I watched the next installment of the PBS special, Eyes on the Prize. The second hour focused on the conflict in Selma, Alabama where Black folk were not allowed to register and the ensuing brutality rained down on peaceful marchers by the police and politicians. What I find hard to take is the little interview segments with George Wallace, the mayor of Selma, and the head of police. I don’t know when those interviews were made but they look like they were made in the late 70s or early 80s given the style of clothing. Even then, it was clear that they didn’t get the harm of segregation. I wonder what we say in passing these days that someone will watch in 40 years and be as incredulous as I am now in watching these shows. Probably due to Political Correctness (which, by the way isn’t all bad), we have merely submerged what we really think and so its harder to get caught looking so out of touch with the world.
I’m left thinking that we take so for granted the freedom to say what we want and to march if we want without any real concern for our own safety. We need to thank those who were fearless in their willingness to march and take a beating, and even die.
Musings on Faith and Psychology 