Ep 7. A Woman's Place

In "A Crime to Remember" season 5 episode 7, titled "A Woman's Place", viewers are taken back in time to 1962, when the world was drastically different than it is today. Women were expected to stay at home, raise children, cook, and clean while their husbands went to work and provided for the family. But for one woman in Pittsburgh, her role in the world was about to change forever.

Susan Glaser was a young mother of two who defied societal norms by joining the local civil rights movement. Inspired by the work of Martin Luther King Jr. and other activists, Susan realized that she could no longer be content with being a housewife and wanted to make a difference in her community. She became involved with the Congress for Racial Equality (CORE) and participated in sit-ins and protests alongside other activists.

However, not everyone in Pittsburgh was supportive of the civil rights movement. There were those who wanted to maintain the status quo and believed that anyone who challenged it deserved to be punished. Susan and her fellow activists received threats and were met with aggression from both the police and white supremacists.

One night, Susan and her husband Steve arrived home to find their house vandalized and their children terrified. They immediately called the police, but instead of being met with sympathy and support, they were met with suspicion. The police believed that Susan and Steve were responsible for the vandalism themselves as a publicity stunt for the civil rights movement.

Despite their innocence, Susan and Steve found themselves under investigation. The media sensationalized the story, portraying the couple as troublemakers who were trying to stir up trouble. Susan's involvement in the civil rights movement was used against her, with many people believing that she had brought this upon herself.

The investigation took a toll on Susan and her family. They were followed by the police and received threatening calls and letters. Susan's children were afraid to go to school, and her husband's job was negatively impacted by the accusations. Susan's mental health suffered as a result, and she began to doubt herself and her involvement in the civil rights movement.

As the investigation continued, it became clear that the Glaser family was not responsible for the vandalism. The real culprit was eventually caught, but the damage had already been done. The family's reputation had been tarnished, and their lives had been turned upside down.

"A Woman's Place" is a powerful episode of "A Crime to Remember" that highlights the challenges faced by women who dared to challenge the status quo in the 1960s. Susan Glaser's story is a reminder of the sacrifices that many activists made in the fight for civil rights and a more just society. The episode also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of groupthink and the importance of critical thinking in the face of adversity.

Overall, "A Woman's Place" is a must-watch for anyone interested in civil rights, social justice, and the power of individual action. It is a well-crafted and engaging episode that tells an important story with sensitivity and nuance. Viewers will be moved by Susan Glaser's bravery and resilience in the face of persecution and inspired by her commitment to making the world a better place.