This Blog is a resource tool for the students taking the "FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES" elective at Westborough High School, Westborough, Massachusetts.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
PERIOD 6: CHILDREN'S MARCH
You recently watched the documentary, The Children's March. Please post any thoughts you have about the film.
24 comments:
Klein Muthie
said...
I myself is a black teenager "negro/nigga". When watching this film, I felt ashamed to be an African American because how the white people would treat them, but as I watched those dedicated children march the streets of Birmingham, Alabama I wanted to get up off my chair and yell "YES FIGHT FOR FREEDOM!" The idea that the black young kids were willing to go to jail, die/get injured for equal rights with the whites really made me feel proud to be called a "black" girl. Whites thought they were superior to blacks. When President Kennedy said, "segregation is forbidden" that had a big impact on whites and blacks. his result for stopping racism led him to get assassinated 5 months later. Today we may think racism doesn't happen too often, but you will be surprised to how many times it occurs a day.
Before watching the film I had no previous recollection of ever learning about the children who so bravely stood up for their own rights. Altogether I thought it was a very powerful film that brought to light the emotional connection to the subject matter. I was shocked at how the white people of Birmingham, AL chose to deal with the children, how can someone with so many years on these young black children be so immature and ridiculous. I just don't seem to understand how they ever thought african americans were less than people. I have a hard time connecting with the film because I did not live during that time period but I definitely notice that racism still exists today even in the halls of WHS. I'm glad I saw this film because I am genuinely amazed by how determined these CHILDREN were for their freedom. Truly amazed and very happy I got to see it.
Watching the film, emotion filled my heart with sadness, and tears started to form in my eyes. I could not believe the pain the African American race was going through. What hurt the most to me while watching, was trying to understand how people could think that they are so superior, they could physically assault another person or multiple people. I find it absolutely DISGUSTING that people think that it is okay to hurt another being so bad and treat them so poorly. During the film, I was so proud of the African American children and people for standing up for themselves in Birmingham, AL and having such strong will-power to go through pain to get freedom. I'm so glad that every race, culture, and religion is allowed in America because everyone deserves rights as an innocent human being.
Watching this video I was surprised at how the white people dealt with all the protesters, especially the kids. Adults being violent with other adults is not okay but adults being violent with kids is just awful. I felt so bad for the little kids that were being hurt by the policemen. I admire their determination and courage though. That video showed me how coming together and fighting for what you believe in no matter what it takes can get you what you want. I found it very inspiring but also it was upsetting how badly people were treated.
While watching this film I was over come with sadness and sympathy for the children who had to go through this horrible experience. It was really interesting to see how brave children could be when standing up for something they believe in because I don't know if I could ever be that courageous. I had very little previous knowledge of these children which seems a little unfair to those kids who put themselves on the line for the sake of their people. It was so inspiring to see the African American children who were just knocked down by fire hoses get up and stand up and start singing. It made me realize how inhumane racism really was, it caused grown men to turn fire hoses on children! It was unbelievable to see how these kids could sing and be happy to go to jail in a time like this. I am truly amazed at what dedication to a cause for the greater good can cause even children to do, fight.
While watching this film, I was amazed about how many African American children went to this event, just to go to jail. I've seen the videos of the hosing of the blacks, but I never knew until today that they were children, and what the objectives they wanted to reach. I was also shocked to learn that it wasn't just black teenagers from Birmingham, but from all over that state of Alabama, so they could go to jail and make their point. The goal of the whites was to keep segregation as alive as it could be, but with all of these videos of black teens getting hosed down, catching the eye of the nation and the world, something had to be done. A lot of people think you have to be older and wiser to make a difference, but this is proof that even kids can make a difference. The children of Alabama played a massive if not the only role in making segregation a thing of the past.
I was moved by this video. Watching all the children stand up for liberty and equality when none of the adults would was incredible. The fact that it was “cool” to be arrested during this week is something I’d never think of being a popular norm but looking at the cause I see the why and am inspired by their courage. I found it intelligent and interesting that Dr. King and other leaders targeted the children through an extremely popular radio host. I was horrified seeing the children being violently targeted by police for a peaceful march. The hoses and dogs were too much to deal with peaceful children. I understand why Americans and President Kennedy reacted with caution and rage after media of this event went out to the press and the newly popularized television. I was brought to rears when the people of Birmingham finally got what they were fighting for, desegregation and a step toward freedom and equality.
This video was extremely moving. The video captured my attention for the entire 57 minute class and I am extremely glad we watched it. The amount of bravery and heart that those children had just overwhelms me with happiness. The fact that the man said he saw a four year old there and he said he was there for "teedam" because he couldn't say freedom almost brought me to tears. Seeing that girl in the window holding the sign that said hi mom was heartbreaking. These kids weren't even college kids, it was high school kids and many that were younger than I. It astonishes me that those children at such a young age could believe in something so much. The attitude and the way those children carried themselves while they were being shot down like dogs with water hoses is a role model for how everyone in this world should act. It sickens me that people like Bill Connor were actually applauded for his terrible speeches.
It really shocked me how many African American children were willing to be placed in jail to stand up for their rights. This must have been very scary for them too do, especially the very young children. It is hard for me to imagine having to be in their shoes. I thought it was really amazing how when many of the African American children were hosed down with force they would get back up and start to sing. That shows true commitment to a cause which I found to be extremely inspirational.
After covering the topic of the Civil Rights movement extensively last year in History I am very surprised that I don’t remember covering this event in any detail. As this event was portrayed as the true turning point of the movement in the film, I feel like it should have been the main point of the unit. The film certainly inspired me. This is a true example of American spirit at its finest, the oppressed rising up happily in the face of the corrupt and immoral system. Seeing how thousands of kids my age and younger willingly let themselves be arrested and imprisoned, some multiple times, just to make a point, shows how resilient and determined the people of that time were. None of them had to face the brutality of the police officers in Birmingham, but they banded together and remained far stronger as a group than they ever could have been as individuals. The most inspiring part of that film for me was when after the fire hoses were sprayed at the crowds, there was a single group of kids that had linked hands and refused to be knocked down. Those were the real heroes of that era, not the politicians who had to be coerced just to put legislation in place to protect the rights that everyone already should have had. The real heroes were the ones on those streets and in that church that rose up and faced adversity because they could.
Before watching this film I was completely unaware of the events that took place. I was amazed by the bravery and determination displayed by the children. They were just kids and their actions were so powerful. They overlooked being thrown in jail and being sprayed by enormous water pressure because of their desire to be free. I also was appalled by the way the white adults decided to deal with this. They were dealing with children, and they threw thousands of children in jail. I don't understand how someone can be so heartless as to throw a child in jail for weeks.
This documentary was very emotional to watch. i had learned about the childrens march last year in history but never had i seen footage, or have heard the side of the story from people who were there. there was so much joy, anger, fear and excitement throughout the whole thing. Im glad i had the chance to experience the march through the eyes of the activists involved.
Before watching this document, I wasn't sure of what to expect. The film really caught my eye and it gave me a sense of anger. Seeing how blacks were being treated just for who they were hurt me. I was imagining myself as them and seeing how strong they are to get through these rough times. I am glad they worked so well to come together and try to be happy and realize that they can handle these situations. I still can't believe how people could act like this to such nice people. I'm glad JFK stood up for them. I'm glad experienced this film and it truly did move me.
I thought this film showed great determination and bravery of the African American kids during the Civil Rights movement. However, I never remembered this event while studying the Civil Rights Movement last year. I felt angered by the way the whites treated African Americans during those dark times. On the other hand it felt great to see such an immense amount of people fighting for one cause and actually pulling off the marches. these were young kids who were willing to fight for what they knew was theres, Freedom. They knew something had to be done because they didn't want to continue to live in a segregated world.
As a child, I don’t think I ever would have had the guts to go against such a powerful force knowing that the punishment would have been jail time. I was amazed by the bravery and determination that was so evident in the hearts of each of those African American children who marched for their freedom even though they knew they would be arrested. I find it very strange that I had never heard of this event, and after viewing the film I still wonder why because it seems that this movement may have been one of the biggest factors in African Americans finally receiving their civil rights. This film was full of emotion and made me feel pain in sympathy towards everything that those children had to go through in order to stand out and fight for what they wanted and needed. One part of the film that stood out to me the most was when the African Americans were being hosed down by white firefighters. This stood out to me because at first, the hose situation was very violent and harmful, but after getting used to it, the African American children actually started playing and dancing in the water from the hoses, which must have been a slap in the face for the whites who thought they were doing something that would scare the children away. This film was very inspirational and really opened my eyes as to how things really were during the time of segregation and the fight for freedom.
I found this video to be extremely sad, but also incredibly inspirational. I was shocked by the actions of the police and firemen, especially the fact that they were intentionally harming children. I knew that water hoses were used against African Americans, but I had no idea they were used against children. I was proud of the children who were singing and joking around while being attacked by the water hose because they were standing up for themselves and their rights and they weren’t letting the whites intimidate them. I thought it was very inspirational that the children were willing and excited to go to jail and that they were not afraid to fight for their freedom. I was also surprised to hear that a child who was only four years old was in jail, but he still knew what they were fighting for. I found the commentary from the African Americans who were involved in the march to be very moving because their passion and emotion towards the fight was still evident.
The one aspect of the movie that struck me the most was the overwhelmingly strong positivity of the blacks. Together they made fighting into a celebration and a movement of pure pride of their identities, in a time where they were severely hated and treated in the worst of ways. For example, when they made a laugh out of being brutally power hosed by the whites during protest by wearing bathing suits and dancing in the "sprinkle" as they called it, i truy saw the motivation and confidence in their eyes. The integrity as well as the intelligence of the blacks were shown when the children stepped up to the plate to fight. It showed me just how determined the blacks were to reach freedom becuase they were putting their last weapon forward after multiple losses. To be honest I never before saw anything like the spraying of the blacks in the streets. This just opened my eyes to the true mistreatment of blacks and has made me imagine, more accurately, the mistreatment of other groups of people in this countries history,that I unfortunately only learned through readings and tests before.
When I was watching this film, I was stricken at the amount of hostility and violence that whites had against black. I was trying to figure out, what made them think this way? Can they not see that they are human beings also? Do they not feel? However, I thought the fight that the children put up for freedom was one of the most glorified events in history. These children gave up a few days of their freedom, in order that the coming generations may have the privilege of living in a de-segregated American community, of having freedom. I thought it was very beautiful how much faith they had, and how determined they were to get their freedom. It's true evidence that faith and determination can make the impossible seem possible. During this era of American history, many Americans lost their lives fighting for freedom. I was extremely upset, but not at all surprised to hear that president Kennedy was assassinated five months later. What he did truly helped begin the process of cutting off racial segregation completely from America.
Before watching this film in class I had never heard or remembered hearing of the children’s march in Birmingham. This is surprising because it seemed like it was the start of a chain reactions towards desegregation. I found the film to be very interesting and ended up reacting more personally then I originally thought before the film started. Those children had big full hearts. I enjoyed being privileged to watch the film yesterday very much.
I thought I already knew everything there was to know about this time period. I have been learning about it for years now, and I thought I was taught every brave act that had been done in this time period. But after watching this film, I realized that I still know nothing. I was shocked at how truly angry whites were and how much hatred there was from whites to blacks. The whites weren't doing this to be the "bad guy"; they genuinely thought they were in the right. And I just don't get it. How can they spray down CHILDREN with high-powered water hoses all the while shouting "Blast those Niggers down!" It is just shocking. I am very glad that I was able to watch this and see the bravery these children had to stand up for their rights.
I thought that this film, although it was sad, also was very uplifting. To be able to see people, children, stand up for themselves like that was amazing. They went into it with smiling faces and knowing they were fighting for there freedom and rights. It was really hard to watch the parts in the movie of them getting disrespected. Although it was hard to watch that, it was worth it to see the smiling faces of the children as they started gaining rights and freedoms.
Watching the "Childrens March" had actually hit me harder then i thought it would. One thing in the film that had affected me the most, was only a 2 second clip of an older man saying that blacks and whites need to be seperated. When he said this he was throwing out anger and yelling as if he was about to kill someone. I veiw everyone as equal. Yes we look different but we are all human and this film had made me angry at the whites,even though i am white. I wanted them to be punished rather than the inocent black children who were getting beaten and thrown in jail. I am just in shock of how our country used to be and this video had reminded me that our country isnt as amazing as everyone thought it was.
24 comments:
I myself is a black teenager "negro/nigga". When watching this film, I felt ashamed to be an African American because how the white people would treat them, but as I watched those dedicated children march the streets of Birmingham, Alabama I wanted to get up off my chair and yell "YES FIGHT FOR FREEDOM!" The idea that the black young kids were willing to go to jail, die/get injured for equal rights with the whites really made me feel proud to be called a "black" girl. Whites thought they were superior to blacks. When President Kennedy said, "segregation is forbidden" that had a big impact on whites and blacks. his result for stopping racism led him to get assassinated 5 months later. Today we may think racism doesn't happen too often, but you will be surprised to how many times it occurs a day.
I was absent for the film.
Before watching the film I had no previous recollection of ever learning about the children who so bravely stood up for their own rights. Altogether I thought it was a very powerful film that brought to light the emotional connection to the subject matter. I was shocked at how the white people of Birmingham, AL chose to deal with the children, how can someone with so many years on these young black children be so immature and ridiculous. I just don't seem to understand how they ever thought african americans were less than people. I have a hard time connecting with the film because I did not live during that time period but I definitely notice that racism still exists today even in the halls of WHS. I'm glad I saw this film because I am genuinely amazed by how determined these CHILDREN were for their freedom. Truly amazed and very happy I got to see it.
Watching the film, emotion filled my heart with sadness, and tears started to form in my eyes. I could not believe the pain the African American race was going through. What hurt the most to me while watching, was trying to understand how people could think that they are so superior, they could physically assault another person or multiple people. I find it absolutely DISGUSTING that people think that it is okay to hurt another being so bad and treat them so poorly. During the film, I was so proud of the African American children and people for standing up for themselves in Birmingham, AL and having such strong will-power to go through pain to get freedom. I'm so glad that every race, culture, and religion is allowed in America because everyone deserves rights as an innocent human being.
Watching this video I was surprised at how the white people dealt with all the protesters, especially the kids. Adults being violent with other adults is not okay but adults being violent with kids is just awful. I felt so bad for the little kids that were being hurt by the policemen. I admire their determination and courage though. That video showed me how coming together and fighting for what you believe in no matter what it takes can get you what you want. I found it very inspiring but also it was upsetting how badly people were treated.
While watching this film I was over come with sadness and sympathy for the children who had to go through this horrible experience. It was really interesting to see how brave children could be when standing up for something they believe in because I don't know if I could ever be that courageous. I had very little previous knowledge of these children which seems a little unfair to those kids who put themselves on the line for the sake of their people. It was so inspiring to see the African American children who were just knocked down by fire hoses get up and stand up and start singing. It made me realize how inhumane racism really was, it caused grown men to turn fire hoses on children! It was unbelievable to see how these kids could sing and be happy to go to jail in a time like this. I am truly amazed at what dedication to a cause for the greater good can cause even children to do, fight.
While watching this film, I was amazed about how many African American children went to this event, just to go to jail. I've seen the videos of the hosing of the blacks, but I never knew until today that they were children, and what the objectives they wanted to reach. I was also shocked to learn that it wasn't just black teenagers from Birmingham, but from all over that state of Alabama, so they could go to jail and make their point. The goal of the whites was to keep segregation as alive as it could be, but with all of these videos of black teens getting hosed down, catching the eye of the nation and the world, something had to be done. A lot of people think you have to be older and wiser to make a difference, but this is proof that even kids can make a difference. The children of Alabama played a massive if not the only role in making segregation a thing of the past.
I was moved by this video. Watching all the children stand up for liberty and equality when none of the adults would was incredible. The fact that it was “cool” to be arrested during this week is something I’d never think of being a popular norm but looking at the cause I see the why and am inspired by their courage. I found it intelligent and interesting that Dr. King and other leaders targeted the children through an extremely popular radio host. I was horrified seeing the children being violently targeted by police for a peaceful march. The hoses and dogs were too much to deal with peaceful children. I understand why Americans and President Kennedy reacted with caution and rage after media of this event went out to the press and the newly popularized television. I was brought to rears when the people of Birmingham finally got what they were fighting for, desegregation and a step toward freedom and equality.
This video was extremely moving. The video captured my attention for the entire 57 minute class and I am extremely glad we watched it. The amount of bravery and heart that those children had just overwhelms me with happiness. The fact that the man said he saw a four year old there and he said he was there for "teedam" because he couldn't say freedom almost brought me to tears. Seeing that girl in the window holding the sign that said hi mom was heartbreaking. These kids weren't even college kids, it was high school kids and many that were younger than I. It astonishes me that those children at such a young age could believe in something so much. The attitude and the way those children carried themselves while they were being shot down like dogs with water hoses is a role model for how everyone in this world should act. It sickens me that people like Bill Connor were actually applauded for his terrible speeches.
It really shocked me how many African American children were willing to be placed in jail to stand up for their rights. This must have been very scary for them too do, especially the very young children. It is hard for me to imagine having to be in their shoes. I thought it was really amazing how when many of the African American children were hosed down with force they would get back up and start to sing. That shows true commitment to a cause which I found to be extremely inspirational.
I was absent for the film.
After covering the topic of the Civil Rights movement extensively last year in History I am very surprised that I don’t remember covering this event in any detail. As this event was portrayed as the true turning point of the movement in the film, I feel like it should have been the main point of the unit. The film certainly inspired me. This is a true example of American spirit at its finest, the oppressed rising up happily in the face of the corrupt and immoral system. Seeing how thousands of kids my age and younger willingly let themselves be arrested and imprisoned, some multiple times, just to make a point, shows how resilient and determined the people of that time were. None of them had to face the brutality of the police officers in Birmingham, but they banded together and remained far stronger as a group than they ever could have been as individuals. The most inspiring part of that film for me was when after the fire hoses were sprayed at the crowds, there was a single group of kids that had linked hands and refused to be knocked down. Those were the real heroes of that era, not the politicians who had to be coerced just to put legislation in place to protect the rights that everyone already should have had. The real heroes were the ones on those streets and in that church that rose up and faced adversity because they could.
Before watching this film I was completely unaware of the events that took place. I was amazed by the bravery and determination displayed by the children. They were just kids and their actions were so powerful. They overlooked being thrown in jail and being sprayed by enormous water pressure because of their desire to be free. I also was appalled by the way the white adults decided to deal with this. They were dealing with children, and they threw thousands of children in jail. I don't understand how someone can be so heartless as to throw a child in jail for weeks.
This documentary was very emotional to watch. i had learned about the childrens march last year in history but never had i seen footage, or have heard the side of the story from people who were there. there was so much joy, anger, fear and excitement throughout the whole thing. Im glad i had the chance to experience the march through the eyes of the activists involved.
Before watching this document, I wasn't sure of what to expect. The film really caught my eye and it gave me a sense of anger. Seeing how blacks were being treated just for who they were hurt me. I was imagining myself as them and seeing how strong they are to get through these rough times. I am glad they worked so well to come together and try to be happy and realize that they can handle these situations. I still can't believe how people could act like this to such nice people. I'm glad JFK stood up for them. I'm glad experienced this film and it truly did move me.
I thought this film showed great determination and bravery of the African American kids during the Civil Rights movement. However, I never remembered this event while studying the Civil Rights Movement last year. I felt angered by the way the whites treated African Americans during those dark times. On the other hand it felt great to see such an immense amount of people fighting for one cause and actually pulling off the marches. these were young kids who were willing to fight for what they knew was theres, Freedom. They knew something had to be done because they didn't want to continue to live in a segregated world.
As a child, I don’t think I ever would have had the guts to go against such a powerful force knowing that the punishment would have been jail time. I was amazed by the bravery and determination that was so evident in the hearts of each of those African American children who marched for their freedom even though they knew they would be arrested. I find it very strange that I had never heard of this event, and after viewing the film I still wonder why because it seems that this movement may have been one of the biggest factors in African Americans finally receiving their civil rights. This film was full of emotion and made me feel pain in sympathy towards everything that those children had to go through in order to stand out and fight for what they wanted and needed. One part of the film that stood out to me the most was when the African Americans were being hosed down by white firefighters. This stood out to me because at first, the hose situation was very violent and harmful, but after getting used to it, the African American children actually started playing and dancing in the water from the hoses, which must have been a slap in the face for the whites who thought they were doing something that would scare the children away. This film was very inspirational and really opened my eyes as to how things really were during the time of segregation and the fight for freedom.
I found this video to be extremely sad, but also incredibly inspirational. I was shocked by the actions of the police and firemen, especially the fact that they were intentionally harming children. I knew that water hoses were used against African Americans, but I had no idea they were used against children. I was proud of the children who were singing and joking around while being attacked by the water hose because they were standing up for themselves and their rights and they weren’t letting the whites intimidate them. I thought it was very inspirational that the children were willing and excited to go to jail and that they were not afraid to fight for their freedom. I was also surprised to hear that a child who was only four years old was in jail, but he still knew what they were fighting for. I found the commentary from the African Americans who were involved in the march to be very moving because their passion and emotion towards the fight was still evident.
The one aspect of the movie that struck me the most was the overwhelmingly strong positivity of the blacks. Together they made fighting into a celebration and a movement of pure pride of their identities, in a time where they were severely hated and treated in the worst of ways. For example, when they made a laugh out of being brutally power hosed by the whites during protest by wearing bathing suits and dancing in the "sprinkle" as they called it, i truy saw the motivation and confidence in their eyes. The integrity as well as the intelligence of the blacks were shown when the children stepped up to the plate to fight. It showed me just how determined the blacks were to reach freedom becuase they were putting their last weapon forward after multiple losses. To be honest I never before saw anything like the spraying of the blacks in the streets. This just opened my eyes to the true mistreatment of blacks and has made me imagine, more accurately, the mistreatment of other groups of people in this countries history,that I unfortunately only learned through readings and tests before.
When I was watching this film, I was stricken at the amount of hostility and violence that whites had against black. I was trying to figure out, what made them think this way? Can they not see that they are human beings also? Do they not feel? However, I thought the fight that the children put up for freedom was one of the most glorified events in history. These children gave up a few days of their freedom, in order that the coming generations may have the privilege of living in a de-segregated American community, of having freedom. I thought it was very beautiful how much faith they had, and how determined they were to get their freedom. It's true evidence that faith and determination can make the impossible seem possible. During this era of American history, many Americans lost their lives fighting for freedom. I was extremely upset, but not at all surprised to hear that president Kennedy was assassinated five months later. What he did truly helped begin the process of cutting off racial segregation completely from America.
Before watching this film in class I had never heard or remembered hearing of the children’s march in Birmingham. This is surprising because it seemed like it was the start of a chain reactions towards desegregation. I found the film to be very interesting and ended up reacting more personally then I originally thought before the film started. Those children had big full hearts. I enjoyed being privileged to watch the film yesterday very much.
I thought I already knew everything there was to know about this time period. I have been learning about it for years now, and I thought I was taught every brave act that had been done in this time period. But after watching this film, I realized that I still know nothing. I was shocked at how truly angry whites were and how much hatred there was from whites to blacks. The whites weren't doing this to be the "bad guy"; they genuinely thought they were in the right. And I just don't get it. How can they spray down CHILDREN with high-powered water hoses all the while shouting "Blast those Niggers down!" It is just shocking. I am very glad that I was able to watch this and see the bravery these children had to stand up for their rights.
I thought that this film, although it was sad, also was very uplifting. To be able to see people, children, stand up for themselves like that was amazing. They went into it with smiling faces and knowing they were fighting for there freedom and rights. It was really hard to watch the parts in the movie of them getting disrespected. Although it was hard to watch that, it was worth it to see the smiling faces of the children as they started gaining rights and freedoms.
Watching the "Childrens March" had actually hit me harder then i thought it would. One thing in the film that had affected me the most, was only a 2 second clip of an older man saying that blacks and whites need to be seperated. When he said this he was throwing out anger and yelling as if he was about to kill someone. I veiw everyone as equal. Yes we look different but we are all human and this film had made me angry at the whites,even though i am white. I wanted them to be punished rather than the inocent black children who were getting beaten and thrown in jail. I am just in shock of how our country used to be and this video had reminded me that our country isnt as amazing as everyone thought it was.
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