<Source : 6·25 전쟁은 오바마 대통령 당선의 일등공신, 어떻게?>
President Barrack Obama and the Korean War seem to have no relevance with each other; however, the emergence of a Black President had a lot to do with the Korean War. It is because the civil rights movement in the 60s essentially began with the Korean war.
Martin Luther King's peace march in Washington D.C. might have happened a lot later if it weren't for the Korean War. The social status of Blacks might be a lot behind as well.
This, I believe, is one of the most important moments of the US History. |
This war made black people dream about a society without discrimination. Now part of the proud American society, perhaps the African American community should look back at the history of this war.
For a very long time, blacks have been a part of the American Armed Forces. From major wars like the Civil War and other conflicts, blacks have been part of everything. Whites used to call them 'buffalo'. For their dark skin color and big physical build.
Starting with the two World Wars, blacks really started becoming a big part of warfare. This is when the doctrine of 'Separate but Equal' prevailed the American society. According to this belief, they made blacks-only-units.
Insignia of the 92nd Infantry Division |
Monument for 'Buffalo' Soldiers, Kansas |
Starting with the Korean War, all soldiers shared barracks regardless of race. If an officer barred a person of color from using any facilities, he would be punished. So they couldn't discriminate black soldiers... at least openly.
The point when white soldiers started treating black soldiers with real sincerity was towards the end of the war. Nearing the armistice, many fierce battles were taking place. At the point of life and death, they began to feel the companionship, comradeship. It was only obvious that white soldiers started feel differently.
Integrated U.S. unit during the Korean War |
The war that brought division to the Korean peninsula brought unity to America. What an irony that is history.
The reason Obama could become the president of the USA is thanks to the civil rights movement. So, perhaps Obama should think more seriously about how to solve the problems and conflicts that hover the two Koreas today.
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