Question 1

This excerpt is so emotional, and really gives the reader an insight to what happened that Sunday, from the eyes of John Lewis. The display of police brutality in this excerpt seems worse than others to Lewis, because the marchers were "silent, unarmed people" and "the mass movement of those troopers on foot and riders on horseback rolling into and over" the marchers. The fact that the marchers were completely silent and were orderly in a line, but the police still handeled the situation with extreme force, shows that police brutality was used more in this situation than in others.
The media coverage of the march was crucial in the progression of the movement. People of America as well as other countries got to see first hand the agony the marchers endured while the police beat them. Lewis says "the images were stunning. It seemed too strange, too ugly to be real. It couldn't be real." That seems to have been the reaction of most of the people who watched the airing of the march.
My reactions to this excert were of shock and disbelief. I was completely appalled at the measures the governor took to stop this march, when the marchers weren't even causing any problems. They were orderly and silent. They were treated like they weren't even humans, frankly it made me sick! It is hard for me to believe that things that bad actually happened, just because of the stupidity and close-mindedness of the white power structure.

The White Citzens' Council was on the defensive side because this was one of two advertisments posted in the newspaper about maintining segregation. These citizens believe that in order to keep the peace in Selma both races should maintin their, so called, "normal order" and understand that they do have rights, only they are limited and seperate from the rest of America (which is supposed to be fair according to them). As far as the power structure in that part of the south, Forman makes a good point by stating that it is initially believed that most people that create violence towards blacks are "white trash" when in reality the majority of the problem is from the wealthy upper class white citizens. I strongly agree with his statement in the sense that most lower class white citizens don't hold nearly as much power in socitey as the wealthy. They tend to have more pull on what the government has to say and what effects it. I also feel that this is also a small reflection of what still happens in society today. Isn't it true that the upper middle and upper class Americans always tend to have more power? Black or white, if you have money then you have more of a chance to get what you want in society whether its ethical or not.

question 1:

The title of this excerpt is probably the most appropriate title it could have been given. After reading this the reader fully can understand the title and why it was chosen. The police brutality seemed to be worse in this occasion than others because of the way things were displayed and handled. Lewis describes this march as being a much more peaceful and quiet march. He said, "there was no singing, no shouting-just the sound of scuffling feet." The only sounds were those of the white spectactors yelling and cheering. This march was handled with poise and careful planning. Because the blacks did not show any movement of wanting to fight back or be violent which was then shown on television as the complete opposite of what the troops had in mind. Not only did the blacks have a non-violent attitude but they had no way to fight back or run away. They could not retreat with 600 hundred people behind them which is why when it was shown on national television that audiences watching could relate and sympathize for the blacks and the brutality that they were having to deal with.
The national reactions from the media coverage was probably the exact same reaction I would have gotten had I been there that Sunday. No one could believe that it truly was real and happening, how could that happen in America? to American citizens...It was real and it was different from most of these events because it was the white American citizens that lead a stampede upon the silent and unarmed blacks.

The violence in Selma was beyond what any American had ever seen from the civil rights movement up to that point. What made this violence different from the other occurrences was that fact that there were so many black people marching and so many white people looking to stop them from marching. Lewis describes how the troopers and Clark's posse had clubs and tear gas, something Lewis and many others in the group had never experienced before. Prior to this occasion, most of the acts of violence were on a small scale such as whites beating up blacks during the sit-ins. This was the first time that have ever read about blacks actually considering retaliating with weapons although they were soon talked out of it. The violence that occurred on this "Bloody Sunday" was captured by the media and displayed in a horrifying fashion. A movie was interrupted and 15 minutes of the footage was played. The American public that did see the violence looked upon the footage in disbelief. It was hard for them to believe that something this serious was going on in America. After reading an excerpt like this I realize the great lengths that African Americans as well as whites had to go through for the freedom of all black and white people in America.

Before the attempted march from Selma to Montgomery, the media had never fully captured the essence of the true brutality being inflicted on the peaceful protestors. Once the public witnessed the savage acts being imposed on the black community, they were able to respond more appropriately. Lewis and his colleagues had never experienced the feeling of utter helplessness to this degree while others stood by and watched. The media showed the scared, defenseless Americans being beaten to a pulp by those who were trained to protect them. The problem was realized at that point that there could never be equality with such ignorance present. Lewis’s style reflects his contempt for authority figures that refuse to help him. He believes that to turn and run would be to admit defeat, a tactic that has never worked to people’s advantage in the past. Lewis is rendered speechless at he witness the events of Bloody Sunday because HE has never seen those happenings and been able to reflect on them in retrospect. The incredible dehumanization that occurs strikes the core of people’s souls. I was horrified and angered by the monstrosity that Mississippi law enforcement allowed and partook in.

The reasons that John Lewis says that this particular act of violence was worse than those on previous marches were twofold; not only was the march more peaceful than any before it (as they remained quiet and reserved), but also the troopers seemed to be particularly ready to beat the marchers. The amount of violence used was just incredible.

It was the broadcasting and reporting of this extreme (and unforgivable) violence that finally infuratied mainstream America into supporting the Civil Rights Movement, much more than ever before. They could not stand by and see such brutality carried on with no reprecussions. The media helped the cause immensely.

According to John Lewis the attack on the Selma marchers was much worse because this attack by the troopers appeared as if a mass plan to destroy innocent people. Unlike all the other attacks on the marches, the Selma seemed like a segment from a nightmarish movie. Almost like it was a scene from the holocaust. People literally being beaten and destroyed for nonviolent protest. At all the other marches the white just formed a small mob compared to the size of the mass movement from the troopers. The media coverage stimulated a national shock from the country. American citizens couldn't believe that such a peaceful demonstration could turn into such a horrific war-scene. I can completely understand how America thought that footage of the attack was part of the movie. To me it appeared surreal; how could anyone organize movement the size of the troopers to just blatantly beat innocent people. It's unreal what people back then felt was right to uphold the beliefs about black people.

According to John Lewis, there was something different about the first attempted march from Selma to Birmingham from the get-go. There was a unique feeling about it; looking back, it could be considered the calm before the storm. The reaction of authorities in Selma was unlike any seen before, the army of Alabama state troopers took excessive force to a new level. From the use of tear gas to the trampling of fallen marchers by mounted authorities, this instance of police brutality was unlike any that even John Lewis himself had previously experienced, yet there was something more that differentiated it. Media coverage was intense. The press waited alongside the officers, and chronicled the events of this "Bloody Sunday" in gross detail. Their written and especially their video recorded accounts of the event brought a whole new perspective to the nation. The people of America had never seen anything like it before, and they were in a state of complete shock and disbelief as they watched clips of troopers devastating the ENTIRE--women and children included--crowd of passive protesters. The American public was finallly stirred by the cruelty and racism that had been occuring for years right in their own backyards. I, too, was disgusted and horrified by what occurred in Selma, Alabama. I was sickened not only by the inhumane brutality of the state troopers but also by the heartless reactions of the white civilians who stood and watched the entire event. I cannot fathom how a human being can or could have justified such disgusting treatment of another person (or anything for that matter). I found John Lewis' account of this situation to be especially moving and powerful due to its autobiographical and seemingly uncensored nature. The images that his words brought to my mind were and are scarring, bringing me to a place that I will not soon forget.

Freedom Day definately left a major impact on the state of Alabama and the rest of the nation. It was a "major step in building a mass conciousness among blacks." The black community could see the unwillingness of the government to protect black rights. Because of how this demonstration was specifically aimed at the wrong actions of the federal government, more demonstrations were now aimed more directly at the government due to this demonstration. The demonstration also raised up a community of black people who would now fight, protest, or stand up for their rights, which helped lead the way to the Black Panthers, and black officials being elected. As one can see this demonstration led many things

The view of Forman on the advertisement as evidence that the White Citizens Council was on the defensive is evident with the fact that three months earlier the same group published an advertisement that stated “ What have you done to Maintain Segregation” secondly, the were trying to get the point across that the people that were coming into Selma to stage these rallies were not the people that were living here and that these people were just trying to cause problems and they just wanted to go back to the way that it was. The power structure at the time in Selma was determined by the business leaders and the local law enforcement. This was the common conception of small southern towns at the time, the local business that employed most of the town also controlled the town.
The effects of Freedom Day were to get the word out that people were not allowed access to vote and that the local federal authorities stood by and watched violent acts and did nothing to intervene. The most significant acts that came from this is the ability to get the word out that these injustices were taking place and the government needs to get involved to ensure all people the right to vote. The significance of registering voters was the “one man one vote” importance. To empower the people to have the ability to make a difference. This goal seems to be the most important to show that one person can make a difference.

- Forman talks about how rich white people caused the majority of the violence against blacks, not poor “white trash” as people usually think. I have always agreed with this assumption, evidence of this is present today. In poor neighborhoods, whites and blacks live together, whereas in richer neighborhoods, it is primarily white. Disadvantaged people, regardless of race, should be able to empathize with one another. However, rich white people were educated, and could therefore come to conclusions about the race situation, and make changes in the system.
After the first Freedom Day, more Freedom Days were done. This is significant because when people have the power to vote, they can end segregation through legislation, and have control over their lawmakers.

The people of Selma expertly planned one of the greatest civil rights protests through their intense attempt at voter registration on “Freedom Day.” While federal officials stood and watched, the Black population of Selma would change history forever. They stole the attention of the world through their never-ending courage and strength. In addition to putting up with intense heat and molestation from the Selma police, the people participating in “Freedom Day” were forbidden to leave to eat or be fed by outsiders. This particular movement helped spread the idea of voter registration all throughout the South. It encouraged Blacks all over to avenge the fate of the victims at the “Freedom Day” protest and also claim freedom for themselves. The federal government had finally been exposed. It was now blatantly obvious that nobody in Washington was willing to put a stop to the injustices as the FBI stood by and watched in Selma. Of all the effects of “Freedom Day”, the most significant is by far the spread of the idea across the South. It helped spark the South into action and demand its freedom and unmolested right to vote that was guaranteed to them in the Constitution. The change in goals from ending segregation to registering voters was vitally significant and very effective. With the right to vote, the Black populations in the South could help to end segregation through their representatives. They could form the society they wanted by finally having a say in government proceedings. This would be the way they would change their world forever.

Freedom Day had a huge impact on society, in that it was nationally seen that blacks in certain parts of the South were still unable to vote. It led people who weren't usually active in these non-violent strikes to at least try to vote, which they all had the right to do according to the law. By shifting the concern from segregation to voting rights, the black people focused on the federal government more than the state governments, who were able to carry out procedures while being overlooked. By obtaining the right to vote, which the blacks were already supposed to have but were still denied in certain states, the black people are able to chose leaders who will not overlook situations when blacks are being beaten in the streets or denied their rights. The most important goal, was to help the black people of these small towns gain confidence and realize that they could make a difference and that they have the right to vote and it cannot be taken away from them.

One might wonder what made Bloody Sunday different than the tragically numerous other bloody days of the Civil Rights Movement. John Lewis, in his account, recognizes that “the American public had already seen so much of this sort of thing, countless images of beatings and dogs and cursing and horses” (Lewis 331). What made this Bloody Sunday so different? Indubitably, there was something about this day in Selma, Alabama which “touched a nerve deeper than anything that had come before” (Lewis 331). While the public had certainly seen images of the brutality inflicted upon Civil Rights activists, I think this was the most unarguable, lucid presentation of how those who tried to gain freedom in a dignified way (non-violent, dignified, composed, silent protestors) were literally rolled over by “human tanks” by those (officers) who already had freedom and were representing the nation which gave it to them (Lewis 331). What struck me as so compelling about Lewis’ account was how I could literally envision and feel the chill of troopers ravaging an unarmed people who only wanted that which they were constitutionally guaranteed. The protestors were not rowdy, belligerent, or undignified. Rather, it was those enforcing the ‘law’ who were savage-like. Media coverage and national reaction was so uniquely different than to that of previous images of violence because the sickening violence and unnecessary evil was blatant. With a conscience, how could you not feel sympathy? My reaction is, of course, one of sympathy, but I am also plagued by a haunting question: If I had lived in Alabama in the 1960’s, would I have stood against what I now see as so unquestionably evil, or would I have been one of those shouting “Get those goddamned niggers!”? It makes me sick to think that I could have been among them, so I am so grateful that I was not and am not and will never have to be counted as one with those beliefs.

The fact that the federal government was brought into play finally was more than just an extra edge towars black peoples' freedoms to vote. Because federal government was siding with the blacks, it also made the white population feel that maybe the blacks should be equal; the people running our country feel so at least. Also the power of the federal government allowed black people to go to the voting stands with confidence; something that made the voting turnout much greater.
Targeting the federal government proved to be a much more successful plan, and played a huge role in giving the black people's equality.

It seems as if the blacks shifted their focus from targeting the south to targeting the federal government. That, I think, is why focus shifted from ending segregation to voting. I do voting and targeting the federal government as being more important because the federal government has more power and influence in ending other problems, such as segregation. They have the power to make laws and inforce them, for example.
Although many people were not either to register on Freedom Day, there were still positive consequences for the blakcs. They gained more confidence because the racist whites could not stop all of them from registering. They could not make the blacks turn around and give up.

According to Lewis, the police brutality on Bloody Sunday seemed much worse than other times because the marchers were completely silent and dignified. They were not singing or cheering or even making any noise at all. The contrast between the peaceful marchers and the merciless troopers made the extreme use of brutality appear much more savage.

The media coverage played a major role in attracting national attention. The language used by reporters was so vivid and descriptive that those reading or listening to these stories could sense how horrific the confrontation was. Watching the footage on television, however, was what really mobilized the American public to action. John Lewis describes it perfectly when he says it was “too strange, too ugly to be real”. Personally, reading this really garnered an emotional response from me. I’ve always known how horribly blacks were treated during the Civil Rights Era, but reading personal accounts such as this make it seem ten times more appalling and much more real. To me, the violence shown towards the completely innocent on Bloody Sunday is truly unforgivable.