1. Historical context
This photograph of Ruby Bridges encapsulates the broader historical context of the
Civil Rights Movement. The Civil Rights Movement occurred during the 1950s and
1960s in America involving mainly black people protesting non-violently for greater
autonomy. This photo specifically tackles the doctrine of separate but equal in terms
of segregation of schools, when in actual fact schools differed massively in
government funding and quality in predominantly white and black schools
specifically.
Events prior to the snapshot is, the Brown vs Board of Education. 8-year old Linda
Brown wanted to attend a nearer school which happened to be white. A legal court
case occurred and when the case for desegregation of the schools was lost on state
level, the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People assisted the
family with lawyers and took the case to the US Supreme Court. Chief Justice Earl
Warren on 17 May 1954 ruled segregation of schools a violation of the 14th
Amendment and thus unconstitutional. Making it a landmark decision during the time
period.
Ruby Bridges was the first black child to be integrated to an elementary school six
years after the banning of segregated schools. She enrolled into a school called
William Frantz Elementary School in the South of New Orleans. Despite the legal
victory many Southern states resisted desegregation. The South were notoriously
known for racist tendencies and disagreeing with a lot of constitutional rights that
gave greater relief to the African American community. Southern states lacked
, specifically enforcement of desegregation of schools and were reluctant to do so. For
example, during this time period national guard soldiers of federal marshals had to
be implemented to protect black children while at these schools as seen in the photo.
Similarly to the students of Little Rock, Arkansas famously called the Little Rock 9.
Against this backdrop, white segregationists wanted to maintain the status quo and
refuse to accept black children into schools. For example, at William Frantz
Elementary many parents took their own kids out of the school and some teachers
refused to teach black students. White people would also torment fellow black kids
and make time in school unbearable. The need for federal intervention was indeed
crucial to deter such behaviour.
The bravery and determination of Ruby Bridges tackles the desegregation of schools
while also exemplifying the broader historical context which was the struggle for
racial equality and civil rights.
2. Impact of the photograph on society in which it was taken and
international community/others
Domestically the impact of the photograph was profound as it would have served as
a catalyst for dialogue and action. This photograph would have garnered widespread
attention and force the society to rethink or change beliefs because of the rarity of
the event. The American society were now forced to sympathise with the young girl
as societal shifts of thinking would occur. The Civil Rights Movement would have
garnered massive support as the photo displays a symbol of hope and resilience not
only for African American children but also that change can occur through means of
non-violence. The involvement of federal troops and government further showed the
lengths to desegregate and exacerbate the importance of equality.
However, some white segregationists may have been outraged by the photograph,
and further increased societal tensions as hardline segregation believers would
create an even more tumultuous time for African Americans. On the contrary black
children living in the society would be uplifted at the fact that they now stood a
chance to attain better education.
Internationally the photo would have intensified resistance against segregation.
During this time period segregation was highly prevalent around the world, for
example South Africa and the Apartheid regime. The photograph would have been
an inspiration for anti-apartheid activism, as a demonstration that even children have
power to tackle oppressive segregationist systems, particularly the implementation of
‘Bantu Education’. Furthermore the involvement of federal influence surrounding the
young girl would put pressure on the South African government to possibly suit as a
world power (USA) is actively engaging in desegregation and integration of black
This photograph of Ruby Bridges encapsulates the broader historical context of the
Civil Rights Movement. The Civil Rights Movement occurred during the 1950s and
1960s in America involving mainly black people protesting non-violently for greater
autonomy. This photo specifically tackles the doctrine of separate but equal in terms
of segregation of schools, when in actual fact schools differed massively in
government funding and quality in predominantly white and black schools
specifically.
Events prior to the snapshot is, the Brown vs Board of Education. 8-year old Linda
Brown wanted to attend a nearer school which happened to be white. A legal court
case occurred and when the case for desegregation of the schools was lost on state
level, the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People assisted the
family with lawyers and took the case to the US Supreme Court. Chief Justice Earl
Warren on 17 May 1954 ruled segregation of schools a violation of the 14th
Amendment and thus unconstitutional. Making it a landmark decision during the time
period.
Ruby Bridges was the first black child to be integrated to an elementary school six
years after the banning of segregated schools. She enrolled into a school called
William Frantz Elementary School in the South of New Orleans. Despite the legal
victory many Southern states resisted desegregation. The South were notoriously
known for racist tendencies and disagreeing with a lot of constitutional rights that
gave greater relief to the African American community. Southern states lacked
, specifically enforcement of desegregation of schools and were reluctant to do so. For
example, during this time period national guard soldiers of federal marshals had to
be implemented to protect black children while at these schools as seen in the photo.
Similarly to the students of Little Rock, Arkansas famously called the Little Rock 9.
Against this backdrop, white segregationists wanted to maintain the status quo and
refuse to accept black children into schools. For example, at William Frantz
Elementary many parents took their own kids out of the school and some teachers
refused to teach black students. White people would also torment fellow black kids
and make time in school unbearable. The need for federal intervention was indeed
crucial to deter such behaviour.
The bravery and determination of Ruby Bridges tackles the desegregation of schools
while also exemplifying the broader historical context which was the struggle for
racial equality and civil rights.
2. Impact of the photograph on society in which it was taken and
international community/others
Domestically the impact of the photograph was profound as it would have served as
a catalyst for dialogue and action. This photograph would have garnered widespread
attention and force the society to rethink or change beliefs because of the rarity of
the event. The American society were now forced to sympathise with the young girl
as societal shifts of thinking would occur. The Civil Rights Movement would have
garnered massive support as the photo displays a symbol of hope and resilience not
only for African American children but also that change can occur through means of
non-violence. The involvement of federal troops and government further showed the
lengths to desegregate and exacerbate the importance of equality.
However, some white segregationists may have been outraged by the photograph,
and further increased societal tensions as hardline segregation believers would
create an even more tumultuous time for African Americans. On the contrary black
children living in the society would be uplifted at the fact that they now stood a
chance to attain better education.
Internationally the photo would have intensified resistance against segregation.
During this time period segregation was highly prevalent around the world, for
example South Africa and the Apartheid regime. The photograph would have been
an inspiration for anti-apartheid activism, as a demonstration that even children have
power to tackle oppressive segregationist systems, particularly the implementation of
‘Bantu Education’. Furthermore the involvement of federal influence surrounding the
young girl would put pressure on the South African government to possibly suit as a
world power (USA) is actively engaging in desegregation and integration of black
