism and segregation was happening like that all across the country, shows how far America has gotten and how long it took to get there.
I agree with Robert about the strength and courage of the kids. I also agree about Boston. Even though i grew up there i had no idea that it was that bad.
I was absent during this lesson.
I thought that the Children’s March was an inspirational documentary. I admired how the children decided themselves to participate in the march and how they went to jail on their own. I also admired how the children tried to enjoy themselves while being in such awful situations such as singing songs and playing various games. They all had great courage and were determined to stop segregation. Lastly, I liked how there were firsthand accounts from some children who shared their experiences from participating in the march.
I agree with Robert that it was surprising to see what the people of Boston did, as they had many riots in hope of keeping African Americans out of white schools. I did not know that this had happened in Boston.
After watching this movie I'm shocked that something like what took place in Birmingham could happen in the US so recently. Especially after World War 2 and saying that Hitler was wrong for believing one race of people was better than another. Also, I admire the black peoples' effort to do something about the situation they were in and ultimately get what they wanted.
I agree with Maria in how the firsthand accounts from some of the people who participated in the movement added to the movie. I thought it was cool hearing their side and what was going through their minds at that time.
I've seen videos about the same instances when I was in Mr. O'Brien's class last year, but watching this again still never fails to inspire me, and disturb me at the same time. It disgusts me to see that this is part of American history. It's still hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that this was happening in America, but I think it's extremely important for people to learn about it and take away from it. It was inspiring to see the children taking a stand for what they believed in, because no one expected anything from them.
I agree with David's point about the kids not giving up. Even though they were getting hurt and going to jail, they didn't stop. At one point in the film, they even mentioned that they would get out of jail, just to go right back in. It really is an inspiration, watching a group of young people being able make a huge difference in our world and leaving a lasting impact.
After having watched this documentary, I feel as though I have a much better understanding of the hardships that African Americans experienced during this time in American history. I think that the children had amazing courage to stand up for their rights. They were willing to show up each day to protest, knowing that they would go to jail or get sprayed by fire hoses. I can’t even imagine what it must have felt like to be so young and to be treated the way they were just because of the way they looked. This documentary was inspiring to me because it proved that with determination, anyone can stand up for what they believe in, whether they be black, white, young, old or anything else.
I agree with what David Morency said about how far America has come. Of course racism is still prevalent today, but not nearly to the extent that it was 60 years ago.
Like a lot of people, this subject was not new and I have learned a lot about it in highschool. However, I still found this video incredibly disturbing. I almost can't wrap my mind around how much hate the whites had towards all the african americans. I can't stop wondering how you can hate a race so much for doing absolutley nothing. I was disgusted with their ignorance and their brutal actions. But at the same time, I found it realy beautiful how the blacks, especially the kids, united to stand up for themselves and never ever stopped. they stayed so peaceful the entire time which is why I found it so awful that the whites still tortured them. my favorite part was when they were being blown away by fire hoses and they were standing there like, "bring it on!" Their courage was truly inspiring and mind blowing.
My history class last year covered the Civil Rights Movement in the late 20th century so this is not the first time I have seen the footage of the Birmingham marches. Although it's not new to me, the violence and racism displayed by the people of Birmingham is sickening. What did surprise me was the busing boycotts in Boston. I was unaware that the Northern states opposed desegregation just as much as the Southern states.
I agree with johnny that it was a genius idea on the part of MLK to use the children as their secret weapon in fighting against descrimination because it was unexpected and there were so many of them wiling to stand up. It shows that age really doesn't matter and that anyone can fight for their beliefs.
I agree with Kensie that the self restraint and control of the protesters in Birmingham was inspiring. It took a great deal of courage for those kids to stand up to the racists and their discipline to remain peaceful made the whites' violent reaction that much more appalling.
I really respect the peaceful methods that the children used in order for them to help fight for their freedom. If I was in their position, I could not even process how much dicipline it would take to not fight back physically against the whites attacking you.
I had a similar reponse to Robert from the movie that was shown. I was very shocked about how they were treated
Before the film I was already aware of the acts that occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, but the film made me realize how cruel people were to African Americans. I also gained more respect for African Americans because i didn't fully understand the extent to which they struggled and the actions they took for freedom. I was disgusted by the scenes where the children were sprayed with the water hoses and attacked by dogs, but the fact they went back to march everyday is brave and inspiring.
i agree with David about the children sticking together and singing. that was very inspiring
The Children's march documentary that was shown in class was a part of the civil rights movement that I personally have never heard about. I thought that the drive and the power that the kids held in their hands and the way that they were able to stand up for their rights was a extremely brave thing to do. Witnessing the strength that they had shown and the determination they had was a very inspirtational thing. The children never backed down and they would keep getting put in jail, sprayed with water etc. until they obtained their rights and were treated as na equal to the whites.
i completely agree with kate on how inspirational this film was as well as how insightful it was about the march and what was behind the events that occured in Alabama.
This documentary illustrated one of the most important occurances in american history, the civil rights movements. I can't even imagine the amount of courage and bravery it took for the thousands of childern who joined the marches, knowing they would be beaten and brutally attacked. Even though I have seen images and videos of the protesters getting blown away by the fire hoses and getting attacked by dogs, it still shocks me how anybody could let this happen.
I agree with David G. The image of a bunch of little kids getting blown away with fire hoses is really crazy.
I think the children's march was so effective because, despite kids and teens being the future of any city, most officials either ignore them or want to "protect" them from getting involved; it also garnered nationwide attention because people were called to their morals when they saw hundreds after hundreds of children blasted with water, attacked, and arrested. And to think of what Bull Connor could have been doing that year in Birmingham instead of wasting the city's resources on putting these kids in jail, even buying the tank he used as a cop car.
I agree with Connie: I saw much of this same footage in O'brien's class last year, but I was still floored watching the hatred and discrimination again.
I feel that the Children's March was effective. In the end President Kennedy was able to provide some assistance to the blacks. These people had been oppressed for years and America was finally able to see what it was like in the south. The brutality of the dispanding of the crowds was remarkable. The use of powerful water against these harmless children was astounding. I think that it was a major step forward in the process for equality for the blacks and i feel it was extremely successful.
I agree with Jake, I had no idea of Boston situation until yesterday and for the children's march it is basically the first time i've heard about it in depth.
I've seen many clips and read many articles on the events that took place in Birmingham, but none managed to open my eyes as much as this one. This film really brought me to the reality of the level of hate and racism that existed in the south as well as making me realize how brave the black children and their families were.
I agree with David's points on the bravery of the children and their pride and also how it all shows how far america has come in the past 50 years.
No matter how many times i watch videos from Birmingham, Alabama it will still feel the same. I am always unable to believe how someone could treat another human being that way. I feel a bit embarrassed at times during films such as "Children's March" to how the race that I am a part of could have acted so ignorantly and savage. I also couldn't believe the man Bull Connor, he was truly afwul and doesn't deserve to be remembered.
I agree with what Robert said about the action in Boston. I had always had this idea that the North was a better place during this time of segregation, I now have a better understanding of the severity and widespread beliefs of segregation during this time
I was absent for the video.
I was absent for the video
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