Lynching

Introduction

Lynching is a very old term used worldwide and Americans are most aware of this term. Lynching is the practice of killing people by extrajudicial mob action. It has been one of the crucial issues America, has been facing since the 18th Century. Lynching was at its peak in South from 1890 to 1920s. The year 1892 is considered the worst year in terms of Lynching. It has a lot to do with the problem America has been facing for ages, which are the differences between blacks and white in the United States.

Discussion

Lynching typically associated with the increase in power in the South after the Civil War. America has often faced the issue, when the state wants to ensure equal rights for all citizens and give them social security, white Americans ware often not willing to accept this fact and result in clash with Americans. White Americans were of the view that the influx of black Americans in the country would influence the social norms and values of the state. It will deter white rights and freedom, which led to serious conflicts between the two countries (Fitzhugh Brundage pp. 355) .

State had granted freedom rights in the reconstruction era (1865-77) to the citizens of the country. It created immense tension and anxiety among the white citizens. They took out their anger on African Americans and blamed them for the problems they faced. During the Civil War, American Citizens had faced severe economic and social hardships, which led to extreme frustration. There were many instances when Black Americans and White were lynched, when they were in the pursuit of equal rights as citizens.

Lynching reached the peak in the late 19th and early 20th century, when the constitution changed in the southern state. A recent amendment stated that an individual cannot be denied the right to vote because of his race. Blacks had domination in certain areas and whites were worried of the fact that Black would become a dominant power. Lynching of Civil Right Workers during 1960s in Mississippi led to a significant movement in favor of new legislation (Gonzales-Day, pp. 280-300).

During the period from 1882 to 1968, 3446 and 1297 whites were lynched. Although modern constitutions developed from 1890 to 1910, but they protected only whites. These new constitutions disfranchised blacks and poor whites. Most of the blacks did not have any power and shut out of the, official political system.

After such instances, African Americans started resistance against lynching. Journalist and various group of individuals also started raising their concerns on Lynching. All sectors of society started protesting and raising their voices against lynch mob violence and government complicity in that violence. The dilemma for the country is the fact that most of the times, the state and law protected such acts carried out against blacks and less influential individuals.

Many social organizations started campaigns against Lynching. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) leaded from the front with some other organizations to support blacks and whites who face issues ...