During the 1960s the United States had become a more open,more tolerant- in a word, freer country. Defend or refute that statement.
Geepers, I had my windshield busted with a brick by a protester, the first day I was back from Vietnam in 1966. Wasn't there a lot of violent protests? Weren't kids shot at Kent State? When was Ms Luzio killed in Selma Alabama? And when was Bloody Sunday?
Have fun with this.
So if you missed my point: often what one sees as freedom to protest or freedom to engage in unrestrained sexual activities,as in the sixties, others are forced to bear the consequences. Thus, your professor's question deserves some thought.
I agree with Bob Pursley. The 1960s were definitely not more open, tolerant, and free -- they may have been the catalyst toward those things in later decades, but the 1960s were something else!
Assassinations of JFK, MLK, and RFK
Treatment of Vietnam war vets
Civil Rights resisters (See the movie "Mississippi Burning" and research the background for that one)
Selma (as Bob Pursley already mentioned.
Etc.
I'd refute that statement. You have plenty of info to base your refutation on.
To defend or refute the statement that the United States became a more open, tolerant, and freer country during the 1960s, we need to examine historical evidence and consider multiple perspectives.
To gather evidence, you can refer to primary and secondary sources such as historical documents, academic articles, books, and testimonies from people who lived during that time. It's crucial to look at various aspects of society, including politics, civil rights, cultural attitudes, and individual freedoms.
To defend the statement, you can consider the following points:
1. Civil Rights Movement: The 1960s witnessed significant progress in the civil rights movement, with the passage of legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These laws aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination, promoting greater social and political equality.
2. Women's Rights: The 1960s saw the rise of the women's rights movement, with demands for gender equality and reproductive rights gaining momentum. This push contributed to advancements such as the introduction of birth control pills and the formation of organizations like the National Organization for Women.
3. Counterculture and Freedom of Expression: The 1960s were marked by a vibrant counterculture movement challenging societal norms. The rise of the hippie movement, anti-war protests, and the growing acceptance of alternative lifestyles (such as the LGBTQ+ community) promoted greater personal freedoms and expanded the boundaries of cultural acceptance.
On the other hand, to refute the statement, you might consider these points:
1. Racial Tensions and Segregation: While progress was made during the civil rights movement, racial tensions and segregation persisted in many parts of the country. Deep-rooted systemic racism, unequal treatment in housing and employment, and violent racial incidents showed that the country had not completely overcome these issues.
2. Suppression of Dissenting Voices: The government's response to anti-war protests, particularly during the Vietnam War, often involved repression and restrictions on freedom of assembly and speech. Events like the Kent State shootings highlighted the punitive measures taken against those who challenged the government's policies.
3. Limited Women's Rights: Despite the gains made by the women's rights movement, significant inequality and discrimination against women persisted, including limited access to equal opportunities in the workforce and a lack of reproductive rights in many states.
Ultimately, the assessment of whether the United States became a more open, tolerant, and freer country during the 1960s will depend on the weight you assign to various factors and the interpretation of historical evidence. It's essential to consider multiple perspectives and rely on reliable sources to form a well-informed conclusion.