The Problem We All Live With: Iconic Civil Rights Artwork

Norman Rockwell's 1964 painting "The Problem We All Live With" is a powerful piece of art against segregation that captures a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. This artwork depicts Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old African American girl, being escorted to school by U.S. Marshals during the desegregation of New Orleans schools in 1960.

The painting shows Ruby walking bravely in a pristine white dress, surrounded by four tall men in suits. The contrast between her small figure and the imposing presence of the marshals emphasizes her vulnerability and courage. Behind them, a wall is marred by racial slurs and splattered tomatoes, symbolizing the violent opposition to desegregation.

Highlight: Rockwell's painting serves as a stark visual representation of the challenges faced by African Americans during the fight for equal rights in education.

This piece of political art effectively communicates the tension and hostility surrounding school desegregation, while also highlighting the innocence and determination of those at the center of the struggle. By focusing on a single child, Rockwell humanizes the abstract concept of desegregation and forces viewers to confront the reality of racism in America.

Example: The painting's title, "The Problem We All Live With," suggests that racial inequality and segregation are issues that affect all of American society, not just the Black community.

Rockwell's work stands as a powerful example of how art about racism can educate, provoke thought, and inspire change. It continues to be a significant piece in the canon of Civil Rights Movement art, reminding viewers of the ongoing struggle for racial equality in education and society at large.

A Lesson Before Dying: Confronting Racial Injustice in the Legal System

Ernest Gaines' 1993 novel "A Lesson Before Dying" provides a powerful critique of racial injustice in the American legal system. The excerpt focuses on the trial of Jefferson, a young, uneducated Black man accused of murdering a white storekeeper, Mr. Gropé.

The scene illustrates the stark contrast between the prosecution and defense arguments, highlighting the racial bias inherent in the legal proceedings:

Quote: "The prosecutor argued that Jefferson and the other two had gone so that he could not identify them. When the old man and the other two robbers were all dead, this one—it proved the kind of animal he really was—stuffed the money into his pockets and celebrated the event by drinking over their still-bleeding bodies."

The prosecutor's characterization of Jefferson as an "animal" reveals the dehumanizing rhetoric often used against Black defendants, a common tactic employed to justify harsh sentences and reinforce racist stereotypes.

Highlight: The prosecutor's argument relies heavily on racist stereotypes, portraying Jefferson as a violent, inhuman criminal despite a lack of evidence.

In contrast, the defense argues for Jefferson's innocence:

Quote: "The defense argued that Jefferson was innocent of all charges except being at the wrong place at the wrong time. There was absolutely no proof that there had been a conspiracy between himself and the other two."

This stark juxtaposition between the prosecution and defense arguments underscores the uphill battle faced by Black defendants in a racially biased justice system.

Example: The fact that Mr. Gropé only shot the other two men is presented as evidence of Jefferson's innocence, highlighting the circumstantial nature of the case against him.

Gaines' novel serves as a powerful piece of art about racism in the legal system, exposing the prejudices and injustices faced by Black Americans. By focusing on a single case, the author humanizes the abstract concept of systemic racism, forcing readers to confront the reality of racial bias in the criminal justice system.

This work contributes to the broader canon of Civil Rights Movement art, using literature as a means to educate, provoke thought, and inspire change in society's approach to race and justice.

Twelve Angry Men: Examining Bias in the Justice System

Sidney Lumet's 1957 film "Twelve Angry Men" is a powerful exploration of the American justice system and the role of personal bias in jury deliberations. While not explicitly about race, the film's themes resonate strongly with issues of prejudice and fairness that are central to the Civil Rights Movement.

The story revolves around a jury deliberating the case of a young man accused of murder. Initially, eleven jurors are ready to convict, but one holdout (Juror 8) insists on a thorough examination of the evidence before condemning the defendant to death.

Highlight: The film demonstrates how personal biases, preconceptions, and rushed judgments can potentially lead to miscarriages of justice.

As the deliberations progress, the jurors are forced to confront their own prejudices and the flaws in their reasoning. The film exposes how factors such as social class, personal experiences, and ingrained biases can influence decision-making in the courtroom.

Example: One juror's prejudice against people from the defendant's background becomes evident as he refers to them as "those people" and assumes guilt based on stereotypes.

While race is not explicitly mentioned, the themes of prejudice and the dangers of rush to judgment resonate strongly with the experiences of many Black Americans in the justice system. The film serves as a critique of systemic biases and the importance of careful, impartial consideration of evidence.

Quote: "It's always difficult to keep personal prejudice out of a thing like this. And wherever you run into it, prejudice always obscures the truth."

"Twelve Angry Men" can be seen as a piece of political art that encourages viewers to examine their own biases and the flaws in the justice system. It aligns with the goals of Civil Rights Movement art by promoting critical thinking about fairness, equality, and the responsibility of individuals in upholding justice.

The film's enduring relevance speaks to the ongoing struggle for equality in the American legal system, making it an important work in the context of art that addresses social justice issues.