This Blog is a resource tool for the students taking the "FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES" elective at Westborough High School, Westborough, Massachusetts.
Friday, September 30, 2011
PERIOD 3 - THE CHILDREN'S MARCH
Today, you watched the film, The Children's March. Please post any thoughts you have about the film.
40 comments:
Laura Hetherman
said...
I have learned about Birmingham, Alabama and the civil rights movement. I knew what the whites did to the blacks and how bad it was, especially in Birmingham. Even though I knew all this information prior to watching the film today, it was still horrifying to see what the blacks had to go through. One of the black speakers in the film shared with the viewer’s how segregation demoralizes people internally and mentally and it is the hardest thing to recover from. This statement stuck with me throughout the film because I cannot even wrap my head around what it would have been like for blacks back then. Also, the children who willingly went to jail and who sang through the nights imprisoned was so powerful. These kids, as young as four sometimes, were truly heroes of the civil rights movement.
I thought this film was very informative, but at the same time i thought it was aweful what the whites did to the blacks. Police officers are supposed to protect the people, not literally knock them to the ground with highly pressurized water. I thought it was aweful the way police officers looked the other way for all 20 unsolved bombings. I also noticed when they showed the Ku Klux Klan, there was an infant, wearing the white robes. I thought each and every one of the black children that stood up to the police officers and went to jail, for a cause were incredibly brave. They were willing to get beaten by racist pigs just to protest for freedom. I have great respect for these brave children and i have lost a bit of respect for my race.
I agree with Laura Hetherman that these black children are the true heroes in this film. I also took note when watching the film with what one of the black speakers being interviewed said. I can not relate at all to what the blacks went through, all i can do is try to picture myself in their shoes. This is hard to do when you have never seen this level of racism in my entire life.
After watching the film today, I am glad that the children did what they did. If it had not been for them, the blacks would not have got what they wanted. The children stood up for what they believed in and what they wanted even if it meant going to jail for long periods of time. I think that it was awful what the police did to the blacks who marched. They were just standing up for what they believed in and did not deserve to get punished for it. If the blacks did not do what they did, segregation would have been a problem long after that.
I agree with Matt on the fact that police officers are suppose to protect citizens and that is the opposite of what they did in the film we watched. The police officers beat the blacks because of their color. They also hosed them to the ground and had dogs viciously attack the blacks. Police officers are suppose to protect all people, not kill them because of their race.
I agree with Matt on the fact that police are supposed to protect the people of all races. The police in the film were just looking out for the white`s safety and not the blacks. They did not care if the blacks were harrassed or beaten. The police were there to only protect the whites not even care about the blacks. This film made me lose respect for the police during that time period.
I thought this film showed how bad racism was in Alabama. I could not believe how hard the white people were fighting against integration and how evil most of them were. What I got most from this film was how children can make a big difference.
The documentary was very informative. I did not know that almost 1,000 children were arrested in one day for protesting. It was disturbing to see the children being thrown in jail. I also did not know that people came out in bathing suits when they were going to get hit by the fire hoses. That was very surprising. They knew that they were going to get hit with the fire hoses, but they still went out.
I agree with Matt. It is appalling the way the police officers and firefighters treated the protesters. I also find it appalling that the police officers were members of the KKK.
After watching the children's march, I learned alot about Birmingham, Alabama and the civil rights movement. I never knew how many people were part of the march and how many students willingly participated in the part even though they knew they would go to jail. Instead of being upset, they sang with joy the nights they were in jail. It is amazing to me that these kids were really the ones who led the civil rights movement and stood up for their rights and freedom.
I also agree with Laura that even having prior knowledge about how badly the whiles treated the blacks, it was still horrifying to see what the blacks had to go through. I also agree it was shocking to hear the personal stories from the speakers in the film about how segregation demoralizes people internally and mentally, making it the hardest thing to recover from.
After watching the The Children's March I really thought it was one of the most awesome things I have ever seen. I thought it was an absolutely brilliant idea to have children non violently walk and protest and then get arrested and fill up the jail cells. I loved how when the Police brought out the Police Patty Wagons it was filled with children. Then when the Police brought School Buses they were also filled by the bus load by children. Then the Firemen brought out those very powerful fire hoses and instead of giving up the children stood together and held each other. The next day some people arrived in bathing suits and would dance and try to get hit with the water even though it hurt. I just loved how no matter how mean the authorities were to these children they just could not get the morale of the children down. They would continue to sing and get arrested by choice and then go and get arrested again. These people were set on their goal of freedom and were absolutely determined to achieve it no matter the odds against them. I think the movie was very inspirational and think it really highlights the courage of those children and the concept of power in numbers.
I agree with Laura when she says that one of the things she learned from this film is that some of the heroes from the civil rights movement were no older than four years old at the time.
This movie really showed me the power kids have. Since all of those kids went to jail and stood in front of those hoses really effected the Civil Rights movement. It's really sick to hurt a child and by having these kids willingly do this, impowered both whites and blacks.
I agree with Jesse that nothing brought the spirit of these kids down. It's kind of inspirational seeing the difference made by these kids who are our age and much younger.
I think that this movie shows that children can make a significant difference that nobody would have ever imagined. The strength that these children had to stand up and not be afraid, and even want to go to jail made this movie incredible. These children are role models, they wanted to make a difference and they did it, not many people can do that. They fought for what they believed in and changed the way of society which is unreal. I couldn't imagine what these kids went through, but they can now be recognized as heros and should be remembered forever.
I agree with Jenna that what the police did to the blacks was awful. Those hoses were so strong they could break bones, the dogs bit them, and just the violence that the police used on these blacks was unbearable to watch. I think the fact that these children did not back down is what really stood out to me too. They did not give up for what they believed in and that is inspirational.
The Children's March is such an arresting film. It shows the power children can have. I think it was great that the children could end segregation in Birmingham. However, it's sad that they literally had to go to jail and be attacked by police because they stood up for what was right. I hope that people always remember their courage and respect the rights that they worked so hard to get.
This film was very interesting and I learned a lot of new stuff. Those children were so brave and did such a honorable thing for there people. This movement made a huge impact and the kids seemed to enjoy it and had high spirits the whole time. Watching the scenes in which white firefighters sprayed the protestors with hoses was disturbing and horrifying. However the black children kept protesting and stayed strong and stood up for what they believed in. This video was very well made and taught me more about the civil rights movement
I agree with Matt. It is appalling the way the police and firefighters treated the protesters. When they sprayed the protestors with hoses it sparked a lot of emotion and i can't believe that someone could do that to a person its sickening. But it was great to see the protestors keep there heads up.
I thought the film was really sad and touching. I learned a lot of new things that I didn't know. I also thought the children were really brave going to jail to get their freedom. It was sad watching them get sprayed with the water because it looked really painful and a lot of them new that they might of been attacked by dogs or beat and they still went and stood up for themselves. I really enjoyed watching it in the end it taught me a lot i didn't know.
I agree with Brendan children can make a huge difference even if they think they cant its worth the try because in the end they ended up getting what they wanted. I also thought it was really messed up how badly the whites didn't want the blacks to be free and how they fought against it was sickening.
The children in the film were very brave that did the civil right movement even they get arrested and went in to the jail. The young age was not a barrier to do the civil movements. They sacrificed themselves for their rights and to stop the segregation. During the movement, the police and fire department were used violence to the young children just because of skin color. The fire department used the fire horse which does very strong spout of water for controlling the students. The boys and girls were screaming and falling down on the ground. This scene shocked me a lot. I learned that I need a firm faith like the children. I think that the young children are great people that they completed their rights and right society.
The Children's March in Birmingham, Alabama was an event I was not aware of, and it was pivotal as it turned the tides in the battle for civil rights. I thought what the children did was amazing to overcome the opression of the white people of Alabama during times where African Americans were killed because of their skin color.I still can't believe that a bunch of kids could out do adults and even police officers, their smiling positive spirits couldn't be stopped.
I agree with Caroline that it was amazing that children ended segregation in Birmingham, however the fact that they had to stand up to police who should be protecting the law in the first place is disgraceful.
I really think that the point of seeing things really changes your view on the subject. Like Laura said I have learned about the civil rights movement. But to me these things were just words on paper. I never REALLY understood what was going on with this subject though until I saw the brutality of what was actually going on. I think the real problem stems from people's want to categorize things and label them. Because if you can label something than it becomes very easy to hate. I'm glad those kids did what they needed to do and ended segregation in Birmingham.
i again agree with laura. it was such a sad movie. it made me extremely shocked and disgusted with an entire TOWN thinking and acting and also responding in the way they did towards black people. it was so low.it was so inspring. it made me personally wish i could ever be part of something that important and brave. they never gave up and stood up practically against death for what was right. it also showed the class that we learn more than how amazing america is. how its not a perfect beautiful country and we see how we also had our unbeliveable actions.
I think the film was very helpful to anybody that didnt know much about the challenges of the black people in the south.It really showed what they had to go through in order to have their freedom and its sad to know that people would go to the lengths that the white people did just to keep everyone else below them.
I also agree with what Kate said about how the children are role models and leaders because to me they seemed to be the bravest of them all.And they showed me that it is true that if you believe in something than go for it all because your at your strongest when your in that mindstate.
While watching the film, I had some background knowledge of some of the events that took place. I had knowledge of the bombing of the church where three little girls were killed, the bus bombings, and the use of fire hoses against the african american people. Hearing and reading about these acts are one thing, but to see the African Americans being hosed down and bombed, was really hard to see. I was touched most by the killing of the three little african american girls. Knowing that these acts of brutality went on and were largely accepted by the white people is sickening. Just seeing the events take place was really troubling to me.
I learned that the black people wouldn't stop for anything until they got equal rights. They were willing to go to jail to their equal rights. I saw how bad the black people were taken g of a beating and i was disgust with the white people and couldn't believe the things they did. It also made me mad that anyone wouldn't help the black people out. Even though they were getting a huge beating from the police and the fire department and I thought their jobs were save peoples lives not take them.
I agree with the Matt that the 20 bombings the cops should have done something about that it is their job but they don't really seem to care about black people.
This film makes me realise that children have more poltical power than they think. Children can be a powerful political tool. A childs courage, boldness, and innocence makes them ideal for any political campaign. I think that a lot of the time in history children never get the credit that they deserve. The adults always end up taking it.
Nick, I agree that its one thing to hear about something but its completely different to see it actualy happening. Seeing human beings treated like that makes me sad.
After watching the film, I couldn't believe how big of an impact children had on the movement. I have read and seen things on what has happened in Birmingham before but yet this movie still shocked me. The fact the people who are supposed to protect us brought out fire hoses on not even adults but children is sickening, what were these people thinking when they did this. But even with hoses and dogs the marches continued and with great morale. It was great to see that nothing could get them down, they knew what they were doing was right and nothing was going to stop them. I just can't imagine someone much younger than me being willing to go to jail and stay there.
I agree with Jenna, I am glad the children did what they did. If it was not for them I don't think the U.S. would be the same. They did what they needed to and they bettered the world because of it. They are true heroes of the movement.
In watching this film, I was reminded of that old cliche that even children can make a difference when they stand up for what they think is right. Although these cliches have grown exhausted and boring these days, I didn't find that with this film; I really found myself interested and engaged by the story of these children and their remarkable march. I don't know why this case was so different. Perhaps it's that these crimes weren't like global warming or selfish waste where society desperately assures the population that even one small child can make a difference, it's a much more gritty, disturbingly human matter where a group of children stood up and did what the adults weren't willing to. And I find that far more profound and powerful than any cliche you'll find today. And I agree with Aidan Dolan that this film told me a lot that I didn't know before. Much of this event was unbeknownst to me prior to watching the video.
40 comments:
I have learned about Birmingham, Alabama and the civil rights movement. I knew what the whites did to the blacks and how bad it was, especially in Birmingham. Even though I knew all this information prior to watching the film today, it was still horrifying to see what the blacks had to go through. One of the black speakers in the film shared with the viewer’s how segregation demoralizes people internally and mentally and it is the hardest thing to recover from. This statement stuck with me throughout the film because I cannot even wrap my head around what it would have been like for blacks back then. Also, the children who willingly went to jail and who sang through the nights imprisoned was so powerful. These kids, as young as four sometimes, were truly heroes of the civil rights movement.
I thought this film was very informative, but at the same time i thought it was aweful what the whites did to the blacks. Police officers are supposed to protect the people, not literally knock them to the ground with highly pressurized water. I thought it was aweful the way police officers looked the other way for all 20 unsolved bombings. I also noticed when they showed the Ku Klux Klan, there was an infant, wearing the white robes. I thought each and every one of the black children that stood up to the police officers and went to jail, for a cause were incredibly brave. They were willing to get beaten by racist pigs just to protest for freedom. I have great respect for these brave children and i have lost a bit of respect for my race.
I agree with Laura Hetherman that these black children are the true heroes in this film. I also took note when watching the film with what one of the black speakers being interviewed said. I can not relate at all to what the blacks went through, all i can do is try to picture myself in their shoes. This is hard to do when you have never seen this level of racism in my entire life.
After watching the film today, I am glad that the children did what they did. If it had not been for them, the blacks would not have got what they wanted. The children stood up for what they believed in and what they wanted even if it meant going to jail for long periods of time. I think that it was awful what the police did to the blacks who marched. They were just standing up for what they believed in and did not deserve to get punished for it. If the blacks did not do what they did, segregation would have been a problem long after that.
I agree with Matt on the fact that police officers are suppose to protect citizens and that is the opposite of what they did in the film we watched. The police officers beat the blacks because of their color. They also hosed them to the ground and had dogs viciously attack the blacks. Police officers are suppose to protect all people, not kill them because of their race.
I agree with Matt on the fact that police are supposed to protect the people of all races. The police in the film were just looking out for the white`s safety and not the blacks. They did not care if the blacks were harrassed or beaten. The police were there to only protect the whites not even care about the blacks. This film made me lose respect for the police during that time period.
I thought this film showed how bad racism was in Alabama. I could not believe how hard the white people were fighting against integration and how evil most of them were. What I got most from this film was how children can make a big difference.
I agree with Jenna’s comment. I also think that if this had not happened, racism would still be strong in some places in the south.
The documentary was very informative. I did not know that almost 1,000 children were arrested in one day for protesting. It was disturbing to see the children being thrown in jail. I also did not know that people came out in bathing suits when they were going to get hit by the fire hoses. That was very surprising. They knew that they were going to get hit with the fire hoses, but they still went out.
I agree with Matt. It is appalling the way the police officers and firefighters treated the protesters. I also find it appalling that the police officers were members of the KKK.
I was absent from class on Friday.
After watching the children's march, I learned alot about Birmingham, Alabama and the civil rights movement. I never knew how many people were part of the march and how many students willingly participated in the part even though they knew they would go to jail. Instead of being upset, they sang with joy the nights they were in jail. It is amazing to me that these kids were really the ones who led the civil rights movement and stood up for their rights and freedom.
I also agree with Laura that even having prior knowledge about how badly the whiles treated the blacks, it was still horrifying to see what the blacks had to go through. I also agree it was shocking to hear the personal stories from the speakers in the film about how segregation demoralizes people internally and mentally, making it the hardest thing to recover from.
After watching the The Children's March I really thought it was one of the most awesome things I have ever seen. I thought it was an absolutely brilliant idea to have children non violently walk and protest and then get arrested and fill up the jail cells. I loved how when the Police brought out the Police Patty Wagons it was filled with children. Then when the Police brought School Buses they were also filled by the bus load by children. Then the Firemen brought out those very powerful fire hoses and instead of giving up the children stood together and held each other. The next day some people arrived in bathing suits and would dance and try to get hit with the water even though it hurt. I just loved how no matter how mean the authorities were to these children they just could not get the morale of the children down. They would continue to sing and get arrested by choice and then go and get arrested again. These people were set on their goal of freedom and were absolutely determined to achieve it no matter the odds against them. I think the movie was very inspirational and think it really highlights the courage of those children and the concept of power in numbers.
I agree with Laura when she says that one of the things she learned from this film is that some of the heroes from the civil rights movement were no older than four years old at the time.
This movie really showed me the power kids have. Since all of those kids went to jail and stood in front of those hoses really effected the Civil Rights movement. It's really sick to hurt a child and by having these kids willingly do this, impowered both whites and blacks.
I agree with Jesse that nothing brought the spirit of these kids down. It's kind of inspirational seeing the difference made by these kids who are our age and much younger.
I think that this movie shows that children can make a significant difference that nobody would have ever imagined. The strength that these children had to stand up and not be afraid, and even want to go to jail made this movie incredible. These children are role models, they wanted to make a difference and they did it, not many people can do that. They fought for what they believed in and changed the way of society which is unreal. I couldn't imagine what these kids went through, but they can now be recognized as heros and should be remembered forever.
I agree with Jenna that what the police did to the blacks was awful. Those hoses were so strong they could break bones, the dogs bit them, and just the violence that the police used on these blacks was unbearable to watch. I think the fact that these children did not back down is what really stood out to me too. They did not give up for what they believed in and that is inspirational.
The Children's March is such an arresting film. It shows the power children can have. I think it was great that the children could end segregation in Birmingham. However, it's sad that they literally had to go to jail and be attacked by police because they stood up for what was right. I hope that people always remember their courage and respect the rights that they worked so hard to get.
I agree with what Kate said about how the children are role models and managed to change society. It is truly admirable.
This film was very interesting and I learned a lot of new stuff. Those children were so brave and did such a honorable thing for there people. This movement made a huge impact and the kids seemed to enjoy it and had high spirits the whole time. Watching the scenes in which white firefighters sprayed the protestors with hoses was disturbing and horrifying. However the black children kept protesting and stayed strong and stood up for what they believed in. This video was very well made and taught me more about the civil rights movement
I agree with Matt. It is appalling the way the police and firefighters treated the protesters. When they sprayed the protestors with hoses it sparked a lot of emotion and i can't believe that someone could do that to a person its sickening. But it was great to see the protestors keep there heads up.
I thought the film was really sad and touching. I learned a lot of new things that I didn't know. I also thought the children were really brave going to jail to get their freedom. It was sad watching them get sprayed with the water because it looked really painful and a lot of them new that they might of been attacked by dogs or beat and they still went and stood up for themselves. I really enjoyed watching it in the end it taught me a lot i didn't know.
I agree with Brendan children can make a huge difference even if they think they cant its worth the try because in the end they ended up getting what they wanted. I also thought it was really messed up how badly the whites didn't want the blacks to be free and how they fought against it was sickening.
The children in the film were very brave that did the civil right movement even they get arrested and went in to the jail. The young age was not a barrier to do the civil movements. They sacrificed themselves for their rights and to stop the segregation. During the movement, the police and fire department were used violence to the young children just because of skin color. The fire department used the fire horse which does very strong spout of water for controlling the students. The boys and girls were screaming and falling down on the ground. This scene shocked me a lot. I learned that I need a firm faith like the children. I think that the young children are great people that they completed their rights and right society.
The Children's March in Birmingham, Alabama was an event I was not aware of, and it was pivotal as it turned the tides in the battle for civil rights. I thought what the children did was amazing to overcome the opression of the white people of Alabama during times where African Americans were killed because of their skin color.I still can't believe that a bunch of kids could out do adults and even police officers, their smiling positive spirits couldn't be stopped.
I agree with Caroline that it was amazing that children ended segregation in Birmingham, however the fact that they had to stand up to police who should be protecting the law in the first place is disgraceful.
I really think that the point of seeing things really changes your view on the subject. Like Laura said I have learned about the civil rights movement. But to me these things were just words on paper. I never REALLY understood what was going on with this subject though until I saw the brutality of what was actually going on. I think the real problem stems from people's want to categorize things and label them. Because if you can label something than it becomes very easy to hate. I'm glad those kids did what they needed to do and ended segregation in Birmingham.
i again agree with laura. it was such a sad movie. it made me extremely shocked and disgusted with an entire TOWN thinking and acting and also responding in the way they did towards black people. it was so low.it was so inspring. it made me personally wish i could ever be part of something that important and brave. they never gave up and stood up practically against death for what was right. it also showed the class that we learn more than how amazing america is. how its not a perfect beautiful country and we see how we also had our unbeliveable actions.
I think the film was very helpful to anybody that didnt know much about the challenges of the black people in the south.It really showed what they had to go through in order to have their freedom and its sad to know that people would go to the lengths that the white people did just to keep everyone else below them.
I also agree with what Kate said about how the children are role models and leaders because to me they seemed to be the bravest of them all.And they showed me that it is true that if you believe in something than go for it all because your at your strongest when your in that mindstate.
While watching the film, I had some background knowledge of some of the events that took place. I had knowledge of the bombing of the church where three little girls were killed, the bus bombings, and the use of fire hoses against the african american people. Hearing and reading about these acts are one thing, but to see the African Americans being hosed down and bombed, was really hard to see. I was touched most by the killing of the three little african american girls. Knowing that these acts of brutality went on and were largely accepted by the white people is sickening. Just seeing the events take place was really troubling to me.
I learned that the black people wouldn't stop for anything until they got equal rights. They were willing to go to jail to their equal rights. I saw how bad the black people were taken g of a beating and i was disgust with the white people and couldn't believe the things they did. It also made me mad that anyone wouldn't help the black people out. Even though they were getting a huge beating from the police and the fire department and I thought their jobs were save peoples lives not take them.
I agree with the Matt that the 20 bombings the cops should have done something about that it is their job but they don't really seem to care about black people.
I was absent for this class.
This film makes me realise that children have more poltical power than they think. Children can be a powerful political tool. A childs courage, boldness, and innocence makes them ideal for any political campaign. I think that a lot of the time in history children never get the credit that they deserve. The adults always end up taking it.
Nick, I agree that its one thing to hear about something but its completely different to see it actualy happening. Seeing human beings treated like that makes me sad.
After watching the film, I couldn't believe how big of an impact children had on the movement. I have read and seen things on what has happened in Birmingham before but yet this movie still shocked me. The fact the people who are supposed to protect us brought out fire hoses on not even adults but children is sickening, what were these people thinking when they did this. But even with hoses and dogs the marches continued and with great morale. It was great to see that nothing could get them down, they knew what they were doing was right and nothing was going to stop them. I just can't imagine someone much younger than me being willing to go to jail and stay there.
I agree with Jenna, I am glad the children did what they did. If it was not for them I don't think the U.S. would be the same. They did what they needed to and they bettered the world because of it. They are true heroes of the movement.
In watching this film, I was reminded of that old cliche that even children can make a difference when they stand up for what they think is right. Although these cliches have grown exhausted and boring these days, I didn't find that with this film; I really found myself interested and engaged by the story of these children and their remarkable march. I don't know why this case was so different. Perhaps it's that these crimes weren't like global warming or selfish waste where society desperately assures the population that even one small child can make a difference, it's a much more gritty, disturbingly human matter where a group of children stood up and did what the adults weren't willing to. And I find that far more profound and powerful than any cliche you'll find today. And I agree with Aidan Dolan that this film told me a lot that I didn't know before. Much of this event was unbeknownst to me prior to watching the video.
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