Advocacy & Safety - Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks went down in American civil rights history for refusing
to give up her seat on the bus to a white man (she was, "colored.") At the time in many southern American states, African-Americans were compelled to sit in the back of the bus, allowing white Americans to sit up front.

So, what don't we know?

This: Rosa Parks was not sitting in the front of the bus. She was sitting in the back, where she had a right to sit.


:eek:

Actually I think that blacks were expected to give up their seats to whites regardless of where they were. Rediculous!

There was a time in this country when blacks were expected to give up their children to whites, too.

As for me, I want to follow her bold example: I will not give up my rightful place on the road (but I'll pick my battles carefully.)

And I've noticed that motorists recognize you when know what your doing.

Originally posted by Pete Clark
As for me, I want to follow her bold example: I will not give up my rightful place on the road (but I'll pick my battles carefully.)

I thought that was where you were going with this topic. Some might consider it absurd to campare the cyclist's plight to that of the blacks.

Instead, let's draw a parallel between the anti-cycling driver and Hitler! They believe their race is superior (the race during rush hour every morning that is).

I think I have come to better understand the commuting motorist's mind set; in the a.m. he is racing to get to work on time so his livlihood isn't threatened. Other motorists and certainly cyclists are just obstacles he must get around as fast as possible. (Think gameboy version of the commute) In the evening, he is only thinking of getting home as fast as possible. Since driving isn't really something he enjoys. It is just a limbo that stands between him and the part of his life he enjoys. He may also be a bit jealous of the cyclist that is already doing something they enjoy. Isolated in steel cages, the rest of the world, motorist or cyclist, is just something that comes up on the game screen they call a windshield.

Originally posted by Jean Beetham Smith
I think I have come to better understand the commuting motorist's mind set...driving isn't really something he enjoys. It is just a limbo that stands between him and the part of his life he enjoys. He may also be a bit jealous of the cyclist that is already doing something they enjoy.
This is the weak-spot of the driving culture. This is why cycling has a chance.

Our American culture has two clear tendencies: the capacity for innovation and leadership, and the weakness of following blindly.

(Besides, everyone wants a great bod... :D )

Originally posted by Moose
Instead, let's draw a parallel between the anti-cycling driver and Hitler! They believe their race is superior (the race during rush hour every morning that is).

I agree with this 100%. It's amazing how people's attitudes to things like racism and homophobia have progressed over the last 20 years or so, yet their attitudes to so many other things are still stuck in the dark ages.

Originally posted by Chris L
It's amazing how people's attitudes to things like racism and homophobia have progressed over the last 20 years or so, yet their attitudes to so many other things are still stuck in the dark ages.
It's also amazing how quickly one's attitude can change after "walking a mile in someone else's shoes."

Actually, what people don't know is that Rosa Parks was an activist and she had been defying the bus policy (with others) for some time. The difference was that this time she got arrested and a lot of publicity. There's sort of a myth that she was an average lady who was tired from working and just wanted to rest her feet... Well, she may have been tired, but she was quite politically aware and knew what she was doing. I think that makes her more heroic. This is an example of how progressive history is hidden, and people are denied the facts about how important causes were really fought. Like the labor movement. But that';s another story.

Oddly enought there is a TV special on Rosa Parks here this week.

Pete, I still can't get used to the new you!

Originally posted by aerobat
Pete, I still can't get used to the new you!
I think I look pretty good in make-up.

I'm looking for a "tea party."