A Review Of ‘creative Conflict’: Lincoln & Eleanor Ragsdale, Collaboration, & Community Activism In Phoenix, 1953-1965 By Mathew C. Whitaker Essays Example

Introduction

Mathew C. Whitaker, an assistant professor at the Arizona State University United States History handling United States history, is a renowned writer. ‘Creative Conflict’ is one of Whitaker’s pieces of writing. In this article, he examines the biographies of Eleanor Ragsdale and Lincoln in relation to their trail-blazing leadership. He explores the aspect of dynamic leadership with regards to interracial coalition building and its significance in fighting racial discrimination between 1953 and 1965. This review summarizes the article in a manner that presents the ideas, opinions and arguments he provides on the issue of racial segregation. To arrive at conclusions case analysis and the use of illustrations was used in relation to the topic of discussion.

Discussion

After a long period of violation of human rights characterized by racial discrimination and segregation, Lincoln and Eleanor decided to come up with major strategies of dealing with the issue of racial discrimination between 1953 and 1965. The author analyzes how dynamic leadership manifested in interracial coalition building as perpetuated by the two leaders was developed towards alleviating racial discrimination in the United States. Throughout the article, Whitaker analyzes the contributions and strategies that Lincoln and Eleanor used to when they embarked on a quest to bring racial discrimination and segregation in Phoenix to an end. The author discusses the role of women in the fight against racial discrimination, noting how men are credited for their work while women remain sidelined despite their efforts. Apart from this, Whitaker also analyzes and discusses some of the negative effects associated with racial discrimination and how blacks are the most affected minority group in USA. He also establishes the Latinos, Phoenicians, and Indians, etc. as some of the affected groups (Whitaker, 166). The article also discusses the advancement of the struggle against racial discrimination as the years have gone by.
Whitakers major argument is the fact that; even before Lincoln and Eleanor, racial discrimination was experienced in Phoenix. He notes that the problem being faced is not the start of the issue, but, the prevalence of the issue in the US. Phoenicians and blacks are the most affected minority groups that are marginalized and sidelined according to their racial background (Whitaker, 168). Whitaker also notes that racial discrimination in Phoenix is not only present in residential areas, but, also in public institutions such as schools and hospitals.
Whitaker takes on the role that women played in fighting against racial discrimination. He however, notes that the role of women is unrewarded for the credit has always gone to men. Despite the presence of women lobbyists and activists, the trend has continued for quite a period. He explains this by citing how Lincoln was credited for his work while Eleanor’s work went unnoticed. He notes how men have been considered the heads while women are considered domestic objects never to be seen or heard in the public domain. The author’s exploration is built upon an analysis of the early lives of both Lincoln and Eleanor and the role they played in ending racial discrimination (Whitaker, 167). Despite the fact that his analysis is vital, Whitaker needed to come up with more excerpts and quotes to create a more significant understanding of the issue.
In summary, Mathew C. Whitaker, does a great deal profiling how Lincoln and Eleanor fought racial discrimination. He builds upon this by citing and analyzing the lives of the two especially during the period at which racial discrimination was at its highest in Phoenix. The author notes that Blacks and Phoenicians are the mostly sidelined racial groups. However, he notes that the role of women in fighting racial discrimination though important goes unnoticed. Credit is always given to the role of men while women are not recognized of having equal significance. In essence, the fight against racial discrimination continues, and there is a need to recognize the role of women in the same. Despite his intriguing analysis, exemplary commentary on the issue or racial discrimination and the valid conclusions, In the textbook the American African Odyssey, the author’s commentary and presentation fails to conform to the ideas presented in the ‘Creative Conflict’ because the tale of Lincoln and Eleanor Ragsdale is characterized by male chauvinism and little or no feminism which are yet, very significant aspects. Such information is evidently not available in the book owing to how Whitaker presents his argument and ideas about the fight against racial discrimination.

Work Cited

Whitaker, C. Matthew. Creative Conflict: Lincoln And Eleanor Ragsdale, Collaboration, And Community Activism In Phoenix, 1953-1965'. The Western Historical Quarterly, Vol. 34(2) pp 165-190, 2003.