Jackie Robinson’s Fight against Segregation
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Response to Adam and Mary’s point of view
Response to Adam
Whereas I agree that Jackie Robinson’s fight against segregation was tenacious and worthwhile, I disagree that this was his greatest accomplishment. Your point of view seems to suggest that segregation was the single most and perhaps the only sticking point in race relations during Robinson’s time. My point of view is informed by the fact that segregation was just but one of the many grievances championed by the civil rights movement. By definition, segregation is simply the separation of races so that people of different races do not share facilities or communion. For example, one other important civil rights issue was equal access to employment opportunities.
Robinson helped in the fight against segregation in sports but he did more than that and to greater effect also. His many letters and correspondences to prominent personalities were not just limited to the issue of segregation but they also raised other fundamental civil rights issues. His participation in fundraising events and other occasions such as the civil rights march were not merely
In the end, Robinson’s ascent to the major baseball league showed the long-suffering minorities that each one of them could make it to the top through sheer determination, hard work, focus, and discipline. To me, this was his greatest achievement – that color should not be a barrier anymore.
Response to Mary
I agree with Mary that Jackie Robinson’s greatest achievement was his influence as a baseball player and civil rights leader. He showed minorities that they could achieve anything despite the existing color barriers at that time. Equally, he put in many efforts to help advance the course of civil rights liberties for minorities. This is evidenced not only by the many letters he wrote but also by his participation in fundraising events and the civil rights march. His standing and profile as a star player was instrumental in mobilizing support for civil rights activities.