Relfection 6

I think to be part of the “Little Rock Nine” would have been a bittersweet experience. To begin with, the way those students were treated was horrific. Not being allowed to enter the school just because of the color of their skin was inhumane. To be honest I do not know how I would have reacted to the shouts and derogative words. I could only imagine what those students were feeling at that exact moment when they were walking to the steps of the school only to be turned away. I probably would have had self esteem issues. I don’t think I would have wanted to go to a school where it was very clear that I was not wanted there. I may have felt a little protected with the armed guards walking me inside but I would have also felt embarrassed because I would not like attention brought to me in such a sensitive matter. It is hard to believe that we could be that cruel to each other. I think it is terrible that these students had to be escorted to school by the armed guards for protection and had to walk in through the side. That did not make things any better because once inside those students were open to torture and taunting that no one not even the teachers would stop. One of the girls was suspended because she could not take the taunting anymore and defended herself. This was probably not the only case in which a student of color was punished for taking a stand. Knowing that I was not wanted to enter that building would have made me just turn around and go home. It wouldn’t be about surrendering but just about not wanting to be in an environment that is hostile. I find it very upsetting to know that it took fifteen years from the first attempt of the “Little Rock Nine” to enter the school to finally having integration in public schools. I commend those nine students for not giving up and not backing down. Everyone deserves a chance to better themselves and get a great education. The color of their skin should not limit someone’s abilities. As I said earlier, I believe being a part of the “Little Rock Nine” would have been a bittersweet experience. I say this because although the students had to endure so much just to be treated as equals, because of them we are now where we are today. These students are a part of history. You can find their story in history books and in documentaries. It is because of these students and standing up for what they believed in that everyone is seen as equals.