M4 Discussion 11: Crisis in Levittown, PA

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Overview

The purpose of this discussion is to analyze and evaluate how American race relations shaped the growth of pot war suburbia. 

Instructions:

For this discussion, review your readings and sources for unit 11 and read the following scenario.

Scenario: In the years after World War II, subdivisions like Levittown sprouted up throughout America. Watch the video and review your readings to prepare your response.  Your team will take one of the following roles:

1. African American seeking to move to a segregated suburb like Levittown
2. White American opposed to desegregating the neighborhood.

Answer the following questions.  Be sure to bring in evidence you have found about race relations in America between 1954 and 1957 :

• Why are you interested in living in this neighborhood?
• What are your concerns about desegregation?

Both teams: Write a summary where you answer the following: 

• What does the controversy about Levittown and similar suburbs say about America’s rhetoric about being superior to communism during the Cold War?
• What similarities exist between the northern citizens in a suburb like Levittown and their southern neighbors?
• What are the implications of having women voicing their opinions?

Before you complete your discussion, make sure you refer to the course rubric for the expectations for this assignment. 

To form groups, students with last names beginning with A-L will take the role of an African American wishing to move to a segregated suburb. All other students will take the role of a white resident of the suburb. Be sure to put yourself in the shoes of the person you are speaking for — try to imagine how that person felt, what their ideals were, what they thought was good or right or appropriate at the time, even if you personally do not feel that way.

 Participating in the course discussions is an important part of your final grade. In your discussions, you cannot simply reply to someone’s posting with “ditto” or “I agree with you”.  You must answer the question(s) asked in a minimum of two paragraphs and a maximum of three paragraphs. Your responses should also quote and cite the material you have read in the class so far; you may also do outside research. Use the Purdue OWL Chicago Style guide for help with the correct citation style for your quotes.

Then, respond to at least TWO classmates’ postings referring to at least one element of critical thinking. Your response to your classmates should be a minimum of two sentences, and a maximum of four sentences (refer to your Introduction to Critical Thinking and to the How to Read History Sources modules for a review of how to read primary sources)

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