NK 64 SET 3
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Arts Humanities
Date
Nov 24, 2024
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Analysis
Primary Source Analysis 4 (
Questionnaire)
A a Primary Source this article examines the controversial topic of "Founding of Texas
Southern University Affirms 'Separate but Equal' Education, 1947." There is no indication of
who the author was for this work. This newspaper clipping was published in 1947, the year
when Jim Crow was at its worst in the United States (Texas Legislature, 1947). It startled me to learn that Texas maintained the concept of "separate but equal" schooling at
one point in time. Despite the fact that Black and White pupils are kept in different
classrooms, this term gives the impression that both groups are receiving an excellent
education. The passage of time made it clear that things were not equitable. The source makes the strong assertion that the establishment of Texas Southern University
contributed to educational equality. The university's standing in the world is highlighted by
the superlative’s "monument" and "highly reputed," respectively. According to the author, the
establishment of Texas Southern University demonstrates progress and bolsters the case for
separate but equal education. I would want to respond in a few different ways to this primary source. First, I have a
problem with segregation and schools that are separate but equal. This incident sheds insight
on the institutional racism that African Americans endured during this historical period. It
compels you to analyse the long-term impact of segregation on the educational outcomes of
black children (Texas Legislature, 1947). During the time when this important source was being written, African Americans were
subjected to segregation and discrimination. Separate but equal treatment was essential to
comply with the Jim Crow legislation in schools and across society. Students of African
American descent often encountered subpar infrastructure, outmoded materials, and uneven
access to extracurricular opportunities. They were subjected to persistent discrimination and
were denied access to equitable educational opportunities. This primary source seems to provide a defence of and support for Texas Southern
University, praising it as a model of educational opportunity and equality for African
Americans. In order to convince the reader that separate but equal schooling is important, the
author emphasises the standing of the institution. The writer referred to Texas Southern
University as a "monument" and underlined its unparalleled standing in the academic
community. The author also makes an argument for higher education by pointing to the
practise of school segregation. The audience for this primary source most likely agrees with
segregation and believes that different schools should be treated equally. This would also
appeal to those who believe in progress stories, such as those who saw the establishment of
Texas Southern University as a step towards achieving educational equality for African
Americans (Texas Legislature, 1947). When I look at this original source with close attention, I see that it contains prejudice and
stereotyping. Simply repeating the phrase "separate but equal" contributes to the perpetuation
of the harsh and discriminatory mentality that supported racial segregation and was opposed
to equality. It makes the assumption that segregation is good while simultaneously ignoring
the systemic oppression and injustice that African Americans experience in segregated
schools. It would seem that the author views the establishment of Texas Southern University
as a step in the right direction, while also downplaying the continued unfairness and bigotry
(Texas Legislature, 1947). Summary
The primary source draws attention to the establishment of Texas Southern University as a
sign of progress and equality for African Americans in the field of higher education. On the
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other hand, it ignores the pervasive racism and segregation experienced by African American
children in Texas. The author's argument supports separate but equal education, despite data
demonstrating significant achievement gaps between African American and White students in
schools that are separated on the basis of race. This primary source brings to our attention the
pervasive racism and prejudice that existed throughout the time period in question and
prompts us to conduct an in-depth analysis of the narratives that serve to rationalise and
maintain such inequities.
References
Texas Legislature. (1947). The founding of Texas southern university affirms separate but
equal education, 1947.