Lynching Tree Worksheet
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DePaul University *
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Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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Christ and the Lynching Tree Worksheet (assignment worth 50 points)
1.
Which three constitutional amendments are referred to as the Reconstructionist Amendments?
Briefly describe each of the three.
The 13th Amendment (1865) abolished slavery and forced labor, unless it was used as a form
of punishment for a crime. It was an important step in guaranteeing the abolition of slavery in
the United States and sought to grant fundamental human rights and liberties to those who
had been enslaved.
The 14th Amendment (1868) guaranteed citizenship and equal legal protection to all
individuals born or naturalized in the United States, including freed slaves. It was designed to
safeguard African Americans' civil rights and make sure they weren't taken away from their
property, liberty, or life without following the required legal procedures.
The 15th Amendment (1870) made it illegal for the federal or state governments to deny a
citizen their ability to vote on the grounds of their "race, color, or previous condition of
servitude." It aimed to guarantee African American men's constitutional right to vote and
take part in politics by securing their voting rights.
2.
Consult the glossary, as well as the film playlist transcript in order to describe pre-Civil War
“slave codes,” post-Civil War “black codes,” and Jim Crow “laws.”
Slave Codes: Pre-Civil War laws that outlined the rights of slave owners and the status of
slaves. They treated enslaved people more like property than like human beings, limiting
their liberties and rights.
Black Codes: Post-Civil War laws passed by Southern states that limited the liberties and
rights of freed African Americans. Their goal was to uphold the pre-Civil War social and
economic order, which meant that Black persons' rights to work, own property, and travel
freely were restricted.
Jim Crow Laws: Following the Reconstruction era, state and municipal governments in the
United States passed legislation that enforced racial segregation and promoted the idea of
"separate but equal." These laws formalized discrimination against people of color by
dividing public spaces, educational institutions, transit systems, and other facets of society
according to race.
3.
How do you interpret/understand the term “second Civil War,” and the statement, “The North
might have won the War, but the South won Reconstruction”?
Second Civil War: The term may be used to describe an actual or imaginary situation in
which there is a major and perhaps violent internal dispute in a nation, much like in a civil
war. It may indicate a time of increased political, social, or cultural strain that may result in
serious division and conflict inside a country, even in cases where actual military action is
not required as in the case of the historical Civil War.
"The North might have won the War, but the South won Reconstruction": This
statement suggests that even though the Union forces won in the Civil War, the Southern
states were able to reclaim a sizable amount of social and political power during the
Reconstruction era. Southern governments were able to maintain racial segregation and
African American disenfranchisement through a variety of strategies, including the
imposition of Jim Crow laws and Black Codes. This effectively undermined the objectives of
Reconstruction and maintained systemic inequity.
4.
What was the “Dred Scott” decision? Explain its consequences.
The 1857 Supreme Court case known as "Dred Scott v. Sandford" was significant. Whether
they were enslaved or not, the ruling said that African Americans lacked standing to suit in
federal court because they were not citizens of the United States. It further said that the
federal government was not authorized to control slavery within federal areas. The Missouri
Compromise of 1820, which banned slavery in certain territories, was essentially declared
void by this ruling.
A consequence of the Dred Scott ruling was an increase of tensions between the North and
South over sections, which further divided the debate over slavery. Additionally, because it
gave pro-slavery forces more confidence and demoralized anti-slavery advocates who
perceived the ruling as a major loss for the abolitionist cause, it heightened the abolitionist
movement and ultimately helped in the start of the Civil War.
5.
Put an estimated dollar sign on the slave trade industry.
Various historians and economists have put their estimations for the estimated dollar sign on
the slave trade industry, which accounts for the economic value of enslaved people and their
forced labor, in the billions of dollars. It is important to remember that, given the moral and
social implications of the slave trade that go far beyond financial assessment, it is difficult to
fully assess the economic impact of the slave trade.
6.
What might be meant by the observation “addicted to slavery”? Assuming you see a connection,
how might this attitude inform the drive for cheap labor, opposition to labor unions, and
outsourcing?
The term "addicted to slavery" could refer to a societal or economic dependency on the use
of forced or cheap labor, indicating a continued use of harsh labor laws for financial benefit.
This kind of thinking could encourage the need for inexpensive labor by upholding the idea
that profit comes before treating employees fairly and protecting their rights. Additionally,
since labor unions frequently fight for worker rights and fair salaries, which may reduce
profits, it might strengthen anti-union sentiment. The drive for outsourcing may also stem
from a desire to take advantage of cheaper labor prices in other nations or areas, which would
feed the loop of needing cheap labor at the price of treating employees fairly and ethically.
7.
Read the Frederick Douglass address, as well as listen to the dramatic rendering of this speech.
Carefully consider his argument and main points and describe his appeal. Last, how did Bill
Moyers briefly assess the result of Douglass’ erudite, passionate speech?
In his address, Frederick Douglass highlighted the hypocrisy of celebrating independence and
freedom while slavery remained legal in the United States. In his defense of the rights and
intrinsic humanity of every person, regardless of color, he emphasized the necessity to address
the moral contradiction of a country founded on freedom but maintaining the system of slavery
at the same time. His request for fairness and equality for all people was the foundation of his
argument, which urged the country to uphold its principles of liberty and justice.
According to Bill Moyers, Douglass's speech was an encouraging appeal for the country to
uphold its basic ideals as well as a forceful and persuasive critique of the injustice of slavery. He
observed that Douglass's passion and fluency dramatically increased the momentum for the
abolition of slavery in the United States by effectively communicating the urgency of the
abolitionist cause.
8.
Who was Ida Wells? What did she do at the 1893 Columbian Exposition (World’s Fair) in
Chicago?
The founder of the civil rights movement, Ida B. Wells was an African American journalist,
newspaper editor, suffragist, and activist. She was well-known for her lifetime dedication to
battling racial injustice, especially for her anti-lynching activities and her attempts to draw
attention to the horrors associated with lynching in the US.
Ida B. Wells organized a black boycott of the Columbian Exposition's "Negro Day" in 1893
at the World's Fair in Chicago as a protest against the exclusion of African Americans from
the event's planning and decision-making procedures. This boycott brought attention to the
unfair treatment of African Americans in the US and acted as a significant protest against
racial discrimination and segregation.
9.
What is “miscegenation”? Psychologically, etc., why do you suppose some men react in such a
primordial
way to the possibility of open choice of sexual relations/marriage between people of
different color? (See also “One Drop Rule.”)
The term "miscegenation" describes the intermarriage of individuals categorized as
belonging to distinct racial groups. It frequently refers expressly to the mixing of several
racial groups via union, cohabitation, or sexual activity.
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Due to ingrained cultural ideas about racial hierarchy and purity, some males may respond to
the prospect of open choice in sexual encounters or marriage between persons of different
colors in a crude way.
Psychologically, this response might be caused by fear, bias, or a
feeling that the perceived racial superiority is under danger; these emotions are frequently
shaped by historical and cultural accounts of racial discrimination and segregation.
In the US, a social and legal doctrine known as the "One Drop Rule" designated anybody
with any African heritage as black. Mixed-race people were humiliated and marginalized as a
result of this rule, which strengthened racial segregation and the notion of racial purity.
10.
Related to Question #9, South Carolina Senator Cole Blease (1868-1942) made the startling, rash
statement, “whenever the Constitution comes between me and the virtue of the white women of
the South, I say to hell with the Constitution.” How would you respond to this Senator’s remark?
In Senator Cole Blease's statement, prejudices based on race and gender are given more
weight than the essential values of justice, equality, and the rule of law, which is quite
concerning. This indicates a risky tendency to reject the nation's democratic foundation, the
Constitution, in favor of maintaining oppressive and discriminatory behaviors.
Such statements undercut the fundamental principles of a just and equitable society in
addition to being morally offensive.
They contribute to the degradation of civil freedoms and
human rights, reinforce damaging stereotypes, and support systematic discrimination. It is
critical to identify and reject such backward and divisive conversation, supporting instead the
preservation of constitutional principles and the search of true equality and justice for all.
11.
What is “whiteness” anyway?
A socially manufactured racial category, "Whiteness" has been defined and maintained
historically in a number of countries. It stands for the social, cultural, and political rights
granted to people who are thought to be of European heritage.
Systems of oppression,
authority, and racial hierarchy have been established and maintained using the idea of
whiteness, frequently at the expense of non-white people and communities. Racial groups'
experiences and prospects are shaped by the complex relationships between historical
backgrounds, power dynamics, and social views in a given country.
12.
What is race? What is racism? What is meant by racialism? Carefully note the specific references
in the provided glossary (and other outside sources you may opt to check) in formulating your
answer.
Race: Race is a social construct that is used to group people together according to shared
physical and genetic characteristics. Although these classifications have changed over time
and among countries, they frequently have social and cultural implications that affect
people's chances and experiences in life.
Racism: Racism is the term for prejudice, hostility, or discrimination against people or
groups on the basis of their claimed racial or ethnic heritage. It can take many different
forms, such as institutional policies, viewpoints, or attitudes that support the disadvantage,
marginalization, or oppression of particular ethnic groups.
Racialism: Racialism is the term used to describe the idea that there are different biological
races with unique traits or capacities. Additionally, it may refer to the idea that one race is
superior to another. Racial hierarchy and oppressive institutions have frequently been
justified by racism, which can also help to maintain stereotypes and discriminatory actions.
13.
Interact briefly with W. E. B. DuBois’ term “double consciousness.” What did this mean, and
how might it be resolved? Or can this dilemma ever be reconciled?
The phrase "double consciousness" was first used by W. E. B. Du Bois to characterize the
psychological struggle African Americans have to maintain their individuality in a society
that frequently sees them through the prism of racial prejudice. It portrays the inner conflict
of having two opposing identities one created within their own group and the other imposed
by the dominant, frequently prejudiced, culture.
In order to overcome this problem, society must acknowledge and accept the diversity of
cultural identities and create an atmosphere in which people feel free to embrace who they
are in their whole without fear of discrimination or judgment.
In order to achieve this
reconciliation, we must actively try to eliminate discriminatory practices and institutional
barriers while promoting an inclusive culture that honors and recognizes the diversity of
experiences and viewpoints. Although a perfect solution might not always be possible,
attempts at understanding, compassion, and true inclusion can help this difficult
psychological and societal situation gradually come together.
14.
Who was Alain Leroy Locke?
African American author, philosopher, and educator Alain Leroy Locke was well-known.
Because of his support and nurturing of African American musicians, poets, and artists
during the 1920s cultural movement, he is frequently referred to as the "Father of the Harlem
Renaissance". He is acknowledged as a leader and spokesperson for the African American
adult education movement, nevertheless, in certain quarters.
15.
What was the rationale behind President Harry Truman’s “Freedom Train”?
A traveling display known as "Freedom Train" was created by President Harry Truman and
traveled the country between 1947 and 1949. It had two goals to inspire a renewed sense of
pride in American history and a desire to protect and preserve important historical records.
With the Cold War just getting started, the train was meant to further American freedom and
democracy principles.
16.
Who is Rita Dove?
American poet and writer Rita Dove is well-known. During her time as the United States
Poet Laureate from 1993 to 1995, she made history by being the first African American and
the youngest person to hold this title. In addition to her writing, she is involved in theater,
television, and music projects. Dove's talents to poetry and literature have earned her
multiple honors.
17.
Describe the art work of Thornton Dial. Consider a number of his pieces in the Mint Museum
Exhibit—“Hard Truths.” Explain his artistic approach, and interact with one of his works found
on the museum website.
African American artist Thornton Dial was renowned for his daring and striking mixed-
media and collage pieces. His art frequently included materials and found objects and dealt
with issues of social justice, race, and history.
His pieces, such "Don’t Matter How Raggly the Flag, It Still Got to Tie Us Together," at the
Mint Museum's "Hard Truths" display, demonstrated his daring and expressive approach. He
used a variety of materials to create compositions that were both dynamic and thought-
provoking.
The museum's website features a piece by Dial titled "High and Wide," which perfectly
demonstrates how he used rich colors and multi-layered textures to portray complex stories
about both modern society challenges and American history. Through his artwork, Dial
pushed viewers to acknowledge difficult realities about the human condition as well as the
enduring problems with injustice and inequality.
18.
What is the Ku Klux Klan and the origin of its rituals? How might a Christian respond to the
KKK ritual of burning crosses—the cross being a symbol sacred to Christianity?
The Ku Klux Klan is an American hate group that promotes white supremacist ideology and
has a history of using violence and terrorism to target underprivileged communities,
especially African Americans. It started in the American South in the years following the
American Civil War.
The Ku Klux Klan's practices, such as burning crosses, are based on intimidating, and
creating fear in those they target. Instead of seeing the cross as a symbol of faith, hope, and
salvation, they corrupted it and used it as a weapon of terror.
The usage of the cross by the KKK would probably be criticized by many Christians, who
would emphasize that love, compassion, and equality are the genuine foundations of
Christianity. Some may see the cross's destruction as an abuse of Christianity's central
message and a clear indictment of its principles of harmony and compassion for all.
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19.
Interact carefully with theologian Dr. Cone and his comparison of the lynching tree and the
crucifixion / cross of Jesus Christ.
Follow Moyers thread, “And you say the cross and the
lynching tree interpret each other…” How did Dr. Cone respond?
Theologian Dr. Cone compared the crucifixion of Jesus Christ to the lynching tree, a symbol
of racial fear and violence in American history. He maintained that both depict the cruel and
unfair killing of the defenseless, exposing the extreme unfairness and suffering experienced
by underprivileged groups.
Regarding Bill Moyers' inquiry concerning the interpretation of the cross and the lynching
tree, Dr. Cone stressed that comprehending Jesus' crucifixion within the framework of the
lynching tree enhances the significance of Christ's suffering and death.
He emphasized the
significance of acknowledging the common experience of oppression and suffering,
highlighting the deep connection between the lynching tree and the crucifixion as symbols of
unjust violence and the fight for liberation.
20.
http://www.npr.org/2012/09/05/158933012/the-strange-story-of-the-man-behind-strange-fruit
FYI intriguing background story regarding the lyrics to “Strange Fruit”
Now it’s your turn. This has been an ugly unit to study and painful to contemplate. I’d like
you to try writing your own poem. Poetry, I maintain, is using the “otherness” of language to
communicate deep feelings and emotional responses to life. You might want to think about a
metaphor(s) and / or a symbol(s). Respond with your gut to these images, ideas, and
historical context we have just examined in the film, the transcript, the glossary, and consider
the provided three poems. One “religious” or theological topic to consider is the depths of
evil to which humans can sink in carrying out their actions—and sometimes with an offhand
or even gleeful manner.
In the depths of human suffering, behold,
A timeless tale of faith and misfortune, retold.
The cross, a symbol of suffering and grace,
Embraces the world in its redemptive embrace.
Through trials and tribulations, the spirit soars,
Seeking comfort in divine, eternal shores.
In the crucible of pain, a sacred fire burns,
And the soul, in respect, to heaven yearns.