Jackie Robinson and Race in America: A Brief History with Documents - Book Report/Review Example

 Jackie Robinson and Race in America: A Brief History with Documents In 1947 National League faced an appearance of a black player for the first time in almost 80 years. Robinson was the first colored basement included in the major league at all. The toughest time for the player began when he joined Dodgers club as the very idea of a Negro playing baseball seemed odd from the beginning to the players and the administration. According to Zeiler, sports fans, nevertheless, were used to black sportsmen as many of them participated in boxing championships and football matches and accepted Jackie Robinson normally (2013). However, there were sometimes shouts and nicknames from the spectators’ places, which were ignored by the players. Racial tension within a team was eliminated by the manager of the team, Leo Durocher, who claimed that he did not care about a player`s color on the field as long as he could earn money for the team (Kirwin, 2005). After reading all the documents I am persuaded that Jackie Robinson was the perfect candidate to integrate organized baseball. The first thing that draws attention is Robinson`s exceptional sense of justice. In the episode in the bus, described in the Document 3, when Robinson was threatened by the bus diver because he was sitting near the white lady, Robinson shows himself as an honest and moral person. He does not even defend himself being sure of his innocence but he aims for justice restoration. Robinson understands his unfavorable position as a black and is ready to accept some troubles for general case benefit. Later before acceptance to Major Baseball leagues Robinson acknowledges his possible status of a single black player and subsequent difficulties connected to this status. The prospects of name calling, bullying seem unpleasant to Robinson but he knows that he is capable not to lose the temper in such situation: “I told him I was pretty sure I would stay out of rhubarbs on the field and troubles of any sort away from it, but that I couldn`t become obsequious, cringing fellow” (Zeiler, 2013). This line characterizes Robinson perfectly: he is well-behaved and reserved, used to military discipline but it does not mean that he would accept unfair treatment and is not capable to protect himself. Moreover, it was admitted that Jackie had very good sense of humor and was quite sociable that again proved that he took the right place and was the right man for this difficult role. In the extremely complicated situation described in the Document 9, Robinson is confronted by the policeman who gets him off from the field very rudely. Robinson accepts this outrageous act and goes away voluntarily understanding that there is no logical possibility to solve this conflict peacefully (Zeiler, 2013). His moderate character and the ability to accept rudeness and aggression with a smile makes him an outstanding person and a player. Sporting News expressed admiration by the Robinson`s outstanding efforts in adjustment to racial pressure but underlined the fact that all baseball players should be evaluated according to their skills primarily and not according to their skin color (Zeiler, 2013). Jackie Robinson contributed greatly to the establishment of equal civil rights in America. During his successful career in baseball he understood his role as a spiritual leader and became involved into social movements for equal rights for Afro-Americans. Robinson could show that colored people should be treated in the same way as white despite of how difficult it may seem. He was one of the first black spokesmen who came to the House Committee on Un-American Activities to express himself on his topic of interest. In his speech Robinson underlined his intentions to fight against race discrimination and to establish democratic society. Jackie also addressed to the Presidents of the USA claiming that Negros have the legitimate law stated in the constitution to be treated equally and asked Eisenhower to assist Afro-American minority in this goal. Robinson also communicated to Kennedy whom he asked to guarantee Martin King`s safety after a horrible murder of Medgar Evers. Thus, Robinson`s active citizen`s position was articulated to the public, he found enough courage to address to the Presidents of the state as he felt that he was investing in democracy establishment and moral and equal rights restoration. As a businessman himself, Jackie Robinson, considered it necessary to fight for equal business opportunities for Black people. Many colored businesses were thriving but Robinson along with other leaders fought for shared markets. In his speech he called for business and industry support of Afro-Americans desire to become equal citizens and to earn respect. Moreover, Robinson aimed to encourage Afro-American minority to fight for equality, underlining that there is no more ways to tolerate injustice. The initiative of integration was supported by the mayor of New York who pushed it either by influence of a black sportswriter Sam Lacy or out of his own will. In the report submitted by Baseball Committee it was stated that Negros integration into major baseball league is inevitable and complicated at the same time. Several problems, such as trainings in the South states and team collaboration were highlighted in the report. However, it was claimed that organized baseball had to “owe the same responsibility before the community as does every other sport, business or industry to make sure that the vicious pattern of the race segregation is eliminated” (Zeiler, 2013). After World War II it became clear that Afro-Americans were able to fight along with whites if there was strict and effective management. The War launched the processes of integration because it helped uniting people against common aggressor. In the times of Cold War Negroes were accused of following Communism goals, supporting Russian Communism policy. Many Black were joining Communist party as Communism promised social equality and freedoms and accused racial segregation. Afro-Americans were thought being “stirred up” by Communists, however, Jackie Robinson in his speech in House Committee in Un-American Activities underlined that fight for freedoms began even before Communist party creation for Afro-Americans, and it was senseless to connect these notions. Negro leagues were not affected by the integration substantially as even previously before new rules implementation best Afro-American went to Mexico, Venezuela to earn more money. Since players were the major investments, the owners of Negro leagues demanded reasonable price for the good players despite minor status. However, it is logical that Negro league owners eagerly sold their players in order to earn money and offered them bigger opportunities. In my opinion, exceptional combination of Jackie Robinson`s baseball career and his support of civil rights and active position helped to break through Jack Crow`s rules in baseball. Robinson managed to achieve high results in sports and showed himself as a talented player, which influenced spectators primarily. Gradual acceptance of Robinson by his colleagues could only be based on the respect to his professionalism. Nevertheless, being turned into a symbolic figure due to his ability to persuade and influence people and stand his position, Robinson helped eliminating segregation effectively. It is crucial, that it was Robinson`s own will and position as he realized himself as a missioner. This extraordinary combination of a talent, mind, and will made Robinson one of the spiritual leaders in the general Afro-American movement. Afro-Americans expressed the desire of the nation to consume sports of high quality with the best players regardless of the skin color. That is why their persistent support made it easier for Robinson to feel comfortable on the field. Jackie admitted several times that he always minded the reaction of the auditory. Even James Mannix who wrote a letter to the New York Amsterdam News admired Jackie Robinson. He understood how difficult it was for the sportsman to go through all the way from a humiliated Afro-American player to a symbol of new America. Mannix says in his letter that after many years people appreciate Robinson for his wonderful play but firstly he had to overcome a lot of barriers. Mannix underlines that Robinson “reached the sporting hearts” of people with his talent and they rooted for him. He appreciates Robinson`s will to fight prejudice, narrow mildness, and simple stupidity. Probably, James Mannix, felt as most people that common human values and rights for respect, love and happiness have nothing to do with governmental policy and historical conditions. That is why he told Robinson in a letter that “God was with him” (Zeiler, 2013). The success of the experiment was gauged by Pan African Press, for example. In the article published in 1968 they shower Robinson as the one standing against injustice and ready to confront a number of policemen protecting the rights of the discriminated group. It only possible to measure the success of the experiment by the Negro league acceptance by the major league and colored players appearance in the strongest clubs. However, Robinson in his autobiography claimed that his goal could be considered achieved when the smallest kid in the most remote districts of America would be equally treated. The press learned that Negro league was aging behind seriously and it had to “clean the house” to provide major league with players. Atlanta Daily World, that was the only black paper at that time in Atlanta claimed that Robinson`s appearance in baseball attracted more audience. However, it was only partially true as many new spectators were black (which also evoked pressure) but on the National level the attendance fell. I suppose that baseball is one of the most effective means of equal rights promotion as only sports and probably art can demonstrate that people have much more in common than they thought. In the moments of emotional unity people forget their racial prejudices and share joy. In the very same way when black bluesmen became popular black and white people on the concerts mixed together to dance. There was certain spiritual, ritual kinship between Jews and Black people. Both nations had to suffer a lot during the world history and had to fight for their place and mere respect. Jews as well as black knew exactly how it feels to be humiliated and put down. Thus, the success of Robinson resonated with Henry Foner, who wrote an article in his paper about the first day when a colored man entered baseball league. Jackie Robinson was the symbol of a new American, a person with aspiration for freedom and democracy. He made his way from poverty to a major basketball league due to his exceptional talent and persistence. He was involved into all the important events of his nation and hold correspondence with the most influential people of the USA. References Kirwin, B. (2005). Out of the Shadows: African American Baseball from the Cuban Giants to Jackie Robinson. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press Zeiler, T. (2013). Jackie Robinson and Race America: A Brief History with Documents. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's Read More