Analysis Of The Port Chicago 50: Treatment Of Blacks In World War II

How were blacks treated in World War II? Why were blacks treated this way during World War II? Did the sailors like this treatment during World War II? This type of treatment of sailors was described in the book, The Port Chicago 50 by Steve Sheinkin and in the documentary, “Into Forgetfulness.” In his book, Sheinkin tells the story of black sailors who wanted to fight for their rights of freedom and equality to be able to work the same jobs as whites in the Navy. ‘Courage Under Fire’ means that if you realize that you might have an chance at getting your freedom, and you try to fight back that maybe you can get your freedom and equality. This courage is shown in both of the mediums by saying that doing the right thing in an time of need

Joe Small was one of the oldest men in the group of black navy sailors and that meant that he was the leader. Everyone realized that he was the leader, “Small you're the leader…” said the admiral.(Sheinkin 93) This is important because the men looked up to Small for help when they were fighting for their rights. Next, the men wanted to prove that they could fight for what they believed in, “It was worth the effort, showing that whatever you believe in, you at least tried to get it back, the best you knew how.” Percy robinson stated(Sheinkin 170). This is important because most americans think that the sailors were treated fairly and that they were treated like everyone else. To sum it up, the sailors in Port chicago were not treated correctly and unfairly when they were working hard and trying not to get killed by loading

The documentary also explains what the men were treated like back when Port Chicago 50 was happening. The African-American men could have been treated like the white men but the white men like admiral osterhouse, were out to get the African-Americans at that time. “They are guilty, and will stay guilty” stated admiral Osterhouse (“Into”). This is important because the white men never had a thought of the African Americans being not guilty. The African-American men were not given the fair treatment or the fairness they deserved while working. Everyone could have and should have had a fair chance of being able to say what they thought was right. "Didn't you say yesterday that that you have heard small say nothing?" This is important because the African-American men were thought to be rude or thought to be lower than the white men. And this time that was thought to be true even though it's not, all men are created equal. In conclusion the documentary how does understand what actually happened to in Port Chicago