- 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?
- After reading the second excerpt out of Michelle Alexander’s “The New Jim Crow” I was able to conclude that the Southern racist politicians chose to frame their defense of racial segregation as “law and order” due to the fact that this was the easiest way to shift the blame onto the “violent” Civil Rights Movement. It was advantageous for them to use those words because it allowed them to legally rally enough voters who supported segregation to help them support their cause without legal repercussions.
2. Do you think the Southern Strategy is still influencing American politics? Give an example supporting your answer.
- In my opinion, the Southern Strategy is still influencing American politics in many ways. One example I would give is the way the current primary elections are going and how the politicians like Donald Trump utilize hurtful and abusive language against minority communities knowing he has the backing of similar minded people like him. Politicians often walk the line in what they say because they know their supporters agree with them even if it is something illegal, unethical or immoral.
