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?
I think Southern racist politicians chose to frame their defense of racial segregation through the language of “law and order because they did not believe that integration was the right thing for them. The reading states “Southern governors and law enforcement officials 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.” (Alexander 40).
2. Do you think the Southern Strategy is still influencing American politics? Give an example supporting your answer.
I believe that the southern strategy is still influencing American politics because we still see how racist American Politics are. For example, when Trump referred to Coronavirus as the Chinese disease. Thus, the reading also states that “Similarly, John Ehrlichman, special counsel to the president, explained the Nixon administration’s campaign strategy of 1968 in this way: “We’ll go after the racists.” (pg. 44). This is another proof to demonstrate that the southern strategy is still influencing American politics.
Resalah, you’re correct on Q1, but your answer is based on a quote from the reading. You have to paraphrase the quote and present it in your own words. This is also how you’ll have to answer the questions on the exam, in general you should avoid quotes, and write everything in your own words. When we accurately paraphrase what we’re reading, then we can be sure that we have understood it fully.