Levittown final
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School
Kenyatta University *
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Course
411
Subject
History
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by MagistrateWillpowerTarsier21
1.
Consider the arguments against the Meyers (the Black family) moving into
Levittown and complaints against Martin Luther King and black lives matter. Why
do you think those opposed to the Meyers, kings, and black lives matter, think that
they are being reasonable and don’t see their actions as racism or discrimination.
According to Myers, it is argued that the relocation of a Black upper-middle-class family to
the mostly white area of Levittown, a small town in Pennsylvania, would expose them to
instances of racism and mistreatment. In my perspective, the film serves as an illustration of
racism prevalent in the United States. The assertions made by Myer on the presence of racism in
Levittown are subject to disagreement from a majority of those who were hostile to the black
freedom movement. According to their assertion, they expressed no concerns over the influx of
African Americans into their community and extended a warm welcome, driven by the aspiration
for enhanced egalitarianism. A significant number of African American individuals have reported
instances of harassment perpetrated by their Caucasian neighbors (Reelblack One, 2018).
It is worth noting that individuals of Caucasian descent have been seen engaging in a
phenomenon known as "white-splaining." This term refers to instances whereby a white
individual assumes the responsibility of elucidating matters pertaining to racism, racist
behaviors, or conduct to a person of color, often in a way that suppresses the voice of the one
who has personally experienced racism (History 3350). The individuals who hold opposing
views perceive their stance as reasonable and do not perceive their actions as racially
discriminatory due to the presence of a policy explicitly outlined in the lease agreement. This
policy stipulates that "the tenant agrees to restrict the use or occupation of the premises solely to
individuals belonging to the Caucasian race." The Myers war was significantly influenced by the
apprehension of communism, as both factions involved in the battle accused one other of
embracing socialist ideologies (Reelblack One, 2018). In various racially segregated
communities, including Levittown, white inhabitants began to casually employ their
"Americanism" as a rationale for maintaining racial exclusivity. Additionally, they depicted
individuals advocating for integration as communists, a political affiliation that was widely
regarded as antithetical to American values during that era.
References
Reelblack One, 2018. Crisis In Levittown, PA (1957) | Segregation and Racial Conflict in
Suburbicon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXQQ9o3R-Rc
History 3350. HIS355 "White-splaining" Martin Luther King.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=UrLQIT0Lw4w
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