AMH 2020 GELO

.docx

School

Indian River State College *

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Course

2020

Subject

Political Science

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

2

Uploaded by CountFinch4194 on coursehero.com

Title: The Influence of Cold War Rhetoric on Racial Equality in the United States: A Comparative Analysis of the Justice Department's Brief and John F. Kennedy's Report Introduction: The historical context of the Cold War era significantly influenced the United States' approach to racial equality, as reflected in two primary sources: the Justice Department's amicus curiae brief for Brown v. Board of Education in 1952 and John F. Kennedy's radio and television report on civil rights in 1963. Despite being written just over 11 years apart, both documents illustrate the intertwined relationship between racial equality within the United States and U.S. Cold War rhetoric on the global stage. Thesis Statement: Through an analysis of these primary sources, it becomes evident that the Cold War context shaped the U.S. executive branch's perception of racial equality, linking domestic civil rights struggles to the broader international struggle against communism. Supporting Paragraphs: The Justice Department's Amicus Curiae Brief: The brief underscores the United States' commitment to upholding civil rights and combating racial discrimination. It emphasizes the government's responsibility to ensure equal treatment under the law, as enshrined in the Constitution. The document highlights the detrimental effects of racial discrimination, particularly in the District of Columbia, on the nation's reputation abroad. By portraying the United States as a beacon of democracy and freedom, the brief acknowledges the need to address racial inequalities to maintain moral leadership globally. Quote: "The existence of discrimination against minority groups in the United States has an adverse effect upon our relations with other countries... Some of these attacks against us are based on falsehood or distortion; but the undeniable existence of racial discrimination gives unfriendly governments the most effective kind of ammunition for their propaganda warfare." Explanation: Here, the brief directly connects racial discrimination to the United States' image abroad, suggesting that addressing domestic civil rights issues is essential for maintaining credibility and influence in the international arena. John F. Kennedy's Radio and Television Report: Kennedy's report builds upon the themes raised in the Justice Department's brief, emphasizing the moral imperative of achieving racial equality. He frames civil rights as a fundamental moral and constitutional issue, echoing the principles of democracy and freedom central to Cold War rhetoric. Kennedy underscores the hypocrisy of advocating for freedom abroad while tolerating racial discrimination at home. By calling for legislative action to end segregation and protect voting rights, Kennedy aligns the struggle for civil rights with the broader Cold War narrative of defending democratic values. Quote: "The heart of the question is whether all Americans are to be afforded equal rights and equal opportunities, whether we are going to treat our fellow Americans as we want to be treated."
Explanation: This quote encapsulates Kennedy's argument that racial equality is not just a legal or legislative issue but a moral imperative central to American principles of equality and justice, which are crucial for maintaining credibility in the global struggle against communism. Conclusion: In conclusion, both the Justice Department's amicus curiae brief and John F. Kennedy's report on civil rights highlight the influence of Cold War rhetoric on the U.S. executive branch's approach to racial equality. These documents underscore the interconnectedness of domestic civil rights struggles and the broader international competition with the Soviet Union. By framing racial equality as essential to America's moral leadership and credibility on the world stage, these sources illustrate the Cold War's impact on shaping perceptions of civil rights within the United States.
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