Reflection 5

The Little Rock Nine teenagers went through a tough high school experience. They were not only brave, but they were determined to stand up and fight for their rights. To be a Little Rock Nine is to be a hero in many people’s eyes. If I were one of the Little Rock Nine kids, I would most probably be overwhelmed with everything that was going on, but at the same time, I believe that it would bring great satisfaction to know that I was someone who made a difference in the world.
Needing armed guards to enter a school is pretty intense for a group of teenagers. I would have been frightened to know that I needed guards to protect me just so I can enter a school. There are people out there that are willing to hurt teenagers just because they are trying to do what they believe is right for society. Just imagining what could have happened if the armed guards were not there is outrages. To think that there are people who have actually built hatred and resentment against these teenagers is ludicrous. Had the guards not been there, these kids would have probably been trampled and beat by the whites. They constantly heard rude and derogative comments being made about them and they had no other choice but to take it. If I happened to be one of the Little Rock Nine’s I would have tried to ignore the shouts and comments that people were throwing my way. It may be easier said than done, but I would not let their words make me do something that I would later regret. After all, my purpose in being there would not be to satisfy them or be liked by them, my purpose would be to make a point and fight for what I believe is correct. Maintaining your cool would have to be one of the hardest things to do, but it shows that you are not there to start trouble or disturb the peace, but that you are there to learn and be treated like everyone else.
I know that this is the way things were back then, but I have a hard time trying to understand how and why people thought it was the best solution to keep blacks and whites segregated. The Little Rock Nine story is very touching. It goes to show that nothing comes easy in life. There are many things out there that we want and hard to get, but with enough effort and determination, it is quite possible to get anything you want.