1. Why do think Southern racist politicians chose to frame their defense of racial segregation through the language of “law and order”? What special advantages was this choice of words going to give them?

Southern racist politicians chose of frame their defense of racial segregation through the language of “law and order” because they knew they could not just arrest people of color for peaceful protest such as the Civil Right Movement. They knew they needed a way to cover up their opposition against the Civil right Movement and the ending of Jim Crow. Some advantages they gain by using this choice of wording is the ability to continue to oppress people of color while not violating the bill of rights. In M. Alexander reading she talks about how “Southern governors and law officials would often characterized these tactics as criminal and argued that the rise of the Civil Rights Movement was indicative of a breakdown of law and order;” and supporting the Civil Rights Movement was America basically “rewarding lawbreakers.” This language allowed the Southern racist governors to title black activist as criminals and the protest as criminal acts.

Another advantage that was gained was the fact that the Southern racist was now able to provide statistics that keeping segregation was beneficial. In the reading M. Alexander explains, during the time of the Civil Rights Movement crime was reportedly higher in the national crime rate report. The Southern racist pushed the idea this was happening because of integration and that “integration causes crime, citing lower crime rates in Southern states as evidence that segregation was necessary.”

1. Do you think the Southern Strategy is still influencing American politics? Give an example supporting your answer.

I do believe that Southern Strategy is still influencing American politics. For example the “I can’t Breathe/ Black Lives Matter” movement that was happening due to all of the excessive police violence against Black people. For example the Eric Garner & George Floyd murders. During this time frame many people was out protesting against police violence. However, with media coverage and politicians it made it appear that the protest was violent and needed for more police force. On the news you seen people loitering, setting things on fire, etc. Every time it comes to something that supports Black and Brown people, the media always displays the violent parts oppose to the peaceful. I believe no matter the protest or who is protesting there is always a chance of violence happening.