Beau Blankenship

Dr. Beth Fowler

HON 1000

20 September 2017

Writing Diagnostic: Detroit 1967

I consider what happened in Detroit in the summer of 1967 to be a rebellion. A rebellion,

as outlined in Merriam-Websters dictionary, is an instance of open and armed defiance of or

resistance to and established government (as described in the exhibit). I chose this term to

describe the events over similar terms because I think that the other two terms listed (riot and

uprising) carry a certain weight to them that doesnt accurately reflect the situation.

The word riot has a connotation that the events were a complete free-for-all a word

thats listed as a synonym in the Merriam-Webster dictionary for riot but not for the other two

terms and that there was no order to be founded during the entirety of the movement. The word

uprising, although simply defined as an act or instance of rising up (again, as listed in the

exhibit), I believe conversely carries a connotation that the movement was a planned attack that

had structure and clear values. I certainly dont think that anyone would argue that the events

were planned out by all of the people acting in the movement. I think the term uprising could

definitely be equated to a word like revolution (as it is listed as a synonym). Most Americans

would associate revolution with our very own establishing of independence. I think the

difference is clear between these two situations. After the American Revolutionary War was

over, the United States immediately became an independent nation. When the rebellion in

Detroit was over, the aggressors didnt get what they wanted. You could probably make a case

that the situation was heavily worsened at least at first. As time passed after it was over,
African-Americans did break new ground, however, (probably in reaction to what happened)

which is something I learned a lot about in the exhibit. Black media efforts in the areas of

television and print publication grew out of the aftermath of the rebellion as shown in New

Faces. New Voices. section of the exhibit. Detroits first black mayor, Coleman A. Young, was

elected not long afterwards as explained in the next section, A New Political Landscape.

Overall, my opinion on this subject evolved a lot throughout the exhibit and throughout

my overall studying of the events. Before my journey, I wouldve be quick to call it a riot

because thats all Id ever heard it described as in news media, history books, and in

conversation. I am grateful of my chance to have the tools to develop my own opinion about the

entire situation and I end this assignment with a new look on the way I will define events in the

future.