Separate but Equal

The discrimination against African Americans proceeded the era known as the Civil Rights Movement. This movement was important to the history of the United States. It established that discrimination was unjust and would no longer be tolerated in the country, while setting an example for oppressed people everywhere. "

"Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, prompted blacks to challenge unjust laws and discriminatory practices" Streitmatter 174. However, their challenges failed, and that is where TV  played its role. Television helped publicize the civil rights movement. It allowed people all over the nation to see the violence, unfairness, hatred, and oppression of the black people. "Television was a critical prod to America's conscience and the spur to congressional action" Streitmatter 175. Although newspapers played a part in giving the public information, it was not as successful as TV. A description is not as powerful versus witnessing an event happening.  

"Little Rock was the first case where people really got their impression of an event from televison" states CBS news correspondent Robert Schakne. In 1957 the governor of Arkansas attempted to prevent nine black students from entering Central High School in Little Rock, which was strictly a white public school. Elizabeth Eckford being one of them. Unaware that the black students were to be escorted to school in police cars, Elizabeth arrived alone. She was greeted by angry White students who abused her and yelled racial comments at her. All captured on camera for all America to witness. President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered U.S. Army troops to accompany the students to school for protection.