Summary Of Mississippi By Anthony Walton

Starting at a young age, people are very impressionable and willing to believe anything they are told. The common tale of the Tooth Fairy is one of the most common examples of childhood misconception. At a young age, we are told that when we lose a tooth and put it underneath our pillow at night, a magical fairy will come claim it and give a cash prize in return for the tooth. Eventually, the belief in this story fades as children mature and learn that the supposed “tooth fairy” is actually the child’s parents. Likewise, when children are told stories by their family members or teachers about American history, they have no reason to doubt such stories, automatically assuming they came from credible sources. In Mississippi by Anthony Walton,

Walton incorporates quotes from a variety of sources, sheet music, poetry and photographs of life in America in the 1930’s and 1940’s in order to illuminate the extensive outlooks on historical events. The juxtaposition of the different genres is a tool to outline the multiple aspects of American history that must be considered before one can form a new historical memory and take appropriate action from there. For instance, on page 196, Walton chooses to include a poem, Sympathy, by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Dunbar writes, “I know what the caged bird feels” (196), using the caged bird as a metaphor for himself, and for oppressed African Americans. He then describes the caged bird beating his wings and and returning to its perch in defeat, evoking sympathy as this was the way oppressed African Americans had felt--like the caged bird who was locked away with no freedom. Walton juxtaposes Sympathy with a photo of African Americans smiling and dancing the “jitterbug”, appearing to be very happy (197). Walton juxtaposes the depressing poem about the caged bird and the photo of seemingly happy African Americans to set up a contrast between African Americans’ reality, and what white Americans believe was their reality. The image depicts what whites prefer to believe African American life was like--full of energetic and upbeat singing and dancing--while Sympathy relays the message that African Americans actually felt very trapped and helpless. This contrast forces the reader to question the reality of history and in turn question their previous historical memory of such history. By doing so, the reader will have a better idea of truth versus