Jackie Robinson

"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." --Jackie Robinson.

Jackie Robinson has  impacted the world by affecting not only his own life, but others lives also. Being the first African American to play major league baseball, Jackie broke down the color barrier causing people to accept African Americans into the major league. he paved the way for  other African Americans like Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, and Ken Griffey Jr. to play the game of baseball too. Robinson also affected people by setting an example when faced with racism. He was brutally insulted by people, but maintained his composure and retaliated not with words, but with his play on the baseball field. Jackie was a hero because he impacted others lives in a positive way. Jackie Robinson utilized his selflessness, bravery, and humbleness to break down the color barrier and bare the title  "hero".

The first key to Jackie Robinson's success was his humbleness. He came from a poor background with a father who abandoned his family and left his mother to take care of their five children alone. Robinson's goal was never to be famous, but to innovate the lives of others. Whenever Jackie witnessed racism against anyone, he did something about it, "...served as a morale officer...his opposition to racial discrimination led to a court-martial..." (The Biography Channel Website). He stood up for what he believed and stayed humble. Jackie never swayed from his beliefs which proves he is humble and led to his success. Another example of Jackie's humbleness is when he was chosen to be the first African American in the majors,"...he expressed delight at being chosen as the first black man in the major leagues"(Judith S. Baughman). Robinson wasn't the boastful type; he acknowledged that he was the first black man in major league baseball but didn't brag and let that fact go to his head. By staying head strong and humble Jackie Robinson was able to impact the lives of countless others to come.

Jackie's biggest obstacle he faced in his career and life was racism. As a result of Robinson being the only African American in a white man's league, he was hated by most all people that weren't African American as well. However, the racism towards Robinson didn't originate in his baseball years, but in his early years,"I was sweeping our sidewalk when a little neighbor girl shouted at me," (Jackie Robinson). The use of the "N" word several times proves how harshly Jackie was treated and the hatred he faced. Another example of the racism Robinson was up against was when he stood up for himself and his people, but had to pay the price,"...arrested...during boot camp after he refused to move to the back of a segregated bus"(The Biography Channel Website). Jackie displays his bravery when he refuses to go to the back of the bus. This scenario has played out many times where black people are forced to move to a different part of a public area because because of the color of their skin, like in the Rosa Parks case. Again this exhibits how people treated Jackie because of the color of his skin and how he stood up for himself by being courageous. He was brave because when faced with racism he didn't accept the way he was treated and took action.

Robinson worked selflessly to show a black man is as capable as a white man. Robinson was under insurmountable pressure in the 1947 season, However, he performed outstanding to justify his point. "Robinson's performance surpassed expectation in his 1947 season..."(Judith S. Baughman). Jackie worked actively for the future success of his race. He knew his play on the field would pave way for others after him. Robinson was aware that other player's futures depended on his success so he was very careful of his actions."Cautioned to prove himself worthy because other black player's futures depended on his success..." (Encyclopedia of World Biography). Jackie was selfless because he played for others. He had to be very cautious with every action he took because he was under the spotlight of the entire world and proved himself and his people worthy.

Jackie Robinson truly impacted the world establishing himself as a hero in the eyes of many. He was cemented to his beliefs and inspired society to be selfless,brave and humble. He was an outstanding role model who sacrificed his life for the future of others and to break down the color barrier. Jackie was influential because he set an example for others facing racism by not fighting back with violence or words, but with his play on the baseball field. "Robinson promised not to fight back when confronted with racism"(The Biography Channel Website). This displays his selflessness and bravery for not retaliating against racism with violence or racial slurs which aided in his success. Robinson is inspirational because he ignored the racism so it didn't get in the way of his success. Jackie is again inspiring because he was still humble even after he succeeded in breaking down the color barrier. He didn't boast or brag about his accomplishments because actions speak louder than words and by not being boastful he demonstrated his humbleness. Jackie Robinson opened up the gates of racism against African Americans in sports and the world. He is a hero because with one life he transformed millions of others.

Works CIted

Biography.com Editors. "Douglas MacArthur." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 04 Feb.          2016.

History.com Staff. "Douglas MacArthur." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2009. Web. 04 Feb. 2016.

"Douglas MacArthur." UXL Biographies. Detroit: UXL, 2003. Student Resources in Context. Web. 4 Feb. 2016.

   "Douglas MacArthur." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Detroit: Gale, 1998. Biography in Context. Web. 4 Feb. 2016.

"Jackie Robinson." Baseball Hall of Fame. N.p., 8 Aug. 2000. Web. 04 Feb. 2016

Jackie Robinson." Jackie Robinson. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2016

Jackie Robinson." Jackie Robinson. N.p., 19 Apr. 2011. Web. 04 Feb. 2016.

"Jackie Robinson: This I Believe." Tell Me More 25 Mar. 2008. Student Resources in Context. Web. 26 Jan. 2016.

-

-