ROSA PARKS
Such an unreasonable conclusion, so believed that it rings with the clarity of a great truth.
Why? What is it that makes the truth, the very simple, astoundingly available truth, so resistible?
Perhaps it is easier to believe that a tired work-worn colored woman stumbled into making a stand, than it is to believe that an educated, professional, strong black activist had finally said enough, in her way and on her terms.
Perhaps some were further compelled to fold the truth in a blanket of stereotypes because surely a woman could not summon the strength-the integrity-the fortitude-the self-respect required to make such a choice. A choice that involved the process for intellect or the power of conviction was not a black woman's choice to make?
How did it come to be that one of the most important moments in the Civil Rights Movement was reduced to one woman's exhausted state of belligerence?
How many still believe that a group of strong-willed, organized men capitalized on the sassy stubbornness of an accidental symbol?
After a life filled with involvement in the organization that would suggest an independent passion and commitment, some still think, "That Rosa Parks, they sure put her little incident to good use."
Most of those who still believe the half true, thoroughly minimizing version of that December day in 1955 were probably taught it, or told it that way. Maybe it's not all their fault.
Perhaps they heard the name and the tale of Rosa Parks and tried to further educate themselves. Perhaps they leafed through their encyclopedias looking for more. Perhaps they got excited when they found names like Marilyn Monroe, W.C. Fields, Babe Ruth and Al Capone, so when they looked for Rosa Parks and found nothing, it was easier to believe that she was simply too tired.