- Southern racist politicians chose to frame their defense of racial segregation through the language of “law and order” by trying to hide that their racist beliefs still existed heavily during the Civil Rights movement, by using this different type of language. While Civil Rights activists were protesting and fighting for their rights, southern governors claimed that their political rights were criminal. This was a way to prevent any movements from the activists and to keep segregation in place.
- I believe the Southern Strategy is still influential in America, as there are many examples of oppression in the political world. In the 2020 presidential election between Trump and Biden, President Trump employed the same Southern Strategy as President Nixon, utilizing the Republican Party to attract Democratic votes by giving racial fear-based messages. After the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests, Trump described activists as dangerous, violent, and said they commit acts of domestic terror. Not only is Trump and his administration targeting black people, but also to Mexican immigrants. He pushed for the border wall to be built and separated families in the process.
One thought on “Diana Sadreeva Discussion 2.2”
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You brought up some really important points about how the language of “law and order” has been used to disguise racism and suppress civil rights movements. I agree that this strategy has had long-lasting effects in American politics. It’s especially powerful how you connected the Southern Strategy from the Civil Rights era to more recent events like the 2020 election and the Black Lives Matter protests.
The way political leaders shift their language to create fear and division while avoiding openly racist terms is something we still see today. Calling protestors “domestic terrorists” or “thugs” is a way to delegitimize their cause without directly talking about race, even though race is clearly part of the issue. I also think your point about targeting Mexican immigrants shows how this strategy isn’t limited to one group it adapts to whatever fears politicians can exploit at the time.
It’s sad but true that these tactics are still effective in influencing public opinion and policy. It really shows how ideology, like we discussed in class, works in the background to maintain power structures while appearing “neutral” or “common sense.” Great job connecting historical ideas to current issues.