Racial Climate of the 1950s And Its effects on Rock n roll (Essay Sample)

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Racial Climate of the 1950s
The 1950s were characterized by a volatile racial and political climate. Racial discrimination was a century-old issue that had been affecting African Americans. The victims often resisted such unfair treatment, primarily through demonstrations. The 1954 ruling in Brown v. Board of Education aggravated the matter when it declared that separating institutional facilities to serve whites and blacks differently was a form of inequality (Vaillancourt 9). However, many whites opposed the ruling, as they were opposed to a change in the status quo. They did not view the blacks as their equals and expected them to behave similarly. The ruling did little to change the existing atmosphere, where even though the blacks were no longer enslaved; they were not accorded equal opportunities. The social and justice systems also treated them discriminatively. The ruling led to the massive withdrawal of their children from public to private schools, which aggravated segregation (The 1950s). Violence and intimidation become the standard tools used to perpetuate injustices against blacks (Lartey and Morris). The justice system was also biased toward the white. For instance, an African American was arrested for refusing to give up her seat for a white person; it led to those of colored racial origins boycotting this mode of transport (Rosenberg). These acts of bravery fuelled the formation of the civil rights movements that fought for the rights of minorities and the marginalized.
Rock n Roll had a substantial role in affecting the racial climate in the defined period. The music was viewed as dividing and uniting in equal measure. The uniting factor was the most significant in the fight against the indifferent treatment of the marginalized segments of society. It helped to erode the prejudices and injustices perpetrated on African Americans. The music genre created shared interests and reduced hatred toward blacks, especially younger generations. The rise of Rock n Roll in the 50s was affiliated with the black culture and viewed as a threat to segregation (Linden 50). The subsequent subjugation of this genre by the whites included the bleaching of the music content and exploitation of black performers by producers, which led to massive outcry (Springer 41). The censorship of the genre led to tensions among the jukebox owners, who felt their profit source had been restricted. The combined effects of these actions also fostered the already existing spirit of rebellion. Adults criticized the music for being too sexual and promoting the mixing of the whites and the blacks ("Rock 'n' Roll and 'Moral Panics'"). They blamed it for delinquency and violence, so it was common for law enforcers to be present in Rock n Roll concerts (Knopper). Later, some of the Rock n Roll shows would be canceled, while performers would be restricted from performing in a given way. The younger generation started consuming more of this genre, which led to its increased popularity. The situation led to increased tensions. The music also promoted the spirit of equal rights, which encouraged the formation of civil rights movements. The youths were against any form of control, so they resented the power from administration tried to place over the genre. Overall, this period represented a changing attitude that was highly associated with increased tension and reduced segregation.