African American Social Justice And Civil Rights Assignment

496 African American Social Justice And Civil Rights Assignment

The assignment is to watch the movie American Violet on YouTube and answer the following questions in complete sentences. The paper should include a heading with your name, class, and date. It must be double-spaced, typed in 12-point font, and free of mechanical and grammatical errors.

1. Describe Dee, the main character (protagonist), and her lifestyle or living situation in Arlington Heights. Discuss the focus of the raid at Arlington Heights in the movie and explain whether Dee’s rights and others were violated as a result of the raid.

2. Discuss some of the individuals portrayed in American Violet and examine the different ways in which each individual was impacted by the raid and the subsequent trials and jail time.

3. Considering the stereotypes that surround her, Dee faces many struggles during her trial. How does Dee demonstrate courage when standing up to those who attack her character based on stereotypes and associations? Reflect on the impact of stereotypes and the bravery exhibited by these individuals.

4. Dee’s mother recognizes that, despite Dee’s past decisions, that doesn’t make her a drug dealer. Many in the movie see Dee negatively because of her previous choices. What are your thoughts on this perception?

5. Throughout the movie, Dee shows great courage. If she accepts the plea bargain, she will become a convicted felon. What else could happen to her? What are the consequences if Dee fights her conviction?

6. If you were in Dee’s position, what choice would you make? Have you faced a decision of similar importance? Describe that situation and how you handled it.

7. Dee faces many hardships and challenges against powerful forces like the District Attorney. How does she stay strong? Discuss the people in her life who provide support and strength. Besides courageous, what other qualities would you use to describe Dee?

8. How does the War on Drugs affect families today? What challenges do they face regarding employment, voting, education, and relationships? Do you believe policies that treat drug use as a health issue rather than a criminal issue should be supported?

Sample Paper For Above instruction

American Violet is a compelling film that sheds light on issues of racial injustice, legal rights, and the impact of stereotypes on African American communities. Central to the story is Dee Roberts, a resilient young woman living in Arlington Heights, a small town in Texas. Dee’s lifestyle is modest; she is a single mother struggling to provide for her children while maintaining her dignity amidst a system that often seems stacked against her. The film’s focal point is a police raid on Arlington Heights, which targets predominantly Black neighborhoods under the pretext of combating drug trafficking. However, the raid is marred by violations of constitutional rights, including illegal searches, lack of proper warrants, and racial profiling. Dee’s rights, along with those of her neighbors, are infringed upon during this operation, raising questions about civil liberties and law enforcement overreach.

Various individuals in the film are deeply impacted by the raid and subsequent legal proceedings. Dee’s brother, Melvin, faces incarceration and the strain of being unjustly accused. Others in the community lose trust in law enforcement and feel betrayed by a justice system that seems to favor the powerful. Dee herself is subjected to intense scrutiny, which challenges her sense of self and her ability to protect her children. The emotional and psychological toll of being tried and jailed for crimes she did not commit profoundly alters her life, as well as the lives of those around her.

Dee confronts stereotypes that paint her community as criminally inclined. Despite this, she demonstrates considerable courage. She refuses to accept the labels assigned to her and fights back against the racial prejudices that threaten to define her. Her resilience in standing up to those who attempt to diminish her character exemplifies bravery and strength. Her actions serve as a powerful statement against societal stereotypes and the injustice they perpetuate.

Dee’s mother, recognizing her daughter’s inherent worth beyond her past mistakes, advocates for her. She understands that judging Dee solely based on her previous decisions is unfair and unjust. This perspective highlights the importance of perceiving individuals holistically and overcoming prejudice rooted in stereotypes. Many characters in the film see Dee negatively because of her history, but her mother’s support emphasizes that one’s past does not define their future.

Throughout the film, Dee exhibits extraordinary courage, often facing difficult choices. Accepting a plea bargain would mean confessing to crimes she did not commit and becoming a convicted felon. Conversely, fighting her case would involve risking harsher penalties but standing up for justice. The decision embodies the dilemma between personal safety and moral integrity, a choice faced by many fighting systemic injustice.

If faced with a situation similar to Dee’s, one might weigh the importance of integrity and justice against the potential consequences of standing firm or giving in. Personally, I would hope to find the strength to fight for my rights, despite the risks involved, because staying silent would perpetuate injustice. My previous experiences with difficult decisions have taught me to consider long-term implications and seek support from trusted individuals when facing moral dilemmas.

Dee’s perseverance in the face of adversity is remarkable. Support from her community, her family, and individuals who believe in justice sustains her strength. Her resilience is complemented by her unwavering dignity and moral courage. Beyond bravery, qualities like determination, hope, and integrity define her character. These traits enable her to withstand the oppressive forces arrayed against her and inspire others to stand up against injustice.

The War on Drugs significantly affects families today, often leading to the incarceration of loved ones, loss of employment, and denial of voting rights and access to education. Families are torn apart as members are imprisoned for drug-related offenses, which disproportionately impact communities of color. There is growing consensus that drug policies should treat substance use as a public health issue rather than criminal behavior. Such a shift could reduce incarceration rates, improve access to treatment, and foster community healing, promoting social and racial equity.

References

• Alexander, M. (2010). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. The New Press.
• American Civil Liberties Union. (n.d.). Civil Rights & Liberties. https://www.aclu.org/issues/civil-liberties
• Bowling, J. (2012). Racial Profiling and Injustice in America. Crime and Justice, 41, 123-157.
• Preston, J. (2012). Drug Policing and Community Impact. Journal of Urban Affairs, 34(2), 189-204.
• Roberts, D. (2014). Killing the Black Body: Race, Reproduction, and the Meaning of Liberty. Vintage.
• Sampson, R. J., & Wilson, W. J. (2005). Toward a Theory of Race, Crime, and Urban Inequality. In J. Hagan & R. D. Peterson (Eds.), Crime and Inequality (pp. 37-54). Stanford University Press.
• van Niekerk, R. (2018). Stereotypes and Social Justice. Social Work & Society, 16(3), 24-36.
• Whitehead, J. (2011). The Impact of Mass Incarceration on Families. Family Relations, 60(4), 399-411.
• War on Drugs. (n.d.). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/war-on-drugs
• Williams, P. (2019). Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System. Sociology of Race and Ethnicity, 5(2), 220-235.