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Difficulty: MediumThe Black Power Movement

Read the excerpt below:

'Before a group can enter the open society, it must first close ranks. By this we mean that group solidarity is a necessary assumption before a group with a systematic history of oppression can bargain from a position of strength in a pluralistic society.'
— Stokely Carmichael and Charles V. Hamilton, *Black Power: The Politics of Liberation* (1967)

Based on the excerpt, which of the following best describes the authors' primary rationale for 'closing ranks'?

  1. A
    Establishing a separate, sovereign nation-state is the only viable path to escape systemic racial oppression.
  2. Developing internal solidarity and independent institutions is required to negotiate effectively for political and social equality.Answer
  3. C
    Fostering permanent racial antagonism against white Americans is necessary to overthrow the federal government.
  4. D
    Rejecting all future coalitions with other racial groups is essential to maintaining cultural purity.

Answer

Developing internal solidarity and independent institutions is required to negotiate effectively for political and social equality.
The correct answer shows that the authors view 'closing ranks' as a prerequisite to bargaining from a position of strength within a pluralistic society, reflecting a strategy of self-determination to achieve empowerment.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the core argument of the excerpt from Carmichael and Hamilton.
The authors state that group solidarity ('closing ranks') is a necessary assumption for an oppressed group to 'bargain from a position of strength' in a 'pluralistic society.'
Understanding the defined purpose of 'closing ranks' is essential to identifying the authors' political strategy.
2
Evaluate the options to find the one that reflects bargaining from a position of strength.
The option stating that developing internal solidarity and independent institutions is required to negotiate effectively matches the text's description of building group strength to bargain.
This option accurately translates the authors' conceptual goals of self-determination and collective empowerment into a clear political action.

Key Concept

The political strategy of the Black Power movement, emphasizing self-determination and group solidarity as a means to achieve equality within a pluralistic society.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

The Black Power Movement

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