The Miami times. [volume] (Miami, Fla.) 1923-current, 1957-02-16
Between The Lines.
CULTIVATED VIOLENCE

The current. outbreak in the
South is deplorable. It is an ugly
scar on the fair face of this ma
tons reputation throughout the
world. 1t is harmful to inter-
national relations and gives us an
embarrassment in the eyes of the
world. 1t is poStponin,g the reign
Of brotherhood in the south. 1t
should be pointed out here, that
the current spread of violence in
no sense represents the N w
South, which at heart is ready for
an advance in the course of bet
ter race relations.
The current violence is the old
South fighting back" against the
tide of liberalism, that is rising
in the world. This violence is the
old South kicking against the
pricks. One Of the paradoxes of
the situation is to be found in the
press of the South which has ar
rayed itself against the current
violence although the violence is
largely in response to a carefully
laid plan or propaganda, which
had for its end the cultivation Of
inter-racial discord and hatredS.
For a long time too large a Sec
tor of the press of the South has
INDUCED in inflammatory propa-
ganda that has constantly predict
ed trouble between the races.
There is no better way to create
violence than by a policy of play
ing down Negro virtues and play
ing up his vices; than by con-
stantly predicting" violence.
Every advance step the Negro
sought, there was always a sector
of the press that sought to frigh-
ten the Negro away on the score
that if the Negroes petition were
granted there would be violence"
Violence was predicted if teachers
salaries were equalized;. when the
Negro won his right to vote in the
primary and when he was grant
ed dining car privileges on h
railways and when it was pro-
posed to integrate him in all rail-
way travel which is going on
apace. Indignation wherever
honestly tried has been a great
SUCCESS in spite of the press
preachments to the contrary.
Even indignation in the schools
will work if the Old South die
hards would let it.
1t makes all the difference in
the world whether the current
violence is spontaneous or culti-
waited. When mischief-makerS
must be employed to make trouble
we have a sign or great hope in
situation. If the current violence
we're spontaneous, there would
be grounds for great apprehen-
sion; but so long as it has to be
carefully cultivated we have rea-
sons to hope for the best.
This we can say in all truth,
the South is not as bad as some
of it's poorer representatives
would have us believe. Figura-
lively speaking, the Old South is
currently going through sweat
and when this is over we can
count on the prevalence of law
and order.
There are too many fine schools
and colleges throughout the South
for racial bigotry to get but so
far. Every educated white person
is an impeachment to the forces of
violence and disorder that we see
crops ing, UP here and there about
the South. Here is the prediction
that the South will ride out of its
current debacle and rebound to
the glory of the nation.
When prejudice and violence
must be cultivated instead Of
springing spontaneously from the
hearts of the people, we see the
dawn of brighter day. If the Ne
gro can keep his fight on the
Christian level and can press his
claims with a worthinezs that
cannot be denied, he is bound to
reach the Promised Land.