III. The Struggle for Equal Rights Many struggles for minority groups in 1960’s to gain equal rights: A. Civil rights for African Americans B. American Indian Movement C. Equal rights for Hispanic Americans D. Women’s Liberation Movement

C. Struggle for Equal Rights: Hispanics

Hispanic Americans/Latinos 1970’s Fastest growing minority group in the U.S. 1960 3 M 1970 9 M 2000 35 M Account for 1/3 of legal immigration since 1960 + large numbers of illegals (7-12 M) Puerto Ricans; Cubans; Mexicans; Central Americans; South Americans

Cesar Chavez and Dolores Juarez found United Farm Workers Union in California organize mostly Mexican agricultural laborers in California and southwest Promote consumer boycotts of grapes, strikes

Hunger Strikes – Chavez & Robert Kennedy Aligned themselves with the civil rights movements Appealing to Hispanic identity and pride Young Hispanics begin referring to themselves as Chicanos & demonstrating for Hispanic studies programs and bilingual education in schools Hunger Strikes – Chavez & Robert Kennedy

Rodolfo Gonzalez of Mexican descent Boxer; poet; political activist Founder of Chicano movement founds Crusade for Justice 1966 Community based civil rights organization Opens private hispanic school in Colorado

I Am Joaquin by Rodolfo Corky Gonzales Yo soy Joaquín, perdido en un mundo de confusión: I am Joaquín, lost in a world of confusion, caught up in the whirl of a gringo society, confused by the rules, scorned by attitudes, suppressed by manipulation, and destroyed by modern society. My fathers have lost the economic battle and won the struggle of cultural survival. And now! I must choose between the paradox of victory of the spirit, despite physical hunger, or to exist in the grasp of American social neurosis, sterilization of the soul and a full stomach. Yes, I have come a long way to nowhere, unwillingly dragged by that monstrous, technical, industrial giant called Progress and Anglo success.... I look at myself. I watch my brothers. I shed tears of sorrow. I sow seeds of hate. I withdraw to the safety within the circle of life -- MY OWN PEOPLE […]

Texas: Latinos launch a political party – advocating separatism Puerto Ricans in New York establish the Young Lords

Mexican Americans who made a difference Photo Gallery Video a Class Apart

D. Women’s Liberation Movement

2nd wave of Feminism Fought all forms of male dominance Fought against domestic violence Women needed protection at the job level E.g. flight attendants Demanded Anti-discrimination laws Equal pay for equal work/job opportunities

NOW: National Organization of Women 1966 Gloria Steinem: founded Ms. Magazine 1972 After Black Power, Women’s Liberation Supported abortion rights

Milestones Birth control pill approved by the FDA 1960 1962 1.2 million 1965 6.5 million American women Betty Friedan: Feminine Mystique bestseller in 1963 Title IX part of the Education Amendments of 1972 No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Prohibited sex discrimination in education More opportunities for women’s and girls’ athletics Supreme Court Decision 1973 Roe vs. Wade Legalization of abortion during 1st trimester

Feminist Victories and Defeats Equal Rights Amendment Idea had been around for a long time (1920s – Alice Paul) Congressional Approval in 1972 Amendment did not achieve ratification; fell 3 states shy Phyllis Schlafly - outspoken critic “stop taking our privileges” dependent wife benefits + selective service registration

Forms of Protest Legislation Bra Burning Protests/Marches Strikes

Video: Women’s Liberation Movement 1950’s -1970’s 19’24

Video BBC Hard Talk – Gloria Steinem 0 – 4’10 How has the struggle for women’s rights changed since the 1960’s/1970’s?

Conclusion Equal Rights Movements In what ways were the various struggles among minority groups in the United States similar and in what ways where they distinct?