1950s and 60s - US II

As we enter the post-war era, so much changes in our nation, and yet the nation strives for conformity and consistency during this time. Suburbs, affluence, cars, rock 'n' roll...all new in their presence and dominance. But the gray flannel suit mentality still prevails - there are men's jobs and women's jobs, mostly women stay home fulfilling predetermined roles, everyone mows the lawn on Saturday morning, etc.

But there are evil forces out there in the world. Communism! It threatens us domestically and internationally, to the point where we lose sight of what we are doing sometime and make unwise decisions. Vietnam - is this repeated today in Iraq? But within this nation there is a growing movement of speaking out. Against the government's policies in some cases, but mostly speaking out for ourselves. We often think of civil rights as being only based in racial terms, but the civil rights of the '50s and '60s involved the early women's liberation movement, the student/campus genesis of the free speech movement, a greater voice for Native Americans, migrant workers, environmentalists, and so on.

Our first focus in class will be on the racial aspect of the era. After Brown v. Board of Education, we will investigate the Emmitt Till case, look at the transition from King's nonviolent civil disobedience approach to the militancy of the Black Panthers. There were many voices in the racial movement and we want to 'hear' them all. As you finish reading Malcolm X or Warriors Don't Cry, make sure you hear the voices. Not only those in the books but those that might have also been vocal - for and against - them.

Sectionalism and Slavery

Wow, sorry to have been away for so long. A lot has happened of course...new president, hard winter, economy continues to suffer, and we still plod along. I guess that speak volumes about us as a society and as the human race. It is our nature to endure. And we still have it far better than so many in the world - let's not lose sight of that!



In US I we are at a point where we are examining Sectionalism and getting to a point where we look at the "peculiar institution" of slavery. Much separated the 3 sections of our nation at this time, but slavery was always a paramount issue. In our group activity this week, pay particular attention to the arguments of the sections of the nation you are NOT a part of! It is easy to understand the arguments of your section, but just as important to understand the arguments of the opposition.

** Next week, you must have finished reading Uncle Tom's Cabin. Please make sure you have tended to that obligation. I know many of you will refer to Cliff or Spark notes - these are good supplements, but do not give you the full sense of slavery that Stowe's novel portrayed to the novel. While more people of the time saw UTC as a play than actually read the book, it was the novel that had the impact. I want you to feel that impact too. Be ready for discussion on Tuesday of next week.