Chapter 1 (Pages 1-18)

    

Throughout the first half of chapter one "A Fortress at 3811 North Galvez", the authors depicted the systematic racism that was occurring in Louisiana public school districts. White people were prioritized in many ways that lead to black people being put at a disadvantage not only academically, but in almost every part of society. This chapter talks about the struggles black people faced when it comes to living conditions and education up until the event of Ruby Bridges. November 14, 1960 would become a momentous day for America when Ruby Bridges would walk into the doors of the all white William Frantz Public School (WFPS). 

    While reading this chapter one quote in particular that stuck out to me was said on page 13, "In 1960 entered WFPS, and WFPS entered into the living rooms and collective psyche of millions of Americans".  This quote was very powerful to me. This quote shows and implies that the action of Ruby Bridges walking into WFPS would have serious effects on society across the country. A simple act of a child walking into school would put the nation into an uproar based on the color of the students skin color. This shows that a small act such as Ruby walking into school, would effect and enter millions of peoples homes across the United States. Ruby Bridges soon became the only thing the nation could talk about and was in newspapers and newsreels across the United States. Because of all this attention, Ruby also become the representative of many derogatory art pieces and symbols created by publishers across the country .  I think that this quote greatly depicts the attitudes of Americans and the racism that was occurring at this time when it came to segregation in schools. 

    The chapter goes on to describe the opinions of Americans after this event. Most Americans, primarily those who were white, were outraged by this decision and protested day after day outside of the school in an attempt to combat this decision. On the other hand, there were many who were pleased with this decision and fought to confront the racist social construct that was taking place in Louisiana. The one thing both sides had in common was they justified their  fighting on the basis to protect democracy.

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