An element from eyes and the prize that really struck me was the film's explanation of how World War II affected racism and equality in America. The idea that when fighting a war black people were treated as equals, but still killed in their home counties for 'talking fresh' is astounding. While watching the film I learned of how equality in the armed forces during the war led to an increased fight for freedom when black soldiers returned to the south. Although conditions for African Americans in the army were still distinct and usually worse than those of their white counterparts, for the first time a generation who led the civil rights movement was on an even playing field with their white counterparts. It seems that just the idea that they were fighting for a home and for freedom showed black soldiers how much they were being treated unfairly. If they were fighting for the white man overseas, than they might as well fight against him at home.
I had never before realized the correlation in timing between World War II and the beginning of the fight for civil rights in America. It makes a lot of sense now, as to how an experience as unique and patriotic as fighting in a world war would spur the fight for civil rights. I think this link in the chain of civil rights is often under covered. Without acknowledging this correlation there is no reason that the 1950s were a unique time to attempt institutional change in the United States of America.
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