Ethnocentrism, The South and the Movie: Freedom Riders

During the Civil Rights Movement, many African-Americans fought hard for their human rights, but did so peacefully. A crucial element of this movement was the freedom rides, where activists of both black and white races rode buses through the South, facing violent opposition at every stop. The South's ideal culture at the time was one where African-Americans were not allowed to move forward. This is an example of class conflict, where ruling classes discriminated against blacks 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 heavily religious and using religion to justify the oppression of African-Americans. They were not allowed to sit in the front of the bus, and everything was segregated, even water fountains. White people believed this was right because it was programmed into their minds. The majority of white people who were racist at the time lived in an ideal culture where slavery was acceptable, and blacks were considered the lowest kind of people who did not deserve the same rights as others. The Civil Rights Movement, however, knew this was wrong, and African-Americans and some whites fought for equality. Religion played a significant role in motivating African-Americans to fight for their rights, as it showed tolerance and equality. The freedom riders risked their lives for bus ride desegregation, and without them, there would not be desegregated travel. This movement was a prime example of conflict theory, showing how lower-paid or lower-treated people will rise up against the well-treated and well-paid. The freedom riders showed that change is possible if you have the means to do so and that with faith, you can change society's views.