Incredible Injustice: Lynching in the Southern United States

Abstract

Fear illuminated by competition legitimized lynching. This practice unequivocally altered the mindset, character, and spirit of the African American male. A societal hierarchy was built off of this practice which owned roots in hatred and fear. It’s by products were racism and “Jim Crow” segregation. This research, addresses historical content of lynching as well as the continuation of trends used for legitimizing the practice. Examined are the periods from Post Reconstruction America until the present. The goal of this project is to enhance our understanding of how lynching was legitimized and to provide further insight into racial and social fears which radiated from the ideologies of slavery and lynching.