Communist Appeal Towards African Americans by Connor Kundinger https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n Connor Kudinger and Corbin Krueger Hour 3/4 en-us 2021-04-12 19:10:44 UTC 2024-06-02 17:26:47 UTC hello@padlet.com Income Gap kundic0111 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1425553991 When it came to families income, an African American family during 1936 had close to one third of the income compared to what a white family. Many African Americans struggle to find jobs, and if they did find jobs they were quickly fired and replaced with other workers. The chart below shows the gaps and the large differences in incomes between an African American Family and white families (Greenberg 26).]]> 2021-04-16 14:17:03 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1425553991 Working Struggles kundic0111 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1425559298 Within the novel Invisible Man the protagonist in the book struggles many times with trying to find a job. When the protagonist believes that he has a job due to his college Dean giving him letters of recommendations to get a job in New York, he quickly learns that they were fake and in fact not letters of recommendations. 

“The bearer of this letter is a former student of ours (the protagonist), (I say former because he shall never, under any circumstances, be enrolled as a student here again) who has been expelled for a most serious defection from our strictest rules of deportment” (Ellison 190).

The protagonist was expelled from the school and embarrassed. At the time this was similar to many other African Americans where there was a constant struggle to find a job, especially one where you were supported by a white man.
]]> 2021-04-16 14:18:09 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1425559298 Great Depression Impacts kundic0111 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1425574917 The Great Depression had impacted all parts of the world negatively. The United States economy crumbled and led to many families out of work. Those who were able to find work the wages had fallen to 60 percent less then what is was prior to the Great Depression (Greenberg 21). “The Federal government in 1930 estimated that 17 percent of the white population and 38 percent of the black population could not support themselves without assistance (Greenberg 21). While while families struggle, African Americans faced a harder struggle to find jobs and decent wages.]]> 2021-04-16 14:21:25 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1425574917 Racial Inequalities kundic0111 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1425610517 Within Ralph Ellison’s novel Invisible Man display the protagonist who faces multiple counts of racial inequalities due to the color of his skin. When the protagonist begins to work at paint factory there’s a slogan that goes around which the protagonist takes his own meaning on it.

“‘If It's Optic White, It's the Right White,’ I repeated and suddenly had to repress a laugh as a childhood jingle rang through my mind: ‘If you're white, you're right,’ I said” (Ellison 217).

 The protagonist changed the slogan to remind him of how those who aren’t white will be seen as wrong or uneducated, as they appear to not be a superior race. This quote shows how due to racism at the time, many African Americans knew that only the white man saw themselves as being always in the right, while other races where in the wrong. 
]]> 2021-04-16 14:28:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1425610517 Push for African American and White Americans Working Together kundic0111 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1425626919 The United States during the beginning of World War II was desperate for labor, which led to them making an effort in promoting racial unity by producing and releasing photographs of many African Americans and White Americans working together. This was at the time a huge step for equality for African Americans (Greenberg 113).]]> 2021-04-16 14:32:07 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1425626919 Federal Aid kundic0111 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1425682930 Within the pictures show a before and after of the impacts and affects of the Federal Housing Authority which had help rebuild St. Thomas Street in New Orleans (Greenberg 91).   ]]> 2021-04-16 14:43:23 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1425682930 kundic0111 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1425684526 2021-04-16 14:43:43 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1425684526 Political Pushes kundic0111 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1425717218 The Communist Party biggest appeal to African Americans with their ideas of presenting a chance to have equality between African Americans and everyone else. African Americans struggled so much that they believed that the Communist Party would look out for their best interests (Vander Zee).]]> 2021-04-16 14:50:28 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1425717218 Unemployment Council Appeals kundic0111 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1425795166 The Communist Party main appeal to African Americans was those who were in the Unemployment Councils, which was organized by the Communist Party to help those who were struggling to find jobs (Greenberg 73). The Unemployment Councils would hold rallies that would push for better municipal services and more relief allocations. This of course attracted many African Americans at the time, as they were pushing for similar rights.]]> 2021-04-16 15:06:02 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1425795166 Communist Demonstrations kundic0111 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1426163622 After mass protests by African Americans due to violence from police men throughout multiple cities, led to lethal violence with many protesters being killed. This led to the Communist Party making a motion to focus on these untitled killings, “The Communist Party held nightly demonstrations until the funerals that attracted thousands” (Greenberg 75). These demonstrations attracted multiple African Americans as it gave off the impression that the Communist Party supported the cause and push for equality.]]> 2021-04-16 16:21:31 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1426163622 The Communists Civil Right Fight kundic0111 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1426173136 When an African American would be evicted from their homes for unfair reasons, the Communist Party and group would threaten and revolt. Communists “‘as a group, would go to the landlord and say, look you have a choice, you need to put that guy or that family back into their house or the next day your house may turn into firewood”’ (Vander Zee). Many African Americans would side with the Communist Party because they would be the few people at the time to actually stand up for them.]]> 2021-04-16 16:23:36 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1426173136 Social class divisions within the party kruegc0280 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1434918367 In order to gain popular support from Black Americans the communist party promised equal rights. Even with that promise human error on execution caused racial problems. This is shown in "The Black Bolshevik" when talking about the black section of the communist party and how "they resented the paternalistic attitude displayed toward them by some of the white comrades who...treated blacks like children" (page 121).

#blackdiscouragement]]> 2021-04-19 19:33:16 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1434918367 Used as Pawns kruegc0280 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1435397721 The book the invisible man demonstrates that black people in the communist party were used as pawns in order to gather black followers. This takes place in Chapters 20-24 as Ralph Ellison begins to realize that "The Organization" is using him rather then valuing him as an employee. This is exemplified when Emma says "Shouldn't he be blacker" (Ellison Page 303).

#whitemovesfirst]]> 2021-04-19 22:25:13 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1435397721 Failed to create Political Diversity kruegc0280 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1435426744 This is shown when NPR is discussing the effects of the Communist part of the political field of Alabama it is stated that to this day "Alabama has yet to elect an African-American to a state white office" (npr.org).  This demonstrates while the communist party promised political stability and equality in many states the political climate was not changed.

]]> 2021-04-19 22:40:54 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1435426744 Conflicting Ideas in War kundic0111 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1435439696 When it came to World War II the Communist Party made a motion to say that African Americans and Whites should not be mixed when it comes to fighting. Many African Americans and supporters of the Communist Party came to a realization that the party didn’t want full equality amongst races. Individuals such as Ralph Ellison stated how this was when he realized that the Communist Party wasn’t always looking to help African Americans (Vander Zee).]]> 2021-04-19 22:48:05 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1435439696 Diversity In National Politics kruegc0280 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1435452844 The autobiography "The Black Bolshevik" takes place in the late 1800's. According to the source (history.house.gov) since 1870 one hundred and seventy two African American delegates have served in the national congress. The most being in the 116th congress at 57 people of color. This demonstrates the important link between people of color using communism as a force of change and political drive. 

#diversity]]> 2021-04-19 22:55:24 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1435452844 Communists Support from Famous African Americans kundic0111 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1438159405 Due to Communist demonstrations and recognition from many African Americans, this also gained attraction from prominent scholars and writers such as Richard Wright, Langston Hughes, and Ralph Ellison (Greenberg 75). The addition of these famous supporters and writers helped gained more attraction from African Americans as many read these writers texts and began to realize how Communism can help bring equality.]]> 2021-04-20 14:34:20 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1438159405 Black Distrust in Politics kruegc0280 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1440219516 Many people saw black activists as "leftists and communist History.com states, "FBI director J. Edgar Hoover was quick to equate any kind of protest with communist activity, including the civil rights demonstrations led by Martin Luther King Jr. Hoover labeled King a communist and covertly worked to intimidate and discredit the civil rights leader". This shows communism caused a severe distrust of African Americans, making it harder for them to work their way into politics.

#nopoliticalequality]]> 2021-04-20 22:45:25 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1440219516 The Red Scare kruegc0280 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1440240328 As communism began to infiltrate into the United States the government began to become more conservative as Americans around the country voted republican out of fear for the leftist movement. This is shown when history.com said, 
"As the Red Scare intensified, its political climate turned increasingly conservative". Demographically most African Americans of the time were liberals, demonstrating their decreased involvement in politics at the time.

#McCarthyism  ]]> 2021-04-20 22:57:21 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1440240328 Banning of Communists From Power kruegc0280 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1442455157 Due to the harsh characteristics of the communist party the United States took pro-active action and created Federal law 842.  This law states “the Communist Part of the United States, or any successors of such party regardless of the assumed name...are not entitled to any rights, privileges, and immunities which have attendant upon legal bodies created under the jurisdiction of the laws of the United States” (law.Cornell.edu/uscode/text/50/842).  The above federal law prohibits the communist part from obtaining office and take away their name right as a political party in the United States.  Up to 61 years since this law has been past this law remains in affect keeping the American  communists out of federal office.

#paranoid]]> 2021-04-21 13:26:44 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1442455157 Lack of innovation in society kruegc0280 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1442550281 According to financialexpress.com one of communism’s many downfalls is its lack of innovation. In a communist society many workers do not see it worthwhile to develop advanced technology or new business models because the ideas will simply be taken away by the government.  This lack of incentive causes a stagnant society and demonstrates the economic failure of communism.

#nogrowtheconomy]]> 2021-04-21 13:45:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1442550281 The Era of McCarthyism kruegc0280 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1442613947 During the era of McCarthyism a lawmaker from Wisconsin caused mass chaos in congress trying to root out communists, this is shown on (ushistory.org/us/53a.asp) when the document states, “Harry Truman had ordered background checks of every civilian in service to the government”.  This stripped rights from many US citizens and created a national hate for socialism as well as politics.  This also disadvantaged African Americans as they were called communist as a way to justify discrimination.

#hardballpolitics]]> 2021-04-21 13:58:06 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1442613947 Working Struggles 2.0 kundic0111 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1444178644 When the protagonist  begins to work at a paint factory he is given a tour of multiple jobs from the boss. While working with the boss, he tends to be rudely strict even though the boss was giving un clear instructions. 

“‘You took the wrong tank,’ he (the boss) shouted. ‘What the hell, you trying to sabotage the company? That stuff wouldn’t work in a million years. It’s removed, concentrated remover! Don’t you know the difference?”’ (Ellison 204).
Even though the boss had given poor instructions, the protagonist was still yelled at for his mistake. The boss was treating the protagonist poorly and this could be because he was African American.
]]> 2021-04-21 19:03:39 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1444178644 Promised equality kruegc0280 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1445117562  In the novel “The Invisible Man” the promise of equality within the party is shown when the narrator is asked to join “the organization” saying, “When the cry of protest is sounded, there are those who will hear it and act” (Ellison 292). This quote shows while many people don’t listen to the black cry for help the party wants its members to feel equal.]]> 2021-04-22 01:10:27 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1445117562 WC kruegc0280 https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1445148151 https://docs.google.com/document/d/12haK7McYV-lVm8iG2N7LMlqNwn-_aasz0_fbpgyoQe4/edit ]]> 2021-04-22 01:22:13 UTC https://padlet.com/kundic0111/rkjbln5nxg2kqp8n/wish/1445148151