Exactly this. I think about this, not just in the context of the civil rights movement, but for many historical events. The Great Depression and WW2 lasted about 15 years in the United States. 15 years of stress and uncertainty with an outcome that was uncertain. Yet, because we know the end, and because it can be summarized in a few pages - or even paragraphs - we gloss over the struggle of those who lived through it and who persisted, and who helped shape the outcome. Excellent comment; perspective on these things is really hard.
Exactly this. I think about this, not just in the context of the civil rights movement, but for many historical events. The Great Depression and WW2 lasted about 15 years in the United States. 15 years of stress and uncertainty with an outcome that was uncertain. Yet, because we know the end, and because it can be summarized in a few pages - or even paragraphs - we gloss over the struggle of those who lived through it and who persisted, and who helped shape the outcome. Excellent comment; perspective on these things is really hard.