Black Panthers

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Black Panthers

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Abstract

Introduction

Throughout the course of history, a number of different political groups have shaped the process of political discourse. Among the most notable are the Black Panthers. Established in the early years of the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Panthers worked to raise the American consciousness by bringing to light the racial politics that had for decades shaped political discourse in the United States. Through the work of the Black Panthers, America bore witness to the way in which the American government promulgated racial oppression.

With the realization that the Black Panthers were instrumental in elucidating the true nature of racial politics in the United States, there is a clear impetus to examine how this organization achieved these ends. To this end, this investigation considers what has been written about the Black Panthers and how their activities impacted the Civil Rights Movement and politics in America. Through a careful consideration of what has been written on this topic, a clear understanding of the critical importance of this group in shaping both political and social discourse will be elucidated.

Introduction
The Black Panthers?A Review of Ideology
1. While the Black Panthers clearly recognized that African Americans had been marginalized in the context of the American political system, they also realized that there were other groups that were experiencing the same type of disenfranchisement.
Black Panthers?Political Action
1. Jennings' experiences with the Black Panther party clearly illustrate the more peaceable and humanitarian efforts that were undertaken by the organization.
Synthesis of the Research
Conclusion

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Extract

[...] Jennings goes on to note that the Black Panthers used education as a primary means to influence and motivate members of the organization. Jennings notes that what the organization taught motivated her to live a life without drugs so that she could help others. Jennings' experiences with the Black Panther party clearly illustrate the more peaceable and humanitarian efforts that were undertaken by the organization. Although the Panthers were known for their militant style tactics when it came to the police, the organization had also developed a wide range of social programs that had a profound impact on the community. [...]

[...] This realization not only served to advance many of the causes that the Black Panthers supported, but also served as the basis for a profound change in how citizens viewed modern political institutions. Conclusion Unfortunately, the noble social programs that had been started by the Black Panthers were disrupted when the organization began to fall into disarray in the early 1970s. Internal politics in the organization coupled with outside pressure from political groups made it difficult for the Black Panthers to remain a cohesive organization. [...]

[...] When examined in this context the true commitment that the Black Panthers made to the community was quite substantial. While some members of the Black Panthers utilized violence as a principle means to establish the reputation of the organization, most members of the organization focused on the specific humanitarian efforts that could change the basic social and political institutions that had, for years, oppressed the African American community. In the context of media coverage, the American public was introduced to a militant group that fought against white supremacy. [...]

[...] What this effectively demonstrates about the Black Panthers is that they were able to clearly see the problems of the current political system; however, they were unable to develop the necessary tactics to overcome this institution in a positive way. The end result of this process was the eruption of violence from the organization. This coupled with the more humanitarian actions taken by the organization made the Black Panthers both feared and loved. Examining how the Black Panthers were viewed by mainstream America, one author notes that, image of angry young Blacks carrying guns was an electrifying symbol to whites, one that brought media attention to the group” (Bayes, 49). [...]

[...] Even though the Black Panthers sought to effectively represent the needs of the African American, through the teachings of Malcolm the greater issue of oppression to all individuals in society was to be the focus of political action of the group. Even though most of the Black Panthers adhered to these ideologies, in the early years of the organization, some of the Black Panther leaders were resistant to allowing whites to join the organization Black Panther Party”). Finally, the Black Panther organization embraced the idea of self defense as a principle means for its members, and all African Americans, to defend themselves in the case of attack by the police. [...]

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