Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Black is Beautiful
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The Black Power movement emerged in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s as a more militant and self assertive phase of the broader civil rights struggle. It emphasized racial pride, self determination, and cultural expression. This question focuses on one of the most famous slogans associated with that movement and tests your knowledge of its cultural influence on ideas about identity and beauty.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The essential concept is recognizing "Black is Beautiful" as a slogan that encouraged people of African descent to reject racist standards of beauty and to take pride in their own features, skin tones, and heritage. Other options either do not refer to well known slogans or are clearly opposed to the values of the movement. By focusing on cultural pride and empowerment, you can identify the correct slogan.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Black Power movement sought to reshape how black identity and beauty were perceived in society.
Step 2: Remember that activists and artists promoted natural hairstyles, African inspired clothing, and celebrations of African heritage.
Step 3: Recognize that the phrase "Black is Beautiful" appeared on posters, in speeches, and in everyday conversation as a powerful expression of pride.
Step 4: Examine option a, which states "Black is Beautiful," and see how closely it matches this cultural emphasis.
Step 5: Consider option b, "Change in Lifestyles," which is vague and not a specific slogan.
Step 6: Note that options c, d, and e promote ideas such as colonial rule, permanent segregation, and denial of voting rights, which directly conflict with the goals of Black Power.
Step 7: Conclude that "Black is Beautiful" is the only slogan clearly and positively associated with the Black Power movement.
Verification / Alternative check:
Civil rights histories, cultural studies, and exam materials consistently list "Black is Beautiful" as a central phrase tied to Black Power and related movements. It symbolized a shift in attitudes toward hair, skin color, and cultural expression. None of the other phrases presented have comparable recognition or positive association with the movement, confirming option a as correct.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b is too general and not a recognized slogan. Option c, "Return to Colonial Rule," is the opposite of what the movement wanted, since it resisted oppression. Option d, "Segregation Forever," goes against the fight for civil rights and political power. Option e, "No Voting Rights Needed," contradicts the demand for political participation and power.
Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse Black Power with earlier phases of the civil rights movement and forget its strong emphasis on cultural pride. Others may not differentiate between vague lifestyle changes and specific slogans. To avoid confusion, always connect Black Power with terms like "Black is Beautiful," self defense, community control, and cultural nationalism.
Final Answer:
Black is Beautiful
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