I decided to research the following 3 topics regarding both apartheid and the Civil Rights Movement:
1. The role of women during these two movements
2. Intersectionality of other races/movements during Civil Rights era
3. Family dynamics/struggles during the movements
After reading this article posted by the African National Congress on the role of women during apartheid (http://www.anc.org.za/show.php?id=4667), I found that women played a tremendous role during the struggle for liberation for South Africans. Alike African American women who led the Montgomery Bus Boycotts during the Civil Rights movement, South African women started and led many organizations such during the anti-pass campaign which I found interesting. Women played a huge catalyst during both movements and their difference is only subtly known and remembered.
The Civil Rights Movement played a huge impact and influenced the birth of the Chicano Movement - which is one of the least studied social movements of the 1960s. Prior to the Civil Rights era, Latinos had few influence and were afraid to go against the government for fear of being sent back to their homeland. After much progress and success of the Civil Rights movement, Latinos were inspired by their courageous efforts and began a movement of their own. Their main purposes and goals for the Chicano Movement was restoral of land, rights for farm workers, and education reform.
Here are some cool articles that I found very informative and interesting:
http://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.200197398/
http://racerelations.about.com/od/historyofracerelations/a/BrownandProudTheChicanoMovement.htm
I was also curious to know the family dynamics and the micro aspect of the struggles that African Americans and South Africans went through. After researching articles, I found a correlation between intact families and the civil rights movement. I think in light of all the social movements going on in the 1960's, it created solidarity within families and among other groups.
It's unfortunate how many of these civil rights movements go unmentioned in today's history classes. Beyond the great movements led by MLK and Nelson Mandela, I had never realized the scope of so many other movements, such as the ones led by South African women and the Chicano Movement. On an optimistic notes, I hope that these people's efforts have not gone to waste and have also played their part in creating more equal and fair societies.
ReplyDeleteThe sparking of the chicano movement by the civil rights movement is very interesting. I had never thought of it this way but people like MLK fighting for their rights inspired others from other communities to do the same.
ReplyDeleteWow, I like the perspective you took on this blog. It was very cool to see the research you did pan out!
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