READING dISCUSSION daY #4
The general theme for this month's reading discussion day is "activism." In the decades preceding the American Civil War, the abolitionist movement, or the movement to end slavery, grew both in size and importance. Many historians and students studying this period in American history identify the fervent abolitionist movement as a primary cause of the Civil War. Abolitionists like Frederick Douglass, William Llyod Garrison, John Brown are etched in our collective memory - considered American heros for their efforts in causing the eventual demise of slavery. In retrospect it would seem a popular choice to join the abolitionist cause. And yet, as a number o f the articles for our next reading discussion day point out, although a large number of Americans at the time held anti-slavery beliefs/sentiments, few Americans participated in the abolitionist movement. Similarily, today, recent polls suggest that more and more Americans are in support of the gay rights agenda. And yet, few seem to actively participate in demonstrations and public seminars, etc... For our next discussion, I would like us to think about the following issues/questions:
- Participation in social movements - Why or why not?
- Creation of social movements? Why and how they emerge?
- Assessing the success of a social movement.
* The aforementioned information is merely a lens through which to focus your reading as you prepare a talking point. If, as you read, a topic/issue is raised that does not hit on one of these issues/questions, and you want to construct your talking point around this issue, please do.
- Participation in social movements - Why or why not?
- Creation of social movements? Why and how they emerge?
- Assessing the success of a social movement.
* The aforementioned information is merely a lens through which to focus your reading as you prepare a talking point. If, as you read, a topic/issue is raised that does not hit on one of these issues/questions, and you want to construct your talking point around this issue, please do.