Racism has consistently been a seemingly unsolvable problem throughout human history. Whether it be in the form of direct violence or passive aggression, racism seems to always take a toll on the cultures of society. Hellhound on His Trail: The Electrifying Account of the Largest Manhunt in American History, by Hampton Sides, brings forth this problem through an in-depth analyzation of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
This piece introduces itself by following prisoner #416J located in Missouri State Penitentiary. As the first chapter progresses, it becomes increasingly apparent that #416J is making an attempt to escape. After escaping in a box, it is soon revealed that prisoner #416J is James Earl Ray, prior to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Under the alias of Eric Galt, Ray made his way to Los Angeles where he was motivated by a racist speech by George Wallace during his presidential campaign. Next, the story shifts to follow King.
While switching between viewpoints of one another, Sides follows James Earl Ray as he learns of Martin Luther King Jr. and follows King who he introduces during his first few civil rights movements and the violence that followed. Ray stalks King throughout his movements in the country …show more content…
Martin Luther King Jr. could be considered a complex character due to the fact he grew up being hassled and criticized for being African-American, yet he overcame this obstacle by becoming a famous civil rights activist. As for James Earl Ray, he could be considered a complex character due to the fact that, after he heard the racism speech in Los Angeles, he began plotting what he thought was his duty to America and white supremacy. Although it is hard to picture the psychology between historical minds, learning about them gives a decent representation of what may have changed in their perception over
This piece introduces itself by following prisoner #416J located in Missouri State Penitentiary. As the first chapter progresses, it becomes increasingly apparent that #416J is making an attempt to escape. After escaping in a box, it is soon revealed that prisoner #416J is James Earl Ray, prior to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Under the alias of Eric Galt, Ray made his way to Los Angeles where he was motivated by a racist speech by George Wallace during his presidential campaign. Next, the story shifts to follow King.
While switching between viewpoints of one another, Sides follows James Earl Ray as he learns of Martin Luther King Jr. and follows King who he introduces during his first few civil rights movements and the violence that followed. Ray stalks King throughout his movements in the country …show more content…
Martin Luther King Jr. could be considered a complex character due to the fact he grew up being hassled and criticized for being African-American, yet he overcame this obstacle by becoming a famous civil rights activist. As for James Earl Ray, he could be considered a complex character due to the fact that, after he heard the racism speech in Los Angeles, he began plotting what he thought was his duty to America and white supremacy. Although it is hard to picture the psychology between historical minds, learning about them gives a decent representation of what may have changed in their perception over