Racism

In general, there are two groups of people, those who desire change and those who wish things to remain the same. Seldom does the twain meet and the opposing conflict existing between the two groups is what causes progress to be a slowly moving social phenomenon which could be considered the distilled product of the forces of both groups. Thus, when we view the social concept of racism in Will D. Campbell’s Brother to a Dragonfly, and, Anne Moody’s Coming of Age in Mississippi, we see that both groups for and in opposition to racism pay a price from the fear, hatred and prejudice involved. Both groups not only pay a price, but each has conflict engendered within its own group. This sociological conflict allows for a public debate if you will, that slowly distills an agreement that encompasses change but under conditions whereby the members of each group remain comfortable with the degree and pace of the change. The dynamics underlying this phenomenon of social change, with regard to racism, are clearly visible in each of these books, both autobiographical in nature. The authors encountered conflict intra- and extra-socially, but each persevered to champion the cause of civil rights for all human beings.

Anne Moody’s Coming of Age in Mississippi is a story of being raised in the segregated and racist south that has much in common with other stories of a similar nature. Moody was abused by her own relatives as a young gir

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n Moody and her family in Coming of Age. We see in both books that family members of both Dave and Anne have to remind them that social conditions differ depending on geography; both are cautioned they will come to harm if they continue to exhibit decent feelings toward civil rights for blacks. We see it when Moody is told at school that northern whites have a different attitude toward blacks than southern whites. However, we see that each narrator is no stranger to the violence and hatred that racism perpetrates. Moody is surrounded by so much killing she leaves her town. However, the violence perpetrated against the oppressed is often one that fills them with determination and courage to persevere and help bring about social change. We see this when she first thinks about joining the NAACP, “The more I remembered the killings, beatings, and intimidations, the more I worried what might possibly happen to me or my family if I joined the NAACP. But I knew I was going to join, anyway. I had wanted to for a long time” (Moody 248). In Campbell’s book we also see the violence, beatings and intimidation, but once again we see racism on a broader level because of the way this has an impact those who perceive it. Joe and Dav
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Approximate Word count = 1790
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)

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