The Ultimate Demolition: that’s how some people are describing what the Supreme Court of the United States has done to parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
When Congress passed that law, it was meant to address barriers that had long kept many Black Americans, especially in the South, from fully participating in elections like literacy tests, poll taxes, and intimidation.
It didn’t take long to see how some of the South’s most powerful white politicians responded to those changes. They worked to maintain control of the political process, often finding ways to limit access despite the law.
Over time, the Voting Rights Act became one of the key protections for voters who had historically been excluded. Recently, however, the Supreme Court weakened parts of that law, specifically provisions that were designed to prevent voting practices that could disadvantage certain groups.
Critics argue that this change could give some racial minorities like Latino voters, Native American voters, and Asian American voters "less opportunity than other members of the electorate" to elect candidates they support.
Supporters of the decision see it differently. Some describe it as a modernization of the law, arguing that conditions today are not the same as they were in 1965. They believe that racism is small and barely exist, so they feel that states should have more control over their own election processes.
Others view the decision as a rollback of protections that were put in place to address longstanding inequalities. Roland Martin, journalist, has argued that, "white folk don't tell each other not to vote, even when they are unhappy with the candidates or outcomes." However, people within Black communities "discourage participation, saying things like "it doesn’t matter" or "I’m sitting this one out," even though when Obama got elected in 2008, it was documented as the highest Black voter turnout ever in history, and he won. According to Martin, we saw the consequences of Black people voting then, adn we are seeing the consequences of thinking our vote doesn't matter, now.
Let's Write! What do you think about the Supreme Court’s decision and Roland Martin's fact-based opinion, and what do you think it will mean moving forward?
When Congress passed that law, it was meant to address barriers that had long kept many Black Americans, especially in the South, from fully participating in elections like literacy tests, poll taxes, and intimidation.
It didn’t take long to see how some of the South’s most powerful white politicians responded to those changes. They worked to maintain control of the political process, often finding ways to limit access despite the law.
Over time, the Voting Rights Act became one of the key protections for voters who had historically been excluded. Recently, however, the Supreme Court weakened parts of that law, specifically provisions that were designed to prevent voting practices that could disadvantage certain groups.
Critics argue that this change could give some racial minorities like Latino voters, Native American voters, and Asian American voters "less opportunity than other members of the electorate" to elect candidates they support.
Supporters of the decision see it differently. Some describe it as a modernization of the law, arguing that conditions today are not the same as they were in 1965. They believe that racism is small and barely exist, so they feel that states should have more control over their own election processes.
Others view the decision as a rollback of protections that were put in place to address longstanding inequalities. Roland Martin, journalist, has argued that, "white folk don't tell each other not to vote, even when they are unhappy with the candidates or outcomes." However, people within Black communities "discourage participation, saying things like "it doesn’t matter" or "I’m sitting this one out," even though when Obama got elected in 2008, it was documented as the highest Black voter turnout ever in history, and he won. According to Martin, we saw the consequences of Black people voting then, adn we are seeing the consequences of thinking our vote doesn't matter, now.
Let's Write! What do you think about the Supreme Court’s decision and Roland Martin's fact-based opinion, and what do you think it will mean moving forward?
INSTRUCTIONS
1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block. You do not have to include an email address or a website.
2. Respond to the post. Read the entire post, including watching any videos or reading any articles attached. Do not post vague or ambiguous commentary. Your post should have depth, be thoughtful, and provide specific, meaningful insight. Make sure it addresses the topic and encourages reflection, discussion, or a connection.
3. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
4. Language. Do NOT use profanity. Vague or repeated responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.
5. Disrespectful comments will not be accepted and will result in a zero whether you do the assignment or not.
REMINDERS
**Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.
**Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.
**How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.
CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school, your family or your upbringing with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.
DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.
WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.
Due Fri., May 8, 11:59 p.m. CST
1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block. You do not have to include an email address or a website.
2. Respond to the post. Read the entire post, including watching any videos or reading any articles attached. Do not post vague or ambiguous commentary. Your post should have depth, be thoughtful, and provide specific, meaningful insight. Make sure it addresses the topic and encourages reflection, discussion, or a connection.
3. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
4. Language. Do NOT use profanity. Vague or repeated responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.
5. Disrespectful comments will not be accepted and will result in a zero whether you do the assignment or not.
REMINDERS
**Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.
**Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.
**How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.
CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school, your family or your upbringing with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.
DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.
WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.
Due Fri., May 8, 11:59 p.m. CST
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