March That May Bring Violence Analysis

Throughout modern history, media coverage has had a profound impact on the public’s opinion on diverse subjects. Through various writing and visual techniques, journalists portray their values and beliefs on pressing topics, such as political activism. In the 1960s, African American civil rights activism reached unprecedented numbers, which prompted a rise in polarizing reception. The March on Washington and the Montgomery to Selma march were two of the most monumental moments in the black civil rights movement. Ultimately, both marches are initially negatively depicted and are perceived as inherently violent, but after each event takes place they are celebrated for their ability to unite many under a common goal and promote freedom for the …show more content…
In this newspaper article, Nelson describes the event as “violence loom[ing]” and that police officers will use “all necessary force.” Given that this newspaper was released three weeks before the march took place, it is evident that the journalist is using intimidating diction to discourage activists from partaking. Moreover, the headline labels the city as “on guard” and that the march “may bring violence.” The ominous characterization of the march paints the occasion as a violent event waiting to happen. But this is not the only time violence has been used to intimidate others from speaking out. In “A Life History of Being Rebellious” by Jeanna Theoharis, the author details how Rosa Parks used to receive hate mail and death threats. While Rosa Parks continued to play an active role in coordinating activist events, the consistent safety risk took a toll on her and her family. Violent threats are a mechanism used to dishearten activists, in hopes that it will dismantle the civil rights morale. Finally, after examining the Los Angeles Times article, it is likely that the journalist publicized an unfavorable view on African American activism because the publisher’s readers are geographically separated from the events taking …show more content…
The journalist throughout The Chicago Defender story repeats the word freedom and its significance to the fundamental purpose of the civil rights movement. The activists are described as “freedom riders,” watchers of the march shouted “freedom,” and when asked what the activists wanted, the answer was “freedom.” Freedom is the soul of the cause and its acquisition is the hope that inspires generations of activist to take a stand. The headline also describes the march as “historic,” which emphasizes the importance of the march in bringing awareness and making social progress. The headline highlights that “the young and the old” took part in the event, signifying that the march is not just meant to solve the issues of today, but to also create a better world for the future. This is further expressed by the imagery of the little girl being led by her mom in the march. By having this image on the front page of the newspaper clip, it serves as a reminder that the African American civil rights movement is essential in creating a world in which a black girl could thrive. The tribulations faced and the sacrifices made are in hopes of providing freedom for the historically restricted. The sentiment of