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https://openlab.bmcc.cuny.edu/pol-100-introduction-to-american-government-artinian/online-discussion-guidelines/
Instructions for completing this discussion board assignment:
a) Identify which discussion question you are answering in your comment by placing the relevant number at the start of your answer. For example:
2. Crime has often been used as a form of social control by…
4. Michelle Alexander’s argument about segregation…
b) Respond to two other students’ comments.
Respond to the following questions in the “Comment” box below:
Here’s part 2 of our discussion of Michelle Alexander:
- 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?
- Do you think the Southern Strategy is still influencing American politics? Give an example supporting your answer.
1 – I think that southern racist politicians took advantage of how people in the south had already viewed and portrayed the black community to be. It was considered so normal to degrade them and treat them as much less of a worthy human being to the point that these politicians figured that maybe people that shared the same beliefs would admire them more. The choice of words gave their supporters a sense of security since the excuse was that black people were animals and whites need to be kept away from them at all times.
2- I do believe that southern strategy still influences American politics today. There is a good majority of the south that still flies confederate flags with pride. Some at government buildings, houses, stores, etc. Many people will argue that there is no racial meaning behind it when there is deeply rooted hate imbedded into that flag. Yet, politicians still allow it and the U.S government have yet to officially classify the KKK as a terrorist organization.
I agree with what you said, “southern politicians took advantage of how people in the south had already viewed and portrayed the black community”. This could have been a possibility because they had negative intentions towards them already and it affected how the political system worked there.
I like your answer to the last question . You gave a lot of thought into it and the examples where very good. Im also surprised that the u.s government has yet to make the KKK a terrorist organization after everything they had done , which should have always been deemed racist and terrorising.
Right! It is shocking that the KKK, given its history, is not declared a terrorist organization!!
I agree with you the government had always viewed the black community as a social threat and always felt the need to distinguish between the too. Whites had class while blacks were minority, criminals, drug dealers and just plain animals. The politicians used this to there advantage to gain supporters, kind of what our President is doing now with “make America great again”.
What could be another reason? Hint: think about the context of the protests in 1950s, th e civil rights movement, etc. What advantage could the racists trying to defeat the civil rights movement gain, by using ‘law and order” to describe their actions against the civil rights movement?
1 I do think that southern politics did take advantage because they are already knew how black people were looked at .In the south they are very racist so people would support them more in everything they do because of their similar views. The choice of words gave the supports feeling safe because being near a black person wasnt allowed.
2 I do believe souther strategy sis still influencing american politics because just as she stated above the confederate flag was suppose to be up in georgia in memory of confederate memorial day but the official state banner changed in 27 months prior to may 2003.
I agree with your example, this shows that they were against the idea and in this area southern strategies are still in effect and they also influence the political system.
hey i agree that they already knew how black people were looked at so they used the “law and order” act to their advantage.
Yes! the “law and order” campaign was a “rhetoric”, a way to use words to describe civil rights activism as a “criminal activity”, and that way, the segregationists were hoping to more easily defeat the movement – it was a political and policing strategy.
1. They chose to use “law and order” to defend their points on segregation. In the article it discussed how the southern compared themselves to other states that had less segregation but more crime rates and blamed it on having less segregation put into place. They believe that using law and order would reduce the civil rights given and avoid leniency from these crimes.
2.It is still influencing American politics because they make up a larger part of the United States. Most states still follow the southern beliefs and that has a great impact on our politics today. An example of this is the media and how it influences the way we think and behave towards other races.
I love how you answered the questions in such a easy to understand and straight forward . I also believe most states still follow the southern beliefs. Social media is definitely brining more light into this racial thing specially in the south.
Hi Kyara, nicely done! Let’s not forget the Ku Klux Klan and how they played and is still playing a pivotal role in promoting racial segregation and hate. Who would have ever imagined that their kids would grow up in an era where racial segregation still persist.
They chose to use “law and order” as a way to defend themselves of racial segregation because of how they wanted to derail the meaning of law and order and basically make it seem like law and order was “rewarding to lawbreakers.” They knew that most of the people of the south would support them , they already view blacks as a problem to society and made them seem like they where horrible people. They knew many whites thought the same thing .
I believe the southern strategies is still influencing American politics today.Many states still have the same mind as they did back then. They still look at blacks like a problem , like they are dangerous. One example is police brutality. This is happening everyday and daily to black people in poor communities. Most police officers are white and every time there is a case between a white police officer and a black man that was shot or killed they still state ” they feared for their life ” or something in between. Most white Americans still believe what the whites have been stating since the begging to slavery.Look at our president. He has been deemed racist since before becoming president . Most of his winning votes came from white Racist who Belive he will make ” America better again”.
Hey Morayma, nicely done. I agree with you while some states are pushing for unity others are being fueled by segregation and the slogan “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN” I am still trying to decipher what this slogan really signify.
p.s. If I stand correctly we only had to answer one question. I might be wrong.
Indeed, Great for WHOM? How is Great being defined again, is the big political question. Does it refer somehow to all of us living in the country, or some subset…
Hey Morayma, I agree with you when you say that many states still have the same mind as they did back then. Some states are being fed with the segregation and the president’s slogan. While others are making change.
hi Morayma you’re absolutely right about how they would use law and order as a way to defend their actions. One would have to be truly spiteful to actually commit or even perform to the awfulness of it, with no shame, or sadness. its truly a terrible thing and saddening for their heads to be filled with such ignorance.
I like the word you used here: “derail” the meaning of law and order. Yes ,the southern politicians redefined civil rights protests (civil disobedience, etc.) as if it was “criminal activity”, hoping to then more easily justify arresting the activists – since if someone breaks the law and is a criminal, it is justifiable and expected of government to arrest them…
Hello Professor & Classmate
Question: 2. 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?
Answer: I think that the Southern racist politicians choose to frame their defense of racial segregation through the language of “law and order” was methodical hence keeping blacks in their place. The special advantage was that discrimination was legalized. Mandating segregating was the law and while whites were allowed to attend school, vote, use public restrooms and so on blacks were prohibited from doing the same.
Continuation…
Question: 2. Do you think the Southern Strategy is still influencing American politics? Give an example supporting your answer.
Answer: To answer this question absoutly, I do believe that the Southern strategy is sill influencing American politics. A perfect example would be “our current president” he openly makes suggesting and brag about “MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN” while supporting the confederate monuments. I am a bit baffold since I cant fully comprehend what this statement signify.
hey, i loved how you used making america great again as an example he claims he isnt a racist but support the confederate monumenets.. How is this our president?
great response Renata, i honestly find it quite baffling how others rise confederate flags with pride while it stands for something so horrific
Hello Renata,
I love how you answered this question. With the type of president we have today, he would promise the world for a better community but instead doing the opposite.
Yes, legalizing segregation was the key weapon that was used to keep American racism in place. This is Alexander’s big point in these readings: after legalized racism became impossible (after the 1964 Civil Rights Act was passed), segregationists had to find a new/different way of keeping racial segregation going, and this was the idea behind portraying black Americans as criminals (during the civil war protests and later on during the War on Drugs). I will comment and expand on this in my Outro video for Module two this week (probably will be posted this Wednesday).
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 that southern racist politicians chose to frame their defense of racial segregation through the language of “law and order” because they want to have that power legally over people so if anything happens they would refer to the law and then people who have to follow orders from them. They want to take advantage of the law not just because of really wanting the best for the South but because they want to give the black people less rights.
2.Do you think the Southern Strategy is still influencing American politics? Give an example supporting your answer.
Yes, I believe that the southern strategy is still influencing American Politics because people in the U.S are watching to use this strategy to not give people the same rights at the white people , by people I am referring to the everybody but the white people.
On Q1, how do you mean? As in the segregationist governments were using “the law” as an excuse to further their racist politics somehow? This is definitely what Alexander is arguing as well… the law can be used in different ways, and justice can mean different things to people with different ideas… that’s the challenge of the law, by nature it is very politicized.
1) I think the term “law and order” was used to defend themselves on segragation so they used the term to cover it up. They took advantage of us blacks and knew people already thought of us less. Being racist was supported in the south, politicians knew whites would follow behind them. They picked that choice of word as a cover up, they knew we were considered as the problem, they knew everyone else would view us like this. Who would of thought racism still exist today?
2) I do believe southern strategies is still influencing american politics today because things like that just does not go away. I went to atlanta recently and many people had confederate/make america great again flags all over their cars and houses. Another example would be the use of force against blacks in the police world. The amount of issues we had with law enforcement and blacks recently is outrageous.
Hey Jasmine,
I agree on your second response. It is unbelievable of how many issues we have today with the law enforcement. People will not give up on making great again, but with lack of equality there is no such thing.
I agree with you there is so much police brutality against the black community. Our justice system is corrupt and there isn’t any equality. I live in the South and all you see is Trump supporters with they “make America great again” signs. However they fail to see that what will make America great again is accepting that we are all equal and the color of our skin does not make us more or less then. It’s sad that we live in a world were racism still exist.
1) Suddenly it was obvious to realize those that sit at a higher pedestal would have it easier. Although with a negative mindset/ temperament, things can spiral out of hand quite rapidly. In the topic of Southern politicians choosing to frame their defense of racial segregation, indeed depended on a phrase and that was “Law and Order.“ In the fact that the phrase was used evidently as a defense method, these individuals knew exactly the amount of power that they truly had. Thus within the unhealthy manner, what soon became their focus is the advantage they’ve been mistakenly given. As a result, the effects were then inhumane.
2) I believe the Southern strategy is most definitely still influencing American politics to this day. Unfortunately the prime example to this would be how america has transformed to become. The president that is leading the white house today not only has led the country towards a downfall of despair, but in my lifetime i have never seen this country as divided as it is now. However, for those that are voluntarily protesting for unity and understanding, they are providing the array of hope that change will come one day. In this answer for question 2, I wanted to discuss a bit further of an important point that some of us have brought to attention, and that is the slogan of “MAGA.” The statement that has come to fool so many lives supposedly strives for a better, peaceful America. However, what has come to occur is exactly the opposite. Poor lives have unforgettably been taken, but we see no action in enforcing the consequence needed to be dealt with by someone, or anyone that is of fault. Until then, this nation will always be seen as corrupted, and embarrassing.
Great way of putting, “to frame their defense of segregation”, yes, if segregation was put together by a state government, say Virginia’s, then that local government did refer to civil rights activism as “criminal activity” in order to be able to shut it down more easily. Remember, political protests are supposed to be defended under the 5th Amendment, whereas criminal activity requires government action to shut it down.
1. Southern, racist politicians of the United States most likely chose to use the phrase “law and order” as a justified pretense for segregation in order to frame it as a means of peace and stability when in reality it created bigger discourses in American society socially. “Law and order” gave racist politicians the special advantage of appealing to the people in a way that it seemed justified and needed, rather than scorned and reviled.
2. The Southern Strategy of “law and order” doesn’t influence the politics of the United States nearly as much as it used to be in the 1960’s since the current issues representing minority groups, especially African-Americans, has evolved more into the realm of socioeconomic inequality present in those communities, where opportunities are not as apparent, and the environment created as a result of poverty and decadence mainly by the system in place, and the conformity to cheap consumer-products and goods.
Absolutely, well said on Q1. It was a deliberate strategy to contain the civil rights movement in the South, by classifying it as criminal activity.
I’ll say more on Q2 on my Outro video of Module 2, posted probably this Wednesday. I’ll announce the posting via Blackboard Announcements.
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 southern racist politicians chose to frame their defense of racial segregation through the language of “Law and Order” because they wanted to take advantage of that phrase and felt that they had the ability and strength to do what ever they wanted. Politicians would go back to that term as a defense and blame the black community which was unfair. A special advantage would be that whites had more freedom than the blacks which gave them more power to defend themselves.
Do you think the Southern Strategy is still influencing American politics? Give an example supporting your answer.
I do believe that the Southern Strategy is still influencing American politics. Due to that fact that nothing has changed and as an example would be how many innocent black people had passed away, due to according to the law: “Criminal violence”or “Drug usage”. In reality the cause to that is a term that we all use is for “being black”. Also, no matter how many protest we all do for justice, I deeply believe there would not be a change because of the type of president we have today. It is still sad how they are many supporters to our president, and that shows that racism still exist.
Great point on Southern Strategy and how it was a covert, indirect way of using racist language in politics!
1. I think the southern racist politicians chose to frame their defense of racial segregation through the language of “law and order because they knew that the people of the south had already viewed people of color. They used it as their advantage and knew the people of the south would support them because of the way they viewed blacks already.
2. I do think the Southern Strategy is still influencing American politics because of the same racial problems we are going through today. It baffles me that we are still going through racial problems decades later. It’s a shame that people of color are still to blamed or killed for actions that are done today. Where a lot of whites are just getting what people like to say a “slap on the wrist” as a punishment.
1. I think Southern racist politicians chose to frame their defense of racial segregation through the language of “law and order” as a safety net and a defense mechanism to keep segregation. They wanted to keep black in there place under there control legally. They already had framed blacks as being horrible people and a threat to society. This would give them the advantage of gaining more supporters.
2. I do think that Southern Strategy is still influencing American politics today. We’ve come along way from slavery and segregation but unfortunately we still see roots of our past in the present. America is as divided as ever. Our president sells a dream with his statement “make America great again”, however this is a disguise to gain supporters. This is the “land of the free” when immigrants would come to live the American dream, however now we see the government deporting and separating families. The law failing to bring justice as we see the corruption in law enforcement versus black lives. Unfortunately we live in a society were racism and discrimination still exist, America will never be great until we learn to be that we are all equal no matter the color of our skin.
You mean “safety net”, as in allowing those politicians to use aggressive government force against the civil rights movement, and to do it safely (i.e. to avoid being accused of violating activists’ rights, etc.). A good point!
Yes, great point for #2 Stefany, I feel the same way that we still have problems and always will due to the fact of our skin color. Also to add to Racism and Discrimination.
1.They decided to utilize “lawfulness” as an approach to shield themselves of racial isolation due to how they needed to crash the importance of peace and fundamentally cause it to seem like lawfulness was “remunerating to criminals.” They realized that the majority of the individuals of the south would uphold them , they can now see that blacks as an issue to society and caused them to seem like they were shocking individuals. They realized numerous whites thought something very similar .
2. Yes i do think the Southern Strategy is as yet impacting American governmental issues in view of similar racial issues we are experiencing today. We have an awful president in the White House at the present time. This world everyone believes is so acceptable and sweet neglect to acknowledge we despite everything manage bigotry and discrimmation, until we can meet up overall and change things we will never be equivalent or the equivalent.
Yes, Aniyah, it seems so absurd that 60 years later, American society, and black people in particular, still have to create a “Black Lives Matter” movement, in order to fight against explicitly racist politics in our society – it’s as if the Freedom Movement of the 1950s-1970s has been forgotten by the majority of Americans, and it needs to be re-created.
1.I do think Southern racist politicians chose to frame their defense of racial segregation through the language of “law and order” Cause the politicians always tries to hide things by giving it another name but being exactly the same, let’s see examples, we are going to give them freedom, we are going to demolish slavery but everything will be “separate but equal” then, we will eliminate the “separate but equal”, but now Let’s call it “Law and Order.” Then, we will create a movement called the “war on drugs” to imprison as many blacks as we can and get rid of them. They have always seen us stupid faces, they play dirty more and more so we will not notice the crooked strategies they create in their minds. They believe they have something that we don’t (The people). And I will always say the same thing, they believe that people lack neurons to think and it is not like that.
1.2 Also known as War on crime, the advantage that politicians were going to obtain with that choice of words is to make people believe that everything would be under control, but in reality they will continue to use the same strategies that would be to imprison more easily African American’s
2. I think the Southern Strategy is still influencing American politics for the simple fact that incarcerations are on the rise now more than ever, and most of them we know are African-American.
Yes, Alexander’s point is indeed that crime was being used to pursue racist politics, crime became a “proxy” (a stand-in) for race in American politics.
1. I think southern racist politicians chose to frame there’s a fence of racial segregation to the language of law and order as a way to take advantage of the black community. Everyone know how Black people were viewed, with that being said by using the law and order campaign it was a way to easily defeat the movement. The special advance it was the legalization of segregation.
2. I think the Southern strategy is to influencing America politics because no one has an equal amount of rides specifically colored people compared to white people. So this day we are still experiencing racial discrimination, for example Black people are getting shot and killed because of police assuming they have a weapon or to them look suspicious. MeanwhileWhite people are just getting a pass and an excuse as to why and how things happen while actually killing someone. It is sad to say that people of color get killed because of assumptions.
1. Southern racist politicians chose to frame their defense of racial segregation through the language of “law and order” to frame people guilty and be able to get away with it. They would try to take advantage of people and activist by saying they were criminals and that if they conducted themselves in an orderly way, they wouldn’t be attacked by police brutality.
2. Yes, I do believe that southern strategy is still influencing American politics today. If we take a look at our 2017 presidential election, many racist politicians were influenced by the words of racist comments that president Donald trump would say which would attack a certain group and/or ethnicity.