The Australian and American Freedom Rides Essay - 675 Words

The Australian and American Freedom Rides This essay briefly discusses the similarities and differences of the ‘Australian and American Freedom Rides’ history. Throughout the essay, there is a discussion on what the reasons were for the protest of the Freedom Rides. It also points out the duration of the protest and the major locations where they were held. The essay also shows the different reactions to the protest and the influential behaviour it results in. The American Freedom Rides were motivated by the ‘Journey of Reconciliation’ in 1947, â€Å"led by civil rights activists Bayard Rustin and George Houser†1. The Freedom Rides in America involved riding a bus opposing the segregation of black and whites riding together in buses2.†¦show more content†¦The duration of the American Freedom Rides occurred mainly in May 1961. Unlike in America, the Freedom Rides in Australia took place later on the 12th February 19659; when the University of Sydney students rode into the â€Å"towns in northern New South Wales which contained large Aboriginal populations†10. One of the main towns mentioned was at Moree; where they protested in swimming pools, attracting a lot of violence. The Freedom Rides also passed through Wellington, Gulargambone, Lismore, Bowraville and Kempsey. The duration of the Australian Freedom Rides occurred mainly in February 1965. In America, the reaction to the protest was very intense. Throughout the protest, the Freedom Riders came across violence and the reaction of the protest was ruthless. While having to delay their journey to change a slashed tire, â€Å"one bus was firebombed and the Freedom Riders were beaten (by a white mob). The second bus was similarly attacked and the passengers beaten†.11 In America, there was a Freedom Ride accompanied by the State Highway Patrol, taking their journey headed for Montgomery; but when â€Å"local police failed to protect them, they were again beaten†12. Similar to America, the Freedom Rides in Australia â€Å"gained publicity when the students were set upon by angry crowds and placed under police protection†13. The students pressed into the entrance of the Moree swimming pool, at the same time a furious crowd â€Å"booed and catcalled†14. The dilemmaShow MoreRelatedThe Australian Freedom Ride Of 1964867 Words   |  4 PagesSLIDE 1 The Australian freedom ride was strongly inspired by the American civil rights movement, particularly in segregation of public amenities in country towns but this movement also wanted to draw public attention to the substandard ways indigenous people were living in rural communities. 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