Racial Problems

Series

Series Name

The March of Time 10th Year

Issue

Issue No.

2

Date Released

2 Oct 1944

London Release

25 Sep 1944

Length of issue (in feet)

1549

Stories in this Issue:

1. 1Racial Problems

Story

Story No. within this Issue

1 / 1

Summary

The March of Time synopsis: The latest March of Time release discusses the racial and religious differences existing in America today, and shows what is being done to combat them.

At a time when unity is desperately needed, says the film, American is being set against American, systematically and purposefully, by singling out one minority or another as a target for old and reasonless hatreds. Rabble-rousers, spreading doctrines, sometimes with appalling consequences, are playing upon the peoples’ ugliest instincts of prejudice and hatred. But for every American spreading the doctrine of intolerance there are today many other carrying on an organised fight for understanding and decency. Men of all faiths and racial backgrounds are forming such groups as the National Conferecne of Christians and Jews, aware that if any one faith or sect is in danger no other is safe.

Of all the sections of the U.S. troubled by racial and religious differences, none has a more complex problem to cope with than the South. From the time when the first Negro slaves were brought into the South, the status of the Negro has been primarily a Southern problem, and one that Southerners feel they must work out in their own way. Today, more and more Southerners, convinced that keeping the Negro in economic and political subjection is no solution to the problem, are seeking some way in which white and coloured men can live peacefully and happily, with respect for each others’ rights. Helping to shape and foster this attitude are liberal Southern journalists, who urge that the salaries of teachers in the public schools be the same for both races where the requirements and work are the same; that coloured doctors be permitted to serve coloured hospitals; and that racial segregation in the street cars and buses be abolished.

In the midst of a war which is demanding the utmost of American manpower and resources, the United States has called for, and has received in full measure, the help of the Negro. In the armed services there are more than half a million coloured men and women, who accept the same hard training and discipline and are subject to the same dangers as the whites, and many Southerners are aware of the injustice of denying to the Negro the right of American citizenship while expecting him to shoulder its ultimate responsibility - that of defending his country with his life.

Aware that emotions and prejudices which have existed for generations cannot summarily be brushed aside, many far-sighted Southerners are seeking to make it clear that the white man has nothing to lose and much to gain by granting to the coloured man in fact what the Constitution long ago granted him in theory; that to give the Negro equal consideration, equal opportunity and equal justice will not mean an end to the traditional Southern way of life. They are convinced that giving the Negro the right to as good a job and as good a living as he is capable of earning will ease social and economic tensions which have long been a handicap to those of both races.

Researcher Comments

This story was included in Vol.10 No.12 of the US edition.

Keywords

Education and training; Politics and government; Newspapers; Riots; Religion and belief; Race relations

Written sources

Documentary News Letter   Vol.5 No.4 1944, p45.
The March of Time Promotional Material   Lobby Card, Used for synopsis

Credits:

Production Co.

Time Inc.