Sociology

Abstract
In this paper I am going to discuss the case of Brown vs. the Board of Education and its impact during the 1960s from two different social science perspectives.  First I will look at this social event through the eyes of a political scientist.  Secondly, I will put myself in the shoes of an anthropologist and try to explain the events that occurred as a result of this judgment.  I will then discuss the implications that this case has for life in the 21st century.

The 1960s was a time of major change in American culture.  Old traditions were being broken and new standards for Civil Rights were being established.  People of every color and race were given equal opportunity in regards to schooling with the judgment in the case Brown vs. the Board of Education.  Schools were now to be integrated instead of segregated based on color.  For some, this inspired hope and belief that one day, race would not be barrier for equal opportunity.  For some, this sparked anger and resentment toward those that were thought to be inferior because of the color of their skin.  The 60s represented a clash between culture and belief systems and the decision of Brown vs. Board was right in the middle of it all.

In this paper I will describe this event and its impact on society from the perspective of a political scientist as well as from an anthropologist.  I will also attempt to answer what impact Brown currently has on modern 21st century life.

Political Science
Political science is defined as a social science concerned with the theory and practice of politics and the description and analysis of political systems and political behavior. (Wikipedia)
The plaintiffs contend that segregated public schools are not equal and that hence they are deprived of the equal protection of the laws. (nationalcenter.org)  This was the basis of the argument toward desegregation of public schools.

Many people were fed up with the dilapidated and understaffed schools designated for colored students and felt that they should have an equal opportunity to public education.

The judgment, which dismantled the legal basis for racial segregation in schools and other public facilities was finalized in 1954, however, even though its impact was
felt afterward, it wasnt until the 1960s that real unrest began to happen.  The southern states had a more difficult time in enforcing the new laws than the northern states did.  Racial segregation was so ingrained in the psyche of the southern half of America that it was difficult to change.

By 1961, South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi still maintained completely segregated school systems. (loc.gov)  This tells me that it was definitely a difficult transition for the South to fully integrate.  

Riots broke out as a result and there was much political unrest.  A lot of people werent willing to change their belief that people of color would be allowed to go to school with their white children.

When James Meredith enrolled at the University of Mississippi in October of 1962, there were riots resulting in the death of two men as well as over 300 people injured. (loc.gov)  People were obviously upset with the enrollment of a black person to an institute of higher learning.

August 28th, 1963 saw a march on Washington led by the Council for United Civil Rights leadership and issued by Folkway Records.  In this protest, leaders were looking to include public accommodation, decent housing, integrated education and the right to vote (loc.gov) in their fight for equal civil rights.  This was featured in Life Magazine in September 6, 1963.

There were signs of social progress in the 60s as well.  College enrollments began to increase rapidly, especially for African Americans. (Harvey)  And this was a good sign.  It meant that racial minorities were taking advantage of the equal opportunity and choosing to try to make a better life for themselves.  The movement also sparked popularity in folk music and folk singers like Bob Dylan.  They sang for a cause and wrote songs about political unrest and social differences.  The Newport Folk Festival showcased the folk revival and was a place that folk singers and bands from around the country could sing and have their voices heard.  The Freedom Singers sang their song Fighting For My Rights at this event.

Brown, however, was not the first challenge to school segregation.  In 1849 African Americans filed suit against an educational system that mandated racial segregation, in the case of Roberts v. City of Boston.  (brownvboard.org).  However, it was the Brown decision that inspired and galvanized human rights struggles across the country and around the world. (brownvboard.org).

The decision by the courts to allow integration in public schools was definitely a major stepping-stone in the fight for equal civil rights for all.  African Americans were now given an opportunity to attend the same schools as their white counterparts, which, in turn, gave them opportunities for achievement in American society.  In theory, this would allow everyone regardless of skin color the opportunity to the same resources and thus equal opportunity to jobs and social acceptance.  This wasnt a change that came easily.

There was much resistance by those with traditional beliefs, especially in the southern states where segregation was so prominent.  However, thanks to Brown most Americans believe that a racially integrated, ethnically diverse society and educational system is a worthy goal. (americanhistory.si.edu).

Moving forth into todays society, Browns impact is still felt.  It can be easy to take for granted all the hard work that went into making desegregation a reality and it is something that should be celebrated for it marks a pivotal moment in American history in regards to civil rights.  Today, many African Americans take advantage of the opportunities theyve been given them and as well they should.  Brown v. Board laid the groundwork for equal opportunity in America and it should never be forgotten.

Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of humanity (Wikipedia).  What significance did the case of Brown v. Board of Education have in human development  Why was it necessary for this event to take place and what role did it have in shaping Americans perception of civil rights and African Americans  And what do we as Americans do today to keep desegregation alive in our culture

To think of the impact this event must have had on humanity in the 60s, one must put themselves in the shoes of both a white person as well an African American person.  When looking at it from the perspective of a white person who would have a child in the public school system, it must have been a scary concept to allow black children to attend the same school that your own child goes to.  On one hand, you couldve felt good about the positive impact that this would have on those African American kids who didnt have all of the resources that your kid has.  Giving them the same opportunities should only help to enrich their lives right  However, what happens if an African American child graduates and gets a better job than your son or daughter  Realistically, Im not so sure that this happened immediately, however, this must have been something that went through the minds of those who only wanted what was best for their own children.

When thinking from this perspective, I can understand why some people felt very threatened by the effects of Brown.  Life was going to be different.  Those that were dubbed inferior for many centuries were now given equal opportunity in regards to education.  A good education is the cornerstone of a productive citizen.  It is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education. (nationalcenter.org).

If I put myself in the shoes of an African American at this time, I think that I would be excited and inspired by the changes being made and the opportunities that I will be given.  However, I think that I would also be a bit afraid for repercussions as a result.  Would I really be given equal opportunities and, by the way, how is my reception to a new white school going to be taken  Maybe I didnt mind the school I was already attending.  Sure the building was small, dilapidated and understaffed and the materials were outdated but, hey, Ive made friends here.  Where would everyone go  Would we all go to the same school together or would we be separated because everyone had to travel many miles from different towns to get to this black school.  What were the stares going to be like when I went to the white school  But none of that really mattered because, in the end, I will be getting a better education and an opportunity for a higher paying job when I graduated, right

There is much political unrest because Im going to a white school now.  There are a lot of people who dont want me and my friends here.  They want us to go back from where we came from and forget about trying to be equal with them.  How was I supposed to concentrate on my studies when this whirlwind of conflicting political views was taking place

If there was one common denominator between whites and blacks it was uncertainty.  Uncertainty about what the future would hold as far as opportunities given or taken away.  Uncertainty about the safety of the children.  Uncertainty of your own beliefs.  The 60s were definitely a time of upheaval and Brown v. Board of Education was first and foremost at the center of it all.

In looking at the human impact of that event in todays society I am grateful for Brown.  I think it opened peoples eyes to the fact that everyone, regardless of color or nationality, truly deserves equal opportunity if we are to have a civil and fully functional society.  The contributions made by African Americans since the judgment are infinite and without Brown, I dont believe that Barrack Obama would be our president.  Im sure that he is truly grateful for the efforts put forth by those that made desegregation possible.

I think that political science and anthropology are closely linked in that both are social sciences that look at human interaction.  It is not possible to talk about political science and not talk about humanity.  Conversely, its not possible to discuss anthropology without discussing political interactions that occur.  Because of this, one could benefit from looking at a particular event in our history from both a political and anthropological stand point to be able to fully understand the what and why.  The case of Brown v. Board of Education is no different in that regard.

Great strides were definitely made because of this event and it would be difficult to imagine life without this case.  The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown began a critical chapter in the maturation of our democracy.  It reaffirmed the sovereign power of the people of the United States in the protection of their natural rights from arbitrary limits and restrictions imposed by state and local governments.  In short, it has helped shape the way that American culture is regarded to this day.