Crisis in Levittown, PA

Summary

In 1957, the Myers family, an African American household, moved into Levittown, Pennsylvania, an all-white suburban community, igniting racial tensions. The community was divided, with many white residents fearing a decline in property values and the social implications of integration, including mixed marriages. Some advocated for equality and legal rights, while others resisted, citing prejudice and a desire for racial homogeneity. This incident encapsulates the broader struggles of racial integration in America during the Civil Rights era, reflecting both the fear of change and the moral fight for equal rights in housing and society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Levittown, Pennsylvania, is a suburban community symbolizing the American Dream of upward mobility and better opportunities for families in the 1950s.
• 😀 In August 1957, William Myers Jr., a Black man, and his family moved into Levittown, sparking significant controversy and violence in the otherwise all-white neighborhood.
• 😀 The Myers family was similar to other Levittown residents in terms of socioeconomic status but faced backlash because of their race.
• 😀 Many white residents expressed concerns that the Myers family's presence would decrease property values and disrupt the social harmony of the community.
• 😀 Some white residents feared that integration would eventually lead to racial intermarriage and the loss of societal 'purity'.
• 😀 While a few residents supported the Myers' right to live in Levittown, others were hostile and sought to drive them out legally or peacefully.
• 😀 Racial integration led to deep tensions in Levittown, with some residents arguing that their property values and social standing were at risk.
• 😀 The arrival of the Myers family highlighted the tension between the ideals of equality and the fear of racial mixing in suburban communities.
• 😀 Some residents believed that the Myers family would be accepted in the community over time, but others refused to accept them socially due to racial prejudice.
• 😀 The conflict in Levittown reflects broader racial issues in America, where Black families faced resistance when attempting to integrate into predominantly white spaces.
• 😀 Despite the division in the community, some residents believed in the right of all citizens, regardless of race, to pursue the American Dream and live in integrated neighborhoods.

Q & A

What is the setting of the Levittown, Pennsylvania incident described in the transcript?

The setting is Levittown, Pennsylvania, a new suburban community with 60,000 people, located midway between Philadelphia and Trenton, New Jersey. It is a typical American suburb where families are pursuing the American dream of a better life.

What significant event occurred in Levittown in August 1957?

In August 1957, Levittown gained international attention when William Myers Jr. and his family, who are African American, moved into an all-white community. This act of integration led to tension and conflict among the residents.

What are some of the characteristics of the Myers family?

The Myers family consists of William Myers Jr., his wife Daisy, and their three children. William served in the Army for two and a half years and works as a laboratory technician while studying electrical engineering. Daisy is a college graduate. They live modestly in a three-bedroom house and are financially typical for Levittown's middle class.

How did some residents of Levittown react to the Myers family moving in?

Some residents of Levittown viewed the Myers family’s move as an infringement on their liberties, particularly because Levittown was expected to be an all-white community. Many voiced concerns about the potential negative effects on property values and social dynamics.

What concerns did some white residents express about the Myers family's presence?

Some white residents expressed fears about the impact on property values, the social integration of the Myers family, and the possibility of mixed marriages. They also voiced concerns about the cultural changes that might come with integrating African Americans into their community.

What does the transcript reveal about the broader societal tensions regarding race and integration?

The transcript reveals a deep division between those who support racial integration and those who oppose it. Some residents are against the Myers family living in Levittown, fearing social and economic changes, while others believe in the right to equality and integration, though they too face challenges in reconciling those ideals with reality.

How does the concept of intermarriage relate to the issue of integration in Levittown?

Intermarriage is presented as a major fear among some white residents, who believe that the integration of African Americans into their community will eventually lead to mixed marriages. This fear is linked to broader anxieties about racial equality and social change.

What role does property value play in the debate about the Myers family's move to Levittown?

Property value is a central concern for many white residents, who believe that allowing African Americans to move into Levittown will lower the value of their homes. This economic fear is tied to racial prejudice, as these residents equate the presence of black families with a decline in community status.

How do different residents of Levittown perceive the future of the community if more African Americans move in?

Some residents fear that Levittown will 'go downhill' if more African Americans are allowed to live there, believing that the community will suffer socially and economically. Others believe that with time, the majority of people will accept the Myers family and that they will become good neighbors.

What is the central moral and legal issue discussed in the transcript?

The central moral and legal issue is the right of African American families, like the Myers family, to live in previously all-white communities. This question touches on broader issues of civil rights, racial equality, and the legalities surrounding integration and housing discrimination.