Alain Hosking is a student of history and politics at La Trobe University, currently undertaking research in the field of American civil rights. Alain began his studies at the University of Sydney where he was awarded the George Arnold Wood memorial prize for history. He then pursued interests in music performance and composition before returning to complete his undergraduate studies at La Trobe. In 2007 he assumed the editorship of the La Trobe History Society’s magazine, Passim. Alain’s research interests include the history of American politics, society and technology; social movements; and the history of the Cold War. His essay here was written as part of the 2006 La Trobe University Reflective History group.