Essay on the Historical Evolution of American Society and Changes

This essay examines the significant changes in American society, particularly focusing on the civil rights movement and the fight for equality. It begins by highlighting the fragmentation and discrimination prevalent in early 20th-century America, where segregation and unequal opportunities were the norm. The essay analyzes the impact of social movements, emphasizing the solidarity and determination of individuals striving for equal rights, and how these movements challenged discriminatory laws and practices. It also discusses the use of video as a medium to depict these historical events and its effectiveness in promoting social change, especially in the context of modern social media. The author's personal opinion favors civil movements as the most effective strategy for social change, emphasizing the power of collective action and global connectivity in achieving societal betterment. The essay references a video documenting key events in the civil rights era, underscoring the historical context and the ongoing relevance of these struggles.

Running head: CHANGES IN AMERICAN SOCIETY
Changes in American Society
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1CHANGES IN AMERICAN SOCIETY
The events presented in the video promote a message about the spirit of the people of
United States of America who strive for the creating a country where everyone would be
treated as equal. It brings into light the movements that were held across the country to secure
the fact that irrespective of the color the people residing in America were provided equal
opportunities. In the beginning of the twentieth century, America suffered fragmentation. The
law and customs of the nineteenth century supported the prevalent discrimination in the
society (youtube.com, 2019). The black people residing in the society faced discrimination in
the field employment and housing facilities. The whites were given preferential treatment and
they enjoyed special status in the society.
The video focuses on the solidarity amongst the masses of America who strive for the
attainment of equal rights for the citizens. There were many soldiers who had returned from
war with a firm determination that they would fight against the unjust treatment they receive
in the society based on their skin color. The movement brought an end to the Supreme Court
order that made the discrimination legal and advocated that there should be separate facilities
for the black and white people residing in the American society. This movement advocated
that every individual living in America should live a life that was promised by the
constitution that was of justice and liberty for everyone. Those individuals living in the
Southern part of America felt that the tide was taking a different turn and the values and
cultures of the whites were under the threat of the civil uprising. In this video the incident
related to the lynching of a 14 year old boy is highlighted which can be regarded as the
beginning of the civil movements in America (youtube.com, 2019). The incidents were
reported were it was said that the blacks disrespected the whites which was not true. It was
actually the blacks who suffered at the hands of the whites. These small incidents were used
by the whites to suppress and do violence with the blacks. The law was in favor of the whites
and those who were arrested on criminal charges were released by the court that led to the

2CHANGES IN AMERICAN SOCIETY
rise of the movement. The discrimination was more rigid in the southern parts of America
whereas many in the northern parts supported the movement that was started by the blacks.
The orders passed by the court inspired the blacks, some people from the section of whites in
the society to start a struggle for the securing freedom and justice for the blacks in the
society. Thus, the video depicts the segregation that was prevalent in America and the
dominant position that the whites occupied in the society
The creators of the video had a firm affirmation that the events shown in the video
have a considerable impact on the society. This would lead to provide a better position to the
black individuals in the American society. The strategy employed by the makers of the video
to highlight the impacts of racial discrimination and the movements in the society would
contribute and bring about change in the society. The strategy would definitely work in
present times because people today are more exposed to social media. The events that occur
in present times are circulated around the world in no time. Thus, it can be said that the
technique of presenting movements through videos would prove very efficient.
In my personal opinion, the strategy that appeals most for social change is civil
movements. Civil movements bring the masses of the country together and show the spirit of
solidarity to the people who work for promoting a social cause. The evil practices that are
present in the society are eradicated by the collective efforts of the masses. The people
together work for the benefit and betterment of the society. In present times civil movements
prove to helpful as many people can feel connected to the issues that are highlighted in the
society. Due to the advancements that have occurred in the society, people are exposed to the
outer world and can take part in the movements at the global level. The involvement of a
larger share of people helps in the fulfillment of the goals of movements for social change.

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References
youtube.com. (2019). Eyes On The Prize Part - 1 Awakenings (1954–1956). Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud82QzXO7xw