The Paul Robeson free essay sample

Smith argues that for symbolical grounds, the federal government reached out to Jackie Robinson so he can assist in getting rid of Paul Robertson from his function as a black leader. Using a relative analysis of both Robinson and Robertson early lives, Author Ronald Smith affirms that they spearheaded change from different paths. Smith illustrates how Jackie Robinson was willing to cooperate with white society for the purpose of positive racial goals and Paul Robertson wanted improvement own his own terms, not necessarily those suggested by white society. Nonetheless,Smith insists both Robinson and Robertson fought for equal rights in their respected ways. In this informative and well written essay, The Paul Robertson Jackie Robinson Saga and Political Collision, Ronald A. Smith (following his Ph. D. At the University of Wisconsin, he spent 28 years at Penn State teaching sport history and researching intercollegiate athletics) illustrates how a collision arose between Robinson and Robertson, Significantly because of Robinsons desegregation of baseball under white terms and Robertsons stand for human rights under free political terms. This essay takes us through a clashing journey of two outstanding and prominent African American men, who shared core values and beliefs of equality from a different ideology and spectrum. This essay IS skillfully crafted and organized to assist us with understanding the time-line and its relation to the life of Paul Robertson and Jackie Robinson. The time-line takes us through the Jim Crow era, the crucial sasss and 1 asss, the impact of World War II, and the desegregation of baseball. Furthermore, Smith uses historical evidence to portray how the deader government skillfully orchestrated tactics to set up one of the biggest showdown between two heroes before a committee. This was evident in the reading At the time of HUGH hearings on communist infiltration of minority groups, Robinson leading the National League in batting with a . 360 avgas communist infiltration of minority groups, Robinson was also the top vote getter in the annual all-star balloting in his league. It was not unexpected that HIJACK would ask a black of Robinsons public exposure to testify against another prominent black. (P. 1 9). Hence setting up a stage for a clash, and outing Robinson in an inedible dilemma, whereas if he refused to testify he risked being labeled a communist sympathy seizer, and if he testified the segregationist could use his statements to deny discrimination in America. Despite the fact that Smith attempts to be impartial in this essay, by laying down numerous acclamations, alongside trailblazing feat established by Robinson and Robertson; he does however seem to elaborate predominantly on the negative reputation and debunking of Robertson.Although theres overwhelming acclamations by the author towards both performers, it mess to me that in an essay of non-partisanship, there are hints of Smith leaning towards Robinsons ideology. Smith writes Robinson was more realistic and pragmatic, and he fared far better socially and financially than did Robertson (P. 23), which makes me wonder, how does Robertson, a man that faced oppression, dead ends, and a system of limitations acquires an unrealistic and illogical label?.Smith failed to mention that a peaceful mind exceeds social acceptance and financial freedom. Smith thoughtfully presented us with a flurry of no holds barred information in this essay, meow exposing some more than others. Nonetheless, the gloves were off, whether he was talking about Robinsons non-confrontational demeanor Even if they dont accept us, we are doing our part and, if possible, making the way easier for those who follow. Someday some Negro player will get a break. We want to help make that day a reality. (P. 1 5), Robertsons loud hollering about injustice and support of Communist Russia during a fragile era, or the federal government flagrant tactics, Smith managed to exposed and relate all these characteristics in this essay. Although this essay was written in the summer of 1979, shortly after Robertson death and about 7 years after Robinsons demise, they wouldve been charmed by Smiths ability to associate being a prominent public figure and seizing the moment to voice their views.According to Smith, Robertson took advantage of his notoriety as an Actor/Singer and embrace Russian ideology while bashing Americas segregationist society, as stated I would say in Russia I felt for the first time a full human being, and no colored prejudice like in Mississippi and no colored rejoice like in Washington and it was the first time felt like a human being where did not feel the pressure of color as feel in t his committee today (P. 1 1 this added extra pressure from the International community towards America. In contrast, Smith exemplifies how Robinson aligned his notoriety tactically to break barriers Robinson was more willing to compromise with white society for a time to accomplish positive racial goals and his own advancement (PEP). Either way you flip the coin is a win-win situation, whereas both voices were being heard. Furthermore, this essay relates to discussions held in class and it illustrates how African Americans were discriminated and treated less than human.It gave me a better sense of how Russians views of African Americans were different than those of Americans. My perception of the Russians and beliefs about their communist beliefs completely changed after reading how different Robertson was treated, for the first time he felt like a human and not a color. I believed that if Americans were so cruel to their own, what was to expect from the rest of the world at hat time.Reading this essay contributed greatly to a better understanding on how society treated African America ns then and how much African Americans have accomplished now. In conclusion, this article is overwhelming; nonetheless, Smith manages to correlate the intangibles that both men share throughout the article by comparing and contrasting their lives. Furthermore, the article was successful with interpreting and deciphering the trials and tribulations both faced to reach a common belief despite their acknowledged differences.