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Mississippi Burning


However, because of fear, these people are reluctant to help with the investigation.
             Agent Anderson is a former sheriff of a small town just like the town where Mississippi Burning is set. When agent Ward asks Anderson how it is that people feel this strong hatred towards those of different ethnic backgrounds, Anderson tells a story of when he was a little boy. His father had asked him how he was doing after he had injured himself. Anderson replied that he was not good. His "daddy" responded "If your not better than a nigger, how good are you." Anderson was attempting to explain where these strong beliefs come from. Children are easily influenced by the actions and conversations of those around them. This is especially the case when one considers the influence that parents have over their children. The beliefs of the parents are in-grained in their children from the moment they are born. In these small communities, the perspective of the information that they are exposed to is one sided. They watch the local news and read the local newspaper. The information is gathered and reported by those who are fearful of the Ku Klux Klan, or those who are members of the clan themselves. .
             The example in the previous paragraph is further supported by the local community's belief that the government has begun a conspiracy. This conspiracy theory was started in the Sheriff's office. This goes to show that people are influenced by positions of authority. In these towns, as it is pointed out, the Sheriff's word is "gold." .
             Another issue that is raised in Mississippi Burning is the issue of widespread fear that exists throughout the community. This fear is felt by those of African decent and by those who are white. The blacks fear lynch mobs and firebombs. Any white person who supports the civil rights cause fears the Klan. The Klan will kill anyone who acts in the interests of civil rights.


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