American's.. We Do Care..

In lieu of reading three chapters in my Sociology book this evening I thought I would reflect on the effects of civil rights movements throughout our history in the United States.

Our social structure is continually evolving. As a result of the industrial revolution and the new technologies it presented I believe our society was equip to voice their opinions that forced social change. I believe, the effects of Mass Media had a major impact on social reform in the United States. In approximately 1947-1952 televisions quickly made their way into the quiet homes of many Americans. Middle class American’s no longer traveled to the local bar or theater to watch the news, a sitcom or short film film. Preceding the introduction of television into the homes of many American’s, telephones became popular in the early 1900’s leading to easier communication- or gossip we might say, and from the 1920’s to the 1950’s radios were a staple item in many homes where news, music and comment could be heard by tuning the dial into the local radio station.

            I believe that popular social movements such as civil, women’s, gay rights and the peace movement were a result of our society becoming in tune with the current social structure resulting in social deviance among American’s in an attempt to change the social norms we had become accustom to. I think it is clear that social movements in the United States have proven successful in many ways. In reference to the Civil Rights Movement it has allowed blacks and whites to live harmoniously within the same society. However, with this statement there is still much to improve on where race is concerned. There are still those who do not support Civil Rights lending to an unnecessary division that continues to this day. The Gay Rights Movement of the 70’s is also ongoing. There have been many advances in acceptance of LTBG communities however; there are still many laws in place that they find unjust.

            I think the outcome of these movements is unending. There has been an abundance of strides in many social movements over the past 40 years. In reference to woman’s rights for example; they are gaining increased acceptance every year by closing the gap in gender equality. Their salaries are increasing, women are seen as competent business women, and the work force is accepting more women to fill positions of management. This movement has evolved a great deal further than the simplistic right to vote. I believe continuation of movements in the United States is very different from the past actions. Again, Mass Media is becoming revolutionary year after year which has aided in expediting change. As American’s we know instantly what is happening in the world around us and have the opportunity to be heard quickly. No longer are we forced to meet at the Courthouse Steps holding posters or march in clans to prove our demand, we can sign petitions online, email letters, or simply call our state representatives. If we choose to participate in a social protest we most certainly can, but we are not limited to those tactics any longer.

            I do believe that we have experienced social movements since the early 1970’s. However, they are merely branches of movements that were planted earlier in our history. We are suffering from cultural lag trying to outline out how these reforms and social movements will work legally, spiritually, mentally and socially. We are learning to understand as well as accept the new social norms related to the most recent social structure in the United States- as we learn society will tweak the small details that the original movements left out and we will be a healthier society because we cared enough to be informed.