Freedom Summer seems to provide in sight for what it would be like for someone who is for the civil rights movement who is not a part of the minority would and could feel. Of course, it is a situation where people can only try to put themselves into someone else's shoes. To simply be for the civil rights movement does not put you into the place of the people suffering...

Andrew Albrecht Fourth Post

I would say the most perspective-changing aspect for the participants would be the fact that a good majority of them came from upper or middle class priviliged backgrounds and were submerged into the lawless Mississippi - so they were in an environment unlike any other they had ever been in before. They really did not understand what kind of danger they were putting themselves in by going down to the deap south and attempting to further the causes of the Civil Rights Movement. Another changed perspective would be when they all were down there and seeing the way African-Americans were treated and trying to imagine what it would be like being in their shoes. I would say the entire experience would be lifechanging for anyone involved.

Andrew Albrecht Third Post

No matter what kind of perspective you use when approaching the subject of the Cold War years and the Civil Rights Movement it is not a simple subject. However, attempting to analyze the years from an african american diaspora perspective is different from the usual ways one looks at those years. A "diaspora" is defined as a removal and scattering of people from their home to a different place. So when you look at the Civil Rights Movement keeping this in mind you can see how the reforms that took place were a long time coming and general progress.

Windmiller Diaspora Response

I'm not sure I fully understand the question, but if I am thinking of it correctly, the question refers to the idea that it can be things that are probably viewed as minor at the time that can have a worldwide effect and sort of "Spread the seeds" of freedom, if you will. Being alive as such breakthroughs were being made must have been amazing, to see the tides of oppression being turned.

Andrew Albrecht Second Post

I believe that Baldwin would still see the exact same problems in the world. Although we may have made a lot of progress as far as reducing discrimination and promoting tolerance- there is no way to eliminate rascism or predudjice against any people. Baldwin writes a lot as an individual - from his individual experience and I believe he would have very same experiences regardless of the time period. As you stated in class today, rascism hasn't gone away it has changed form - I believe Baldwin would feel similarly

Windmiller second response

I think that Baldwin would be surprised about what is going on now. The idea of an African-American President in the United States as well as the idea of Civil Unions for those of different sexualities. Not everything is as resolved as we all would like, and won't ever be to the extent we idealize. It's cynical, I know. But as I stated before, prejudice won't disappear. Realistically, it is impossible. It is comparable to the idea of the "No Child Left Behind" having a 100% pass rate, it is impossible.

People can make a difference on an individual basis, and potentially influence someone else, and that is the extent. By the time racism would come into a discussion, it would already be cemented, most likely. I got into a discussion with a very homophobic guy once, and the discussion got around to stereotypes. He put me down constantly for my sexuality, and we'd argue, and each time I'd make a little bit of a difference. It got to a point where he started calling me "Faggot." to 'joke' but the malice was easily detectable.

I have the philosophy that words are words. I decided to say "Fine. You can call me what you like if I can call you whatever I want." And, I don't think it was great of me to do, but I began to call him "Nigger." and coupling it with just as many negative stereotypes as he did for faggot. Eventually, he decided that I'm right, and insulting me based on my sexuality, something entirely out of my control is stupid, and he decided to be a bit more open, so although the method isn't the best, I tried.

It took me months of enduring his prejudice. And it was online. Offline, I would have given up, doubtlessly. So... I'm somewhat cynical about the idea of eliminating it altogether, but people can do their best to contribute and make it rarer.

Andrew Albrecht First Response

I have a difficult time being able to sit down and read the books for the CAP classes because I have a difficult time remaining interested. I enjoy class discussions, but when I know little about the material they are difficult. When I try to read these books I feel like no matter how much I read I don't really retain very much of the information very well. I am enjoying my first year and I think the campus is pretty tyte but it's really cold right now, I can't wait till it warms up again.

Andrew Windmiller First Response

I think the book alternates between interesting and sort of dull, but it is interesting to note that race finally stops becoming an issue when something much more broad yet defining happens. Prejudice is something that I feel will never be fully eliminated, as humans classify things and base things on previous experiences.

This is actually my second year on campus, and although my first year got off to a rocky start, this year is going much better. I've got a stable group of friends for the most part, and although I totaled my car and have a scar now, I'm still thankful for everything.