The Theme of Effects of War
James Patterson shows the impact of the Vietnam War on American people. The war lasted for nearly twenty years. Lyndon Johnson tries to attain radical social legislation while concealing the cost of the War from the public. Many people have lost their lives while others have developed a disability. Families lost their loved ones, and Lyndon Johnson does not want to reveal that to the public. The war painted Johnson’s government in a bad light.
The Theme of Liberation
Civil rights movements escalated towards 1965. Patterson explains how people of color protested against discrimination by whites. Blacks and women were inspired by the Civil Rights movement to fight for their rights and secure a more substantial role in American society. Patterson acknowledges that cultural and political activities changed towards 1965. Furthermore, the book shows how liberalism had transformed American society during the time. Indeed, towards the end of 1964, liberalism had taken a hegemonic posture in American politics.
The Theme of Violence
Civil Rights movements experienced violence from people who were against their ideologies and from law enforcement officers. Police ruthlessly attacked civil rights demonstrators. Patterson gives an example of Selma, Alabama, where protestors were roughed up by police officers. Similarly, after the signing of the Voting Rights Act, violence erupted in Watts, Los Angeles. Prowling and torching were the order of the day.
