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.
No comments:
Post a Comment