America's coming of age story is an interesting one. In 1776 we declared our independence from Britain. As a young nation, coming of age happens in rapid succession, especially on the stand of human equality. This began with the Civil War in 1861. The emancipation proclamation followed, but no true equality. In 1964 racial equality issues thickened in the minds of every American with the Civil Rights Movement.
In 1964, 9 years after the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement, Time magazine took a big stand in favor of equality. Time magazine in January of 1964 dubbed Martin Luther King, Jr. "Man of the Year." Times did an entire write up on not only King, but his family and other reputable African Americans. African Americans that were teachers, architects, state senators, bishops, surgeons, etc. America grew up, came of age, made changes, became better.
Like any coming of age story, the article did not mean the end of the process, but merely a huge step in the right direction. The Civil Rights lasted four more years, but the bulk of the growing pains ceased in 1964. I don't think any American in 1776 thought an African American would make the front page of a magazine. Life changed for Americans.
Now racial prejudices still exist, but mostly in the older population of America. Whites are free to marry Blacks without prejudice, they can hold corporate jobs, vote, eat in the same restaurant, ride at the front of the bus, go to any school, receive a college education without racism, and even become president. King said he "had a dream" of equality. I like to think his dream came true. The growing pains of racism may always exist due to the imperfection of humanity, but most prejudice is gone.
As America enters into its adulthood, we have become mature in equality. Martin Luther King, Jr. assisted in this transition as did Times magazine. Time took a stand and joined with the African American community to make a difference. Time showed America's transition from childhood to maturing adults.
No comments:
Post a Comment