Outrage

For the assignment, I focused on an article published by The Afro-American Ledger called “An Attempt at Outrage.” It discusses how a white traveling man dragged a 17-year-old girl into his room by choking her and later tore her dress. Her loud screams are what alerted one of the clerks at the hotel he was staying at. The man was tried and released with a fine of only 50 dollars. This takes place in 1905 when situations like this were very common among black women and white men. It’s very sad that she will now go the rest of her life with this trauma affecting her everyday life. The fact that he was released means he still can have access to her and can do even worse things that could have resulted in the taking of her life.

Although this took place in 1905 situations like this are not foreign in this society. It’s very easy for the perpetrated to get no consequence for their actions. This is a thing that the perpetrator might think of from time to time but for the victim, it is completely life-changing. Not only do they live through a traumatic experience but they had to speak of it over and over again for nothing to come of it. Because they talked, many people are aware of their situation and won't treat them the same. This connects to our course because it is a topic that we have discussed through the different readings. We have done within the course and also the guest appearance from Danelle McGuire. This became a big issue that originated from white men wanting to take away black men's power. Showing that they had no power seeing as they couldn’t even protect their women. I know that in my lifetime I will not see a change in this area but I hope that there is at least a conversation being had.

An attempt at outrage. (1905, July 29). The Afro-American Ledger. https://www.proquest.com/cv_1761448/docview/530248256/pageviewPDF/EBBBA952753C4EE1PQ/1?accountid=4485