Black Women in America: Article Review

Black Women in America: Article Review

The article’s title: A Life History of Being Rebellious: The Radicalism of Rosa Parks.

The article’s author: Theoharis Jeanne.

Author’s Main Argument

Indeed, the main argument by Theoharis is that Rosa Parks had an extensive history of rebellion and radicalism that is hardly featured by historians and Americans at large. The author presents multiple incidents that display the rebellious and activist nature of Rosa Parks (Theoharis, 2009). Certainly, one of the key highlights of her rebellious acts was the refusal to give up her seat at the bus in 1955 as a symbol of maintaining her dignity and expressing detest for white dominance (Theoharis, 2009). Theoharis argues that many authors have failed to give a detailed account of the political activism role played by Rosa Parks, however, many of them including Branch Taylor and Brinkley Douglas have only shared pocket-sized accounts of Park’s life (Theoharis, 2009). Majorly, the focus on Park’s bus incident in 1955 has overshadowed her immense contribution to the history of America, political activism, racial equality and black emancipation.

The Basis of the Argument

Fundamentally, the reasons behind the argument presented by Theoharis in the article is that he is afraid that the incredible works and contributions made by Rosa Parks in regard to America’s history and the advocacy for black rights would be forgotten (Theoharis, 2009). In one of the instances, the author points out to the funeral ceremony of Rosa Parks whereby a majority of the speakers pointed out to the single incident of Park refusing to give up her seat at the bus (Theoharis, 2009). Clearly, for Theoharis, the matter at stake is the aspect of overlooking her rich history and impact in political activism in the United States while laying focus on a singular incident (Theoharis, 2009). For instance, Park had served as an esteemed secretary to NAACP, an entity that dealt with the protection of rights for the people of color.

Lessons Learned

I have learned that Rosa Parks was actively involved in political activism for six decades. She was passionate about the privileges and rights of the black people and she would often confront white bullies. Further, I have learned that Rosa Parks vehemently advocated for the proper treatment of black people within the legal system of the United States. Again, I have come to the realization that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X had a significant contribution in the life of Mrs. Parks since she drew her motivation and inspiration from them.

Quote: “I-had-been-pushed-as-far-I-could-be-pushed” (Theoharis, 2009, pg. 116) In this case, Mrs. Parks explains in an interview the reason why she could not give up her seat in the bus (Theoharis, 2009). To me, the statement by Parks expresses her frustrations with racism and racial discrimination; thus, I chose the quote. 

References

Theoharis, J. (2009). A Life History of Being Rebellious: The Radicalism of Rosa Parks. New     York University Press.