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?

– The primary objective of Southern racist politicians was mainly to gain access to more facilities and social amenities than African Americans and people of color. They used the language of law and order since the Jim Crow laws had not been enacted in the South. Therefore, this made it easier for them to carry out activities and provide services based on race. They had the advantage of having access to better facilities than African Americans. Through this racial segregation, the whites had access to better facilities such as schools, hospitals, education, and jobs.

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

-In my opinion, I believe that the southern strategy is still influencing American politics due to many people of color still being treated unfairly for how they look. For example, the BLM movement, people of color were being bashed and getting called so many things just because they were protecting their people due to police brutality. Society tends to think that just because people have color they are so different from the rest of us so they get discriminated.

1. Southern racists governors tried to hide their racism and their obvious feeling of superiority to people of color by using the language ” law and order “, which in their defense they used that ” arguing that Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of civil disobedience was a leading cause of crime. Civil rights protests were frequently depicted as criminal rather than political in nature.” They used this idea to be able to convince people that in fact they were not racist and that segregation was the best option, but this was just a cover up to their racist behavior and ideas. Segregation was just a way for the Southern governors to feel in power and superior to others.
2. Southerns strategies definitely still influence America politics now a days because there is a lot of people in the government that are strong believers of the Jim Crow, and have adopted these ideas as the correct way and norms. Some show their racist feelings and thoughts and are very open, but there are others that are hiding their belief due to hoe advanced the world now is, and how strong and independent African Americans now are and the power they withheld within the country if everyone comes together. Race had become, yet again, a powerful wedge, breaking up what had been a solid liberal coalition based on economic interests of the poor and the working and lower-middle classes. In the 1968 election, race eclipsed class as the organizing principle of American politics, and by 1972, attitudes on racial issues rather than socioeconomic status were the primary determinant of voters’ political self-identification.” The same ideas were once again brought up again and tried to be the main influence on voters once again.

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 believe that the reason that Southern racist politicians chose to frame their defense of racial segregation through the language of “law and order” was to make it less of a problem and a way to justify themselves when opposing to Civil rights movement. As stated in the article,”Southern governers and law enforcemnt officicals 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.” This way they didn’t have to be seen as just racist people those were the advantages of using that term . And while using this term they can still be racist and view black people as criminals and protest against them.

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

Yes I believed that the southern strategy is still influnecing American politics today. There is many people with different types of views and if they see someone who believes or uses racist comments towards group of people it can influence others and spread around especially if its someone who has power already. Racism has been going on for years and with time it gets worse and worse therfore I know many people would still bring back racist terms or agree with the Southern Strategy. For example Donald Trump used the power he had to spread many hateful racist comments towards many groups of people based on their background. Such as the Black Lives Matter movement he didn’t approve to that and would see black people as criminals, He also said many racist comments about Mexicans even described them as “rapists” and “criminals” or just said many things such as make america great again. Trying to elimate and talk down on people with different backgrounds. People who agree with his mindset or look up to him would use these terms and can get influenced by them too therefore I do agree with southern strategy influencing American politics.

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.

1.) I believe that Southern racist politicians chose to frame their defense of racial segregation through the language of “law and order” because they wanted to seem like they were in favor of aiding civil rights activists. During the 1950’s to 1960’s, many individuals of color embarked on a long journey in order to find a way for them to have equal opportunities compared to those whom were White. While this was no easy means for these activists, it became increasingly harder when many people were against their movement; Whites. In order to seem like the Southern politicians who were racist to not look as racist, they began to frame their defense through “Law and Order.” For example, according to the text it states, “The rhetoric of “law and order” was first mobilized in the late 1950s as Southern governors and law enforcement officials attempted to generate and mobilize white opposition to the Civil Rights Movement.” This quote from the text is a prime example of how “Law and Order” played a significant means of hiding the racist politicians. Many White’s were in opposition of civil rights activists because they did not want Blacks to have equality in various ways. By using these words, they were able to show that they were against White’s acting this way despite them feeling the same way in regards to the matter.

2.) The Southern Strategy was a method used by the Republican Party in order to increase political support amongst White voters by showing that they were for racism against African Americans. With this in mind, I believe that this method is still used in American politics because the United States still has racism. For instance, the South has always been considered to be the most racist part of the country and still is regardless of the era we are in. There are still even racist politicians and especially in the Republican Party. By supporting racist individual mindsets, it gives people the want to support a candidate who will look to benefit only a certain type of people. Let’s say Donald Trump for an example, he was a big icon for many Southern racists. Many racist individuals don’t appreciate the fact that Spanish people jump the boarders and he promised in his campaign that he would build a great wall to prevent illegal immigrants, he was known to not like certain backgrounds. Not only was this fuel for racism but he was a major icon to support such endeavors.

1. Once outright racism in politics became socially and legally unacceptable, many conservative politicians knew that they must use new forms of rhetoric that veiled their true intentions, all while effectively communicating their bigoted ideas surrounding race to their audience. To do this, they attached racist ideas and policies to the safeguarding of “law and order” in the country. By painting Civil Rights supporters, whether politicians, activists, or just regular people, as proponents of the violence cause by the “riots” and protests, they could legitimize and capitalize on the fears of white, working class, Southern voters, as well as blue-collar city Catholics. Using this politically correct language also protected them from accusations of racism from the opposition, as they could easily claim that their intentions were to cut down on crime. In addition, it would help to assure voters who wanted to believe they were not voting based on prejudice, but instead on facts and a desire for safety; for law and order.
2. The Southern Strategy, which was introduced in the 1960s, is absolutely influencing politics and society in America today. As someone who grew up in very conservative communities, I can attest to many personal examples. However, a public example is that of the Black Lives Matter protests during the summer of 2020. Many conservative politicians (mostly the MAGA crowd) and especially President Trump himself, used the presence of riots and violence at a small amount of protests as a way to demonize the entire BLM movement, as well as delegitimize their beliefs. These ideas were also pushed by conservative news networks like Fox, who depicted American cities during that period as a violent dystopia, rotating constant images and videos of burning buildings, bloodied police officers, and angry protestors. Trump also included similar imagery in his anti-Biden ads at the time. Being able to connect these dots helps one realize how recent the Civil Rights Movement actually was.

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?

When the Southern racist politicians chose to frame a racial segregation through the idea of “Law and Order” I believe they thought that they could argue that this idea is not racist because it goes for everyone. When really they would only target minorities

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

I would say the southern strategy is still influencing some part of politics in general. We say as America we are working hard to fix certain things within our society, like fix racism and be more inclusive with everyone, but yet throughout America there are still horrible things that happen everyday for example with law enforcement.

1. I believe that southern racist politicians choose to frame their defense with the usage of “law and order” because they felt that it would make them popular among working class white people to fight black people during the civil rights movement.  President Nixon would argue that they need to face the fact the whole problem is due to people of color. And in order to fix the system is to take a stand and make a change (Page 43-44). They knew by framing the problems on people of color that they would be able to appeal to people that were fed up with the Civil Rights movement. 

2. I believe that this is a huge influence on American politics because there are many people that still think like this. In Alexander’s article she talks about how southern conservatives Republicans believe that a new Republican party could be built based on angry white Democratic party members due to the rights of what occurred during the Civil Rights Movement (Page 43-44). The reason why this is still occurring in today’s American politics is because during the 2016 Presidential election we saw former President Trump use these same types of views to gain control over his voters and gain the votes needed to win. He ran on the motto of “Make America Great Again” and wanted to build a wall to block immigrants from crossing the border. Just like these racist politicians they believe that they could make a new party due to the angry southern democratic feeling that they were left out of their party while they fought for the rights of people of color. 

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.

1. Why do you 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? 

During the late 1950s, racist southern politicians used carefully chosen rhetoric to defend their use of racial segregation. At the same time, after the case of Brown v. Board of Education, civil rights activists had a hands-on approach to force unwilling Southern states to desegregate their schools and other public spaces. However, according to Michelle Alexander’s book The New Jim Crow “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). This quote indicates that Southern governors and law enforcement believed that the tactics taken by the Civil Rights activists were against the law and must be stopped because their actions are putting their community in danger. If you are a supporter of this movement then you must also be supporting crime. 

This action was strategic because words coming from political leaders holds power. These politicians used fear mongering by calling the Civil Rights movement an issue of “law and order.” White Southerners believed their lives were at risk and thus reacted negatively to the supporters of the movement, as well as desegregation. Fear can serve as a motivator which is why it tends to be such a successful strategy. People who use this tool often make bold declarations to stir up feelings of concern, making it hard for others to see the situation from another perspective. Fearmongers, especially those in politics, use this method to claim that a person or event goes against everything they stand for. For example, Alexander states that “for more than a decade—from the mid-1950s until the late 1960s— conservatives systematically linked opposition to civil rights legislation to calls for law and order, arguing that Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of civil disobedience was a leading cause of crime.” This quote proves that politicians used the rhetoric of “law and order” to blame Martin Luther King Jr. for criminal acts while in tandem, making white Southerners fearful of those crimes. Therefore, this justifies keeping segregation because the black community is committing criminal acts. Alexander added that segregationists felt that “integration causes crime, citing lower crime rates in Southern states as evidence that segregation is necessary.” This choice of words gives the Southern politicians and segregationist the advantage of holding on to segregation with the explanation of the lower crime rates in southern areas that don’t integrate their schools, and other public places.  

Segregationists and politicians used this divisive rhetoric to their advantage, especially since the civil rights movement was depicted as a threat to “law and order” in the media. Alexander confirms that “the FBI was reporting fairly dramatic increases in the national crime rate” (Alexander 41). Even though there was extraordinarily little evidence of the accuracy of these statements, it was publicly depicted as a dangerous movement in the media, and people began to believe it as fact. Instead of allowing people to produce their own personal consensus, politicians and segregationists used fear tactics to sway impressionable and racist people into believing that the Civil Rights Movement was the reason for the rise in crime. Unfortunately exploiting the fears of others is common amongst both politicians and the media to spread lies and embellishments to generate panic. Just like Alexander’s mention of presidential candidate Barry Goldwater whose presidential campaign “aggressively exploited the riots and fears of black crime, laying the foundation for the “get tough on crime” movement that would emerge years later” (Alexander 41).  

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

It is said that the Southern Strategy was the beginning of the racial and political divide the United States faces today. Originally, presidents like Richard Nixon used this method by appealing to Southern segregationists by using the rhetoric of “law and order” to criminalize black people and win the White House in the late 60s.  Alexander references to Nixon’s advisor stating that “he [President Nixon] emphasized that you have to face the fact that the whole problem is really the blacks” (Alexander 42). She also mentions 

well-known segregationist George Wallace, quoting him saying “the same Supreme Court that ordered integration and encouraged civil rights legislation” was now “bending over backwards to help criminals” (Alexander 42).  

Similar sentiments may be remembered by the current generation when former president Donald Trump ran for office. During his presidential run in 2016, Trump used coded language and racial paranoia with his speech about a possible Muslim ban, the mass deportation of immigrants, his vulgar and unsettling descriptions of Mexicans, and building a wall for which the country of Mexico will pay for. His message had appealed to people who saw the transformation of the United States and became increasingly anxious about the changes taking place, especially when it came to the present visibility of both people of color and women. His slogan “Make America Great-Again” takes the country back to a time where minorities were frequently put in their place and white men experienced privilege and were predominantly in charge.  

There are numerous examples about how Trump has used a modern-day version of the Southern Strategy. He warned the country that if Joe Biden became president the suburbs would be overflown with low-income housing, which is generally the rhetoric politicians use for people of color. He warned the country about a caravan of dangerous immigrants making their way to the United States border, using fear mongering to scare his supporters into becoming more fearful of people with a Hispanic background. Furthermore, when a group of neo-Nazis marched down the streets of Charlottesville, with one driving over and killing a protester of the marchers, he is reported saying there were “very fine people on both sides.”  What I gather from his statement is that he wanted to publicly admit his support for the neo-Nazi’s without saying it forthright. Additionally, he has used the term “China Virus” to describe the 2019 coronavirus pandemic that has supposedly originated in Wuhan China. This rhetoric has caused a slew of xenophobic attacks on people of the Asian community. He has also condemned those who support the Black Lives Matter movement calling them a “symbol of hate,” as well as “thugs and criminals.” It is also reported that he ordered law enforcement and the military to rough up protesters after the killing of George Floyd and has frequently referred to himself as the “law and order president.”  These actions and so much more, serve as evidence that the Southern Strategy is alive and well and didn’t die out when Richard Nixon resigned from office.