Oral bac anglais LV1 - IDEA OF PROGRESS

IDEA OF PROGRESS

I’m going to talk about the notion Idea of Progress. The idea of progress can be defined as an improvement, a development or a change, a technical, scientific, or social advance which contributes to making the world a better place. In order to illustrate this notion, I have chosen to talk about the American Civil Rights Movement in the 60’s. The American Civil Rights Movement is a term that encompasses the strategies, groups and social movements which accomplished its goal of ending legalized racial segregation and discrimination laws in the USA. These movements took place particularly in the South and later in Chicago. This movement was particularly illustrated by African American leaders who fought for their rights as Martin Luther King, Malcolm X or Ruby Bridges. That’s why we can ask ourselves how did Ruby Bridges advance the fight against racial segregation and discrimination laws in the USA ?

First, Ruby Bridges was born in Tylertown, Mississippi. In 1960, when she was 6 years old, she was one of six black children in New Orleans to pass the test that determined whether they could go to the all white school, William Frantz Elementary. Two of the six decided to stay at their old school, Ruby Bridges went to school by herself and with her mother, and they were escorted by four federal Marshals. The entry of Ruby Bridges into a white school is a milestone event of this period. When Ruby entered the school, white parents pulled their own children out, all the teachers refused to teach while a black child was enrolled.

Moreover, the first day of integrated school in New Orleans was commemorated by the famous American illustrator, Norman Rockwell in the color painting The Problem We All Live With. This illustration showcases a cute little black girl, Ruby Bridges, who is dressed all in white; this is symbolic of innocence and peace. In fact, she is going to school since she is carrying school rules, books and rulers which means she want to learn, she want to be educated. In the background, there are impacts of tomato crashes and a tag saying “niggers”, which is an insult. Indeed, the white racists cast items at the little girl in order to frighten her out of going to school. So, in this color painting, Norman Rockwell deals with a political issue and takes side. Contrary to his former painting which described an ideal American life style, here he is critical of the society and seeks to convince public opinion of the unfounded of the discrimination laws.

To conclude, the 14th November 1960, Ruby Bridges has allowed, in his way, to evolve the mentality of the Americans. His action was relayed by personalities like Norman Rockwell, which allowed publicizing his fight against racial segregation and discrimination laws in the USA. It’s thanks to her that today African American children have access to school.

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