Historians recognize that the social protest movements of the 1950s-1970s were focused on different but often times overlapping concerns. There were certainly affinities between the different groups, but the organizations and individuals that led the movements also competed for followers, advanced different agendas, and pursued different strategies. For instance, historians have written extensively about the ideological and personality differences between Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. The social protest movements, in short, were not monolithic blocs. There were sharp distinctions between the groups, even if their goals were similar.
Generally, historians advise against descriptors. For the purposes of this essay, however, students will categorize two social protest organizations under distinct classifications–“moderate” and “radical.”
What is “moderate” and “radical” varies depending on the person’s perspective. For this essay we will use definitions offered by Oxford English Dictionary:
Moderate: having or showing opinions, especially about politics, that are not extreme….staying within limits that are considered to be reasonable by most people.
Radical: Advocating thorough or far-reaching political or social reform; representing or supporting an extreme section of a party…..characterized by independence of or departure from what is usual or traditional; progressive, unorthodox, or innovative in outlook, conception, design, etc.
Students will write an essay that identifies one “moderate” and one “radical” organization, and then explain their assessments.
Structure of essay:
Introduction: here students will offer a general introduction to the subject–social protest movements. Then students will present a two-pronged thesis addressing both sides of question–which group was moderate, which group was radical. It’s also a good idea to provide a little insight into the sorts of information that will be covered in the body paragraphs. Give the reader clues as to why you have assigned the descriptors to the organizations.
Body paragraphs 1 and 2: Discuss what makes the “moderate” organization “moderate.” Give specific historical details, examples and real historical evidence that will convince the reader why the organization should be assigned the moniker. Why should historians think the organization was “moderate”?
Body paragraphs 3 and 4: Discuss what makes the “radical” organization “radical.” Give specific historical details, examples and real historical evidence that will convince the reader why the organization should be assignment the moniker. Why should historians think the organization was “radical”?
