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  • Essay / Ethnocentrism, the South, and the Film: Freedom Riders

    During the civil rights movement, many African Americans fought hard for their human rights, but did so peacefully. A crucial part of this movement was the Freedom Rides, where activists of both black and white races rode buses across the South, facing violent opposition at every stop. The ideal culture of the South at the time was one where African Americans were not allowed to advance. This is an example of class conflict, where the ruling classes discriminated against black people and prevented them from riding the same buses as white people. In response, African Americans rebelled peacefully. Society creates values ​​and norms that shape what is considered right and wrong within that society. Religion can shape these values, but it can also lead to oppression. The Deep South was known for being strongly religious and using religion to justify the oppression of African Americans. They weren't allowed to sit at the front of the bus and everything was separate, even the water fountains. White people believed it was just because it was programmed into their minds. The majority of racist white people at the time lived in an ideal culture where slavery was acceptable, and black people were considered the lowest category who did not deserve the same rights as others. The civil rights movement knew this was wrong, however, and African Americans and some whites fought for equality. Religion played an important role in motivating African Americans to fight for their rights because it demonstrated tolerance and equality. The Freedom Riders risked their lives for the desegregation of bus rides, and without them, there would be no desegregated ride. This movement was a great example of conflict theory, showing how people who are paid or treated less well rise up against those who are treated and paid well. The Freedom Riders showed that change is possible if we have the means and that with faith, we can change the outlook of society..