Discussion One

The history, cultural movements, literature, and artistic and political endeavors of African Americans is important for all persons and populations to understand, as the African population has taken a vital major part in shaping America to where it is today. Important historic moments such as slavery, the trading of goods between America and other countries, and the civil and human rights movement are all because of those from the African population. There are many resources that discuss the importance of knowing the past history, events and culture of African American culture.

            Manning Marble defines African-American studies in her article, Black Studies, Multiculturalism and the Future of American Education, as “the systematic study of the black experience, cultural and geographical boundaries of sub-Saharan Africa and the black diaspora of North America, the Caribbean, Brazil and Latin America, and increasingly Europe itself” (Marable 24).  Marable also discusses how African-American studies plays a major role in the different interpretations of multiculturalism. She explains how corporate multiculturalism “seeks to highlight the cultural and social diversity of America’s population, making managers and corporate executives more sensitive to differences such as race, gender, age, language, physical ability, and sexual orientation in the labor force (Marable 26). However, liberal multiculturalism is the opposite of corporate multiculturalism and its aim is to destroy the idea of race and to create cultural diversity. Afrocentrism, otherwise known as racial essentialism, better shows the admiration of the languages, art, music, ancient philosophies and cultural traditions of the African culture. Lastly, there are many educators, writers and artists that describe the minority groups of America. Marable describes it as, “They insist that African-American studies is not a discipline, like physics or psychology, but a broad intellectual dialogue and exchange which incorporated divergent perspectives and concerns” (Marable 29). These four main ideas of multiculturalism expand on the knowledge of people and is expressed in different environments in America.   

            Another resource used to note the importance of events in African American culture is the article,African History and Western Civilization by Boniface Obichere, which discusses the inadequacies of African history. One of the inadequacies includes the disbelief of the footnote theory and instead, as described by Obichere, think that “African history is a body of knowledge worth inquiring in its own right, and for its own sake” (Obichere 46). Another inadequacy perceived which still plays a role in present day African American culture is the unreal existence of African history based on the education, career, and lifestyle that some African Americans live. The article states, “…if black people pass through universities and go out and get jobs and buy a home in the hills, these black gentlemen are white in their thinking” (Obichere 47). This inadequacy especially is important to understand because there are many people in the white race that do not believe someone who is African American is truly based upon African history if they are very successful in the way that they live. However, this article is a great resource for noting the importance the false claims of African history for present day America and its people.

            Another article titled, Preface to the Student by Floyd W. Hayes, expands on the issues of African American populations in America both from the past and present. It is important to know how America is living a culture of violence against African American populations. Hayes says, “Moreover, today’s increasing white racist hate crimes against, along with mounting police assaults on and murders of, black female and male citizens from New York to California, represent continuing patterns of violence similar to the lynching, anti-black race riots, and segregation of the early twentieth century” (Hayes 12). This article also mentions the importance of educating America on the history of African American culture in understanding the vital role it has played to shape the society that has been presented. Hayes marks an important note stating, “Additionally, the time is now for educational institutions to (re)develop curricula that recognize and respect the historical and contemporary contributions that people of color have made to America’s multicultural society” (Hayes 13).

            In conclusion, it is important for not just the American population, but populations from all over the world to know how African Americans have and continue to shape America’s culture and society. Education on the culture, past and recent events, and false claims on African American populations are just some of the ways to express the significance of it. The African American population has a lot to offer on explaining the differences but significant impact of its culture to American society and populations.

Works Cited

Hayes, Floyd W. III. “Preface to the Student.” The Turbulent Voyage: Readings in African           American Studies. 3rd Edition. Floyd W. Hayes, editor. San Diego, CA: Collegiate P, 2000. xi-xviii. Print.

Marable, Manning. “Black Studies, Multiculturalism, and the Future of American Education.”     The Turbulent Voyage: Readings in African American Studies. 3rd Edition. Floyd W.        Hayes, editor. San Diego, CA: Collegiate P, 2000. 24-33. Print.

Obichere, Boniface. “African History and Western Civilization.” The Turbulent Voyage: Readings          in African American Studies. 3rd Edition. Floyd W. Hayes, editor. San Diego, CA:       Collegiate P, 2000. 45-57. Print.

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were two of the most important civil rights activists in the United States. Dr. King, an Alabama born Baptist minister, and leader within the African American community, chose the non-violent approach to equality. Malcolm X, a Muslim born in Omaha fought for the same equality that Dr. King was fighting for. However, while both Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X were both trying to fight the ‘Precept of Inferiority’ and gain equal rights. They shared similar views however, for the most part, they offered different solutions to issue.

            One of the key things to discuss before touching on the similarities and differences between Dr. King and Malcolm X is the “Precept of Inferiority” as discussed by Higgenbotham. Its important to know that “our nation was founded explicitly, prospered implicitly, and still often lives uneasily on the precept of black inferiority and white supremacy” (Higgenbotham, 9). Both Dr. King and Malcolm X had different approaches to combating this idea of inferiority. However, in the end their goals were equal. Both wanted equality in this nation built on inequality.  

Its clear that both Dr. King and Malcolm X were working towards the same goal. That said its important to understand that both of these influential individuals differed on one big topic: violence. In Dr. Kings I have a Dream speech he says do “not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred” (King). It is clear here that Dr. King has no intention of violence and suggest that no matter the situation it should always be approached through a non-violent approach. Dr. King feared that violence would only continue to fuel the hate received by African-Americans in the time period. Malcolm X didn’t share the same views on violence as Dr. King. Malcolm X had bought a little more into the “militancy which has engulfed the Negro community” (King). While Dr. King believed in turning the other cheek Malcolm X said that young African Americans “don’t want to hear that ‘turn the other cheek’ stuff. It is important to note that Malcolm X is not advocating for violence, however he is saying that its not an option to sit there and be victims. 

While it appears that these two individuals appear to have vastly different solutions, the reality is that they are both fighting a common enemy, and they did align on numerous ideas. Both individuals were leaders in their communities that were trying to convince the African American community that they should not buy into this idea of inferiority. Dr. King, in his “I Have a Dream” speech said that “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal’” (King). Its clear that Dr. King is trying to rally those in his community to believe that they ought to be considered equals in this nation. Similarly Malcolm X used his leadership to convince his community to stand up to the oppression, and believe that they should never be considered inferior or worth less than any white person. 

In conclusion, Dr. King and Malcolm X worked towards eliminating ideas of inferiority they chose different routes to reach the end. Both Malcolm X and Dr. King gave the greatest sacrifice in the name of equality, and while their solutions differed, in the end their campaigns were largely successful in the eyes of the law. Even today the African American community has to fight with the precept of inferiority, so while in the eyes of the law there is equality, there is still change in that needs to happen in the future. 

Works Cited

Higginbotham Jr, A. Leon. Shades of Freedom: Racial politics and presumptions of the 

                                  American legal process. Oxford University Press, 1996. 

Mount, Steve. “U.S. Constitution: The I Have a Dream Speech” us.constitution.net. Retrieved on 

                                  December 28, 2018 from https://www.usconstitution.net/dream.html

This assignment is a “think piece,” which is an essay that requires you to interact with a subject and develop your own interpretation based on that experience.  After your initial analysis of a specific topic, you should synthesize that with other outside research to support your ideas.  You should use a minimum of two other scholarly, peer-reviewed resources found in the APUS library. 

Specifically for this assignment we will use an interactive map of westward expansion from 1860 to 1890. You can access it at this URL:http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/asset/akh10_int_expansion/ (The interactive map will often not work with Google Chrome). Once you have the map open, click on the boxes for Major Cities, Railroad Networks, Improved Agricultural Land, and States and Territories.  At the bottom of the map, you will notice the decades 1860, 1870, 1880, and 1890.  Click on each of these decades in succession and you will see the ways in which the country changed. The goal of this assignment is for you to interpret, synthesize, and analyze what you are seeing on the map. You will make a well-organized argument, support that through research, and then write a conclusion for your findings.

Analysis is the process whereby the researcher separates something into its component parts.  In an analytical essay, the writer examines a subject relative to its own terms, and explains the problem by studying the individual parts.  In contrast, synthesis requires that the researcher examine individual unrelated parts in an effort to discover something new.  A good essay will utilize both analysis and synthesis.  Instead of examining the simple facts of a problem, the writer will go beyond the obvious, making connections between different pieces of evidence to discover something new.

As an example, consider a modern map of the world illustrating the growth of the internet over the last thirty years. It demonstrates the new ways in which the world is connected by facilitating the spread of ideas through instantaneous communication. Access to much of the information that once required us to physically travel to a library is now accessible through a computer at home (or a mobile phone in your pocket). Social media has also given us the ability to discuss and debate ideas, not only with our friends and family, but with people we may have never met.  We all have the power to disseminate knowledge around the globe within a matter of seconds.

If you were writing a paper on this topic (this is an example only, as your paper will focus on the period from 1860 to 1890) you could analyze this larger topic by focusing on a specific aspect like use of the internet in online education. You might make the argument that the internet has enabled more non-traditional students to pursue a higher education. Your synthesis would include understanding the connections between your outside research and your argument.

This essay should be at least three double-spaced pages of text (Times New Roman, font size 12) and you must consult a minimum of two academically credible sources. Bibliographies and citations can be in MLA format. 

The short paper must include a cover page with your name, course number and course title, instructor's name, and date. You must also include a bibliography at the end of your paper. While composing your paper, use proper English. Do not use abbreviations, contractions, informal language, passive voice, or first/ second person (I, you, we, our, etc). Before submitting your paper, check your grammar and use spell check. Remember, the way you talk is not the way you write a paper.

Write a well-organized essay, a minimum of 700 words (but not limited to), including supporting details from the documents/textbook/other sources in which you analyze and discuss the material that has been assigned by addressing the following question:

Discuss in what ways the United States was an "unfinished nation," and how the accomplishments of the Civil Rights era completed the process. In your opinion, is the United States currently a "finished nation" or is there still "unfinished business" that needs to be addressed?

In order to prepare you must complete the following readings:

• Review and identify relevant sections of Chapters 29.
• Review and identify relevant sections of chapters that have been covered throughout the semester.
• Utilize at least one of the linked sources provided in this assignment to support your discussion.
• Identify and incorporate at least one additional outside source to support your discussion. In addition to the textbook, you may use any material outside of the textbook that is recommended in the Additional Reading section at the end of each chapter. You are also encouraged to do your own research and identify relevant sources. Please keep in mind that WIKIPEDIA is not an acceptable reference.

PBS Program: The Civil Rights Era link.

Review the PBS Program: American Experience-History of the American Civil Rights Movement.

The History of the Women's Rights Movement.

Digital History Site: Native American Voices-Relevant Parts 5 and 6 links.

Latino in America-CNN

Latino Americans: PBS Documentary

Historic court rulings on Gay Rights Ruling

Reminders

• Paragraphs in an essay are not numbered. Any questions that are associated with an assigned reading are there to serve as a guide for your discussion.
• Your discussion should incorporate all of the information from the documents and or textbook, and outside sources as one essay.
• Students are required to research and incorporate into their discussions additional sources that relate to the content. Recommendations can be found in at the end of the textbook chapter in Additional Reading.
• All statements must be supported and all sources must be identified and cited, and included in your reference list. This also applies to the textbook. Failure to do so constitutes Plagiarism, and the college has strict policies and penalties for failure to comply. Under the Resources, you will find links to sites that review how to format a paper or essay. I recommend that students use APA or Chicago Style to format their essay. Students should ask their instructor which format style they prefer you to use.
• Proofread your work. Make sure that you have looked for all of the spelling and grammatical errors and corrected them, and that you have organized your work into coherent paragraphs.
• Prepare the assignment as a Word Document, double-spaced and using a standard font of 12 points.
• Submit via the Dropbox as an ATTACHMENT. Any work that is submitted directly into the box will be graded as a 0.

Initial Post

DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL REVIEWING Week 7 LESSONS

Germany surrendered in 1945.  Hitler, Himmler, Goebbels and Goring all committed suicide.  In 1946, the war crime tribunals began: The Nuremberg Trials (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..

Our question to consider: To what extent should judges have accepted the claim, “we were only obeying orders," or “we were all brain washed with propaganda?”

Important! Dispel the common misconception that SS members were coerced into killing.  The so-called 'kill or be killed' storyline is false! The truth of the matter, Nazis were fairly tolerant with members from these units who suffered breakdowns (PTSD) as a result of killing unarmed civilians.  Even in cases where German troops refused to participate in the killings, they were simply stationed elsewhere.  What this false narrative has done is prevent us from attempting to understand why people oftentimes still commit acts even though they find it distasteful.   

And guess what… Neither you or I are immune from committing similar atrocities.  Social science experiments reveal that humans are wired to follow orders.  TheMilgram experiments on obedience to authority figures, (mid 1960) for example was a series of social psychology experiments conducted by Yale University psychologist Stanley Milgram. The goal was to measure the willingness (study participants were men from a diverse occupations and education levels) to obey an authority figure who instructed them to perform acts conflicting with their personal conscience.  The experiment surprisingly discovered that a very high proportion of people were prepared to obey, albeit unwillingly, even if through the experience of serious injury and distress.

TASK:

1. Examine Heinrich Himmler's Speech to the SS in Reilly textbook, pp. 906-908.  Write a 2 paragraph summary analysis by considering the following questions:

• Under what context was this speech given?
• What were Himmler's concerns in the speech? 
• What kind of general support for the extermination of the Jews does this excerpt suggest existed?
• Reilly explains that psychiatrists say that people employ certain strategies to cope when faced with having to do something distasteful.  The strategies are denial, distancing, compartmentalizing,  ennobling, rationalizing and scapegoating (Definitions on p. 906-907).  What evidence of these strategies do you see in Himmler's speech? Which strategies would his listeners more likely have adopted?

2.  To what extent should Nuremberg Trial judges have accepted the claim, “we were only obeying orders," or “we were all brain washed with propaganda?”  Please use specific examples.