The casting of Duane Jones for the role of Ben in the film, Night of the Living Dead, is thought of being profoundly evocative because the role his character plays in the film of being an African American taking control during extreme conditions can be reflected to the events that have occurred or are still occurring during the making and release of this film. Some historical background surrounding and during the time the Night of the Living Dead was released, many things were going on in the year 1968 (Many is an understatement). Some big events that were happening during this time was the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the 1968 Presidential Election. Although years prior to 1968, legislations were being passed that banned any