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How Did The Vietnam War Affect The Civil Rights Movement

1267 Words6 Pages

As America is amid a Cold War, World War 2 has just ended and promises were made that were not kept. African Americans continued to struggle by encountering segregation, getting brutally targeted, and not getting an equal opportunity for jobs and education. Additionally, the Vietnam War contributed to questioning social norms during the 1960s, which further inspired musicians to create music that reflected the desire for social transformation and civil rights. In the 1950s and 1960s, there were several noteworthy events and movements that pushed for change and played crucial roles in the advancement of civil rights and social transformation in the United States. Examples include the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the case of Brown v Board of Education, …show more content…

The song resonated with people of all races and backgrounds who were in support of the civil rights movement. Despite the Civil Rights Act coming into effect in 1964, the country was still not in agreement with this sudden change. Brown's song emerged as a powerful song, addressing the issue of racial identity. It aimed to uplift the spirits of African Americans who had been marginalized due to their skin color. By embracing the pride of their identity, it sought to challenge negative stereotypes and promote a positive self-image among African Americans. The lyrics conveyed a message of unity, instilling a sense of belonging. For example, the lines "I've worked on jobs with my feet and my hands, but all the work I did was for the other man" expressed the independence of African Americans as they are to not be used as a tool. This line also draws attention to the unfair treatment and lack of opportunities African Americans faced which moved individuals to participate in the opportunities offered by the Economic Opportunity Act. These opportunities include job training and education programs to improve their social and economic status and climb out of …show more content…

The Buffalo Springfield song "For What It's Worth" was written in response to the Sunset Strip curfew riots that occurred in 1966. These protests were characterized by social and political activism, civil rights advocacy, and opposition to the Vietnam War. Its lyrics and themes resonate with the broader spirit of the era, which included anti-war sentiments and a desire for societal change. The song's lyrics called for calmness and unity in the face of conflict, with lines like "There's battle lines being drawn, nobody's right if everybody's wrong." It encouraged a sense of unity among protestors and promoted the idea that peaceful communication could lead to social adjustment and progress. The song promoted a sense of unity among protestors, urging them to stand together and support each other in their quest for social justice. By recognizing that "we've got to stop, hey, what's that sound, everybody look what's going down," the song encouraged people to look around at the problems of society (Vietnam war, civil rights, riots) and stand together to bring about positive

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Thousands of African American citizens were denied basic rights and discriminated against during the 1950s and 60s. The Civil War began on April 12, 1861, and lasted until April 9, 1865. During the War, the long-debated disagreement about slavery was brought to light and fought over. Segregation laws and black codes inflicted unjust punishments for those who didn’t follow them. Rosa Parks and Thurgood Marshall were some of the most influential activists in the 1950s-1960s because they fought for everyone's rights/beliefs, helped to strengthen the idea of equality in America, and helped develop strong arguments/protests that helped advance the country's unity.

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‘For What It’s Worth’ by Buffalo Springfield has a logical message because it is referring to the Sunset Strip Riots that took place in Hollywood during the 1960’s. People protested when they lost their civil rights due to a curfew law that was put into place. The song says, “Stop, children, what’s that sound. Everybody look- what’s going down?”

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