Vietnam War Protests (Late 60s/Early 70s), by Dr. Craig Fabrikant
From MemoryArchive
Who: Dr. Craig Fabricant What: Vietnam War Protests When: Late 1960s, Early 1970s Where: New Jersey, Tennessee
During the late 1960's and into the early 1070's our country was going through turbulent times. During the sixties protests sprung all over the country. The initial protests were in support of the all important Civil Rights movement. Equality for all. During this time I was still in Middle school and entering High School. I watched television and read the news. Some of the protests became violent and disruptive. However, the message was important.
The Mid 1960's the direction of the protests seemed to change. the United States became more and more involved in the Viet Nam Conflict. Most of us in high school, at the time, didn't totally understand or agree with the purpose of the conflict. We were told it was to stop communism. Was or was it a government that got too involved, to the point where it could not longer get out without loosing dignity. Regardless, things changed. I remember while in High School become more vocal against the war. I remember questioning why were so many soldiers, many not much older then me, getting killed or maimed, when the war really didn't have any bearing on our country.
The late 1960's came around. Anti-war protests sprung up. Kent State killings occurred. This was horrible. However, it seemed to set the tone. Protest against the war became more violent. On the college campus' buildings were taken over by students. Standoff's occurred between students and the military. The young people of America became more vocal and made sure there voice was heard. The Chicago convention occurred. Looking back I realize that these were turbulent and very changing times. However, through high school I was only superficially involved.
I went on to college in the deep south, determined to express my feelings to others. I joined the college yippie movement. This was an anti was movement that was very vocal about their feelings. There was a more violent subgroup called the weathermen. That part was too violent for me. Regardless I spent my freshman year protesting the war. I marched, sat in, in college buildings and protested at the school's army ROTC drills. I made sure I did so in a passive manner. I had to register for the military draft. It was a requirement. Anger rose in me at having to do this. I did it but managed to burn my draft card at one of the protest marches.
Thinking about this, for this memoir, brought back some mixed feelings about my young adulthood times. The changes were rapid and our consciousness rose. We were allowed to play a greater role in our own destiny. Looking back I can only compare our times today with those of 35 years ago. Have things changed. Now there is another war. Is this a priority for us? Our soldiers are dying again, they are getting injured and mamed again. I have utmost respect for our soldiers but again question the need to put them "in harms way". I look around at the world today, so much is needed to be done, that all countries and all people of the world should rise to the occasion. Strife, disease and starvation in less fortunate countries, the earthquake in Pakistan, the destruction in our own country in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and South Florida.
