Discussions

Discussions

Andre Marston
Discussion 3

  1. Have you ever heard of Bayard Rustin?   Have you ever read about him in a history textbook?   Has a teacher ever discussed his important role in the African American civil rights movement?   Why do you think some individuals – such as Rustin -- are hidden from history?

Before today, I have never heard of Bayard Rustin, and I have never seen his name ever mentioned in a history textbook. This has never been mentioned in class outside of this class. In my opinion, people like Bayard Rustin are not mentioned in history textbooks, is because many important people play the side lines. This is understandable because many people are put down for what they believe in just because of their skin color, religion, or race. This leads people to necessarily start judging a book by its cover. Making the voice of a human being not heard because of our opinion.

  2. What do the video clips tell you about the relationship between Bayard Rustin and Martin Luther King, Jr.?  

Bayard Rustin and Martin Luther King Jr. have very similar thoughts, from watching the video clips, and having Bayard as MLK’s advisor, showed that many of the ideas and conflicts stirred up where brought together from Bayard’s mind set.

  3. How did homophobia affect Rustin’s career?   Do you agree with his statement that gay rights are now our barometer for judging where people stand on human rights issues in general?

Homophobia made Bayard resign as MLK’s advisor because MLK was criticized to for having a gay man as an advisor. I do agree with Bayard’s idea for judging people by human rights issues, because opinion should not be based on religion, skin color, race, or political party, it should be based on if it is a valid opinion and if it is meaningful. Not based on if the person should be even able to talk or be heard.

  4. Respond to the debates from various video clips that depict differences of opinion between Bayard Rustin and Malcolm...