Dominic Garcia HIS 100 Module Four Activity Bias Revised
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HIS 100 Module Four Activity Template: Bias in Primary Sources
Locate an additional primary source relevant to your historical event. Use it and the primary source you identified in a previous module to answer the questions below. Replace the bracketed text with your responses.
Source One
Conduct source analysis on a primary source relevant to your historical event.
Attempt to write the APA style citation for your first primary source and include a link to it. You will not be penalized for incorrect format.
The Morning Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Okla.), 01 June 1921. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85042345/1921-06-01/ed-1/seq-1/>
Respond to the following questions:
Who authored or created the primary source?
o
Unknown Author
What was the author’s position in society at the time the primary source was created?
o
Writer and editor for the Morning Tulsa daily world
When was the primary source created?
o
The Primary Source was created 01 June 1921
Where was the primary source created, released, or publicized?
o
The primary source of The Morning Tulsa Daily World newspaper articles covering the Tulsa Race Massacre was created, released, and publicized in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Morning Tulsa Daily World was a local newspaper based in Tulsa and was one of the prominent newspapers covering the events of the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921.
The newspaper articles would have been written, printed, and distributed from the newspaper's headquarters in Tulsa, and they would have been made available to the newspaper's readership in the local community and potentially beyond. While the newspaper may have been primarily intended for local readers, the significance of the Tulsa Race Massacre likely led to its coverage receiving broader attention, including from readers and news outlets outside of Tulsa.
It's important to note that these newspaper articles, as primary sources, provide valuable historical insights into how the event was reported at the time and how it was perceived by the local community and the wider public.
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Who was the intended audience for the primary source?
o
The intended audience for The Morning Tulsa Daily World newspaper articles covering the Tulsa Race Massacre would have primarily been the newspaper's readership, which in the early 1920s would have included residents of Tulsa and the surrounding areas. However, due to the sensational and significant nature of the event, the coverage likely attracted a wider audience, including readers from other parts of the United States.
Specifically, the intended audience would have included:
Local Residents:
The newspaper would have been a primary source of information for the people living in Tulsa and the immediate vicinity. These residents would have been most directly affected by the events of the massacre and would have had a strong interest in understanding what was happening in their own community.
Regional Readers:
The Morning Tulsa Daily World may have had a regional readership beyond Tulsa, especially in Oklahoma and nearby states. The events in Tulsa would have
been of regional importance, and people in neighboring areas would have been interested in the news coverage.
National and International Readers: Given the scale and violence of the Tulsa Race Massacre, the story likely attracted attention from newspapers and readers across the United States and possibly internationally. People outside of Tulsa would have been interested in the events and their broader implications for race relations and civil rights.
Government Officials and Authorities:
Government officials at various levels, including local, state, and federal, would have been interested in the newspaper coverage to stay informed about the situation and any potential need for intervention or investigation.
Activists and Advocacy Groups
: Civil rights activists and organizations advocating for racial equality would have been interested in the newspaper coverage. The coverage could provide information about the injustices that occurred and serve as a call to action.
Historians and Researchers:
In retrospect, the newspaper articles serve as valuable primary sources for historians and researchers studying the Tulsa Race Massacre. These articles provide insights into the events, attitudes of the time, and how the incident was reported.
Why was the primary source created?
o
The Morning Tulsa Daily World newspaper, like many newspapers at the time, covered the Tulsa Race Massacre because it was a significant event that garnered national attention and was of great interest to its readers. The massacre took place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from May 31 to June 1, 1921, and it involved a violent and destructive attack 2
on the Greenwood District, a prosperous African American community often referred to as "Black Wall Street."
There are several reasons why newspapers like The Morning Tulsa Daily World covered the event:
News Value:
The Tulsa Race Massacre was a major news event with significant social, political, and economic implications. The destruction of an entire community, the loss of
lives and property, and the subsequent investigations and legal proceedings were of immense interest to the public.
Sensationalism:
Newspapers of the time often engaged in sensational reporting to attract readership. The violence and destruction associated with the massacre made for dramatic headlines and stories that could capture the attention of readers.
Public Awareness:
Newspapers served as primary sources of information for people during this era. Reporting on events like the Tulsa Race Massacre was crucial in informing the public about what had happened, the extent of the damage, and the ongoing developments in the aftermath.
Social and Political Impact:
The event had a significant impact on race relations, civil rights, and politics in the United States. Covering the event allowed newspapers to inform readers about these broader implications.
Accountability and Justice: Newspapers often played a role in exposing injustices and holding individuals and institutions accountable. Reporting on the massacre and its aftermath helped shed light on the wrongdoings and failures of law enforcement and government officials.
It's worth noting that newspapers of the time did not always provide balanced or accurate coverage, and some engaged in biased reporting that perpetuated racial stereotypes. However, the coverage of the Tulsa Race Massacre in newspapers was an important part of documenting the event's history and its impact on the African American community and the city of Tulsa.
Whose perspective(s) is presented in the source?
o
The perspective presented in newspaper articles from The Morning Tulsa Daily World covering the Tulsa Race Massacre primarily reflects the perspectives of the newspaper's editorial staff and the prevailing attitudes and biases of the time. In the early 1920s, newspapers often reflected the views and values of the communities they served, and they were influenced by societal norms and prejudices of that era.
Source Two
Conduct a source analysis on a primary source relevant to your historical event.
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Attempt to write the APA style citation for your second primary source and include a link to it. You will not be penalized for incorrect format.
Report, Tulsa Race Riot Disaster Relief, American Red Cross [1984.002.060], TulsaRace Massacre Collection, Tulsa Historical Society & Museum, Tulsa, OK. https://www.tulsahistory.org/exhibit/1921-tulsa-race-massacre/documents/
Respond to the following questions:
Who authored or created the primary source?
The Source was was written by Maurice Willows, the director of Red Cross relief operations in Tulsa following the massacre. And compiled by Loula V. Watkins
What was the author’s or creator’s position in society at the time the primary source was created?
Maurice Willows was the Director of Red Cross Relief in Tulsa. Loula V. Watkins was a case manager for the American red Cross Tulsa County chapter during the Tulsa Massacre
When was the primary source created?
The report was created over the months following the massacre, with the final report being completed in December 1921.
Where was the primary source created, released, or publicized?
The primary source, "The Tulsa Disaster" authored by Maurice Willows for the Red Cross, detailed the events and aftermath of the 1921 Tulsa Massacre. It was created in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as Willows and his team were on the ground providing relief and documenting the situation in the immediate wake of the massacre. Immediately beingdistributed to Washington and St. Louis.
The report was released by the American Red Cross, which had a significant presence in Tulsa during the recovery efforts. While the report was intended for the general public and officials to inform them about the events and the humanitarian response, its widespread distribution and the attention it received were limited in the years following its release.
Over time, the report became a critical primary source for historians and researchers studying the Tulsa Massacre, especially given the paucity of comprehensive official records on the event. In later years, as awareness and recognition of the massacre grew, the report gained more attention and was used in various academic, educational, and commemorative contexts.
Who was the intended audience for the primary source?
The intended audience for the 1921 Tulsa Massacre Red Cross report was the general public, as well as local, state, and national officials.
Why was the primary source created?
The 1921 Tulsa Massacre Red Cross report was meticulously crafted to serve as a comprehensive account of the devastating events and their aftermath in the Greenwood District, often referred to as "Black Wall Street." Given the Red Cross's 4
position as a neutral organization and its significant role in relief efforts, its firsthand account provided crucial insights into the events that unfolded. Beyond merely recording events, the report played a vital role in demonstrating the Red Cross's transparency and commitment to the affected community, outlining its contributions, services, and challenges encountered during the relief operations.
The graphic details of the devastation and the needs of the Greenwood community highlighted in the report were instrumental in galvanizing further support. By clearly depicting the scale of the damage and the continued requirements of the survivors, the Red Cross effectively solicited much-needed donations and aid. At the same time, the report served as a beacon of awareness. In an era when some local leaders and media outlets sought to downplay or misrepresent the massacre's gravity, this document stood as an objective and comprehensive source, ensuring that the public
and officials were well-informed.
Moreover, for historians and researchers who delve into the annals of the Tulsa Massacre, the report remains invaluable. Given that the tragedy was underrepresented in discussions and many official records were either lost or deliberately destroyed, the Red Cross report persists as one of the most significant primary sources on the subject, ensuring the events of the massacre remain etched in history.
Whose perspective(s) is presented in the source?
The 1921 Tulsa Massacre Red Cross report primarily presents the perspective of the American Red Cross, specifically that of Maurice Willows, the director of Red Cross relief
operations in Tulsa following the massacre. As the report outlines the relief efforts, the damage, and the needs of the community, it offers a humanitarian and somewhat neutral viewpoint on the events and aftermath of the massacre.
While the Red Cross's perspective is dominant, the report also indirectly reflects the experiences and needs of the victims, as it details the aid provided, the extent of the
devastation, and the challenges faced by the Black community in the Greenwood District. The victims' stories and testimonials might be recounted, but they are framed through the lens of the Red Cross's observations and activities.
It's important to note that, while the Red Cross report is a crucial source of information about the massacre and its aftermath, it represents just one perspective. For a more comprehensive understanding of the event, it's beneficial to also consider firsthand accounts from survivors, narratives from other organizations involved, local media reports, and other primary and secondary sources that provide various viewpoints on the incident.
Both Sources
Analyze the primary sources relevant to your historical event for the presence of bias.
As aformentionted above, newspapers of the time did not always provide balanced or accurate coverage, and some engaged in biased reporting that perpetuated racial stereotypes. It’s also important to note that the more sensationalized articled and headlines aim to sell more publications. Additionally, The Red Cross report was intended to remain neutral in perspective.
However, through tone and langue there is a clear conflict between humanitarianism and
federal obligation that Is evident. Begin by understanding who created the source and why. For
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instance, the Red Cross report was authored by Maurice Willows on behalf of the American Red
Cross. The organization's primary goal was humanitarian aid, and the report's purpose was to
document relief efforts. However, remember that every source, even those aiming for
neutrality, may contain some degree of bias based on the author's experiences, background, or
objectives.
Compare how your historical event is represented in your primary sources.
Comparing the representation of the 1921 Tulsa Massacre in two primary sources—the Red Cross report and "The Morning Tulsa Daily World" from June 1, 1921—provides valuable insights
into the differing narratives surrounding the event. Below is how each source may be interpreted based on contributing factors. Perspective & Objective:
Red Cross Report:
Prepared by Maurice Willows for the American Red Cross, this report provides
a detailed account of the relief efforts in the aftermath of the massacre. Its primary focus is on the humanitarian crisis that followed the violence and the Red Cross's response.
The Morning Tulsa Daily World:
As a local newspaper, its perspective is influenced by its readership, local politics, and economic considerations. On June 1, 1921, the newspaper's reporting would be immediate reactions to the unfolding events, and it might reflect prevailing racial biases of the time.
Tone & Language:
Red Cross Report
: Generally, the tone is factual, emphasizing the scale of the destruction and the needs of the victims. It is likely to be neutral in its approach, focusing on the humanitarian aspects.
The Morning Tulsa Daily World:
The newspaper's tone might reflect prevailing racial attitudes of white Tulsans. Historically, many contemporary newspapers used racially charged language, and
their accounts often framed events in ways that were biased against Black residents.
Content & Emphasis:
Red Cross Report:
Emphasis on the devastation in the Greenwood District, the plight of the victims, and the efforts to provide relief. It paints a picture of a community in crisis and the challenges faced in the aftermath.
The Morning Tulsa Daily World:
The content might emphasize the events leading up to the massacre, possibly focusing on the alleged incident in the elevator involving a Black man and a white woman, which was a catalyst for the violence. There may also be a focus on property damage and the response of local authorities.
Omissions & Inclusions:
Red Cross Report:
While it provides a comprehensive account of the aftermath, it might not delve deeply into the root causes of the violence or the broader racial tensions in Tulsa.
The Morning Tulsa Daily World:
It might omit or downplay instances of violence committed by white mobs while emphasizing perceived threats from the Black community.
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Audience:
Red Cross Report:
Intended for a broad audience, including the general public and officials, both locally and nationally.
The Morning Tulsa Daily World:
Primarily intended for the local population of Tulsa, which would largely be white readership.
In summary, while both sources provide valuable insights into the Tulsa Massacre, they approach the event from different angles and with different objectives. The Red Cross report offers a humanitarian perspective focused on relief efforts, while "The Morning Tulsa Daily World" provides a more immediate, local, and potentially biased account of the events as they unfolded. It's essential to consider these nuances when analyzing the representation of historical events in primary sources.
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