Analysing the cause and effect of Urban Riots

Analysing the cause and effect of Urban Riots Riots are civil disorders that are characterized by intense violence against people in authority or property. Since it is a herd behavior occurrence, many people take part and this leads to civil unrest. They usually occur as a result of a perceived grievance which people feel has not been adequately dealt with. The are many reasons as to why riots occur including; poor living conditions, oppression by the government, high taxation, ethnic diversity, religion or differing views of a sporting activity. Mostly, riots are accompanied by violence, vandalism and destruction of both private and public property. This can also be directed to a certain specific targets according to grievances on peoples minds (Gilje 2). In the United States of America, many riots took place during the Civil War and which saw many lives lost. As years progressed, new types of riots emerged as well as their cause. In 1960s, a new form of riots called urban Riots came in to being. In 1967 for instance, more than 120 cities in the U.S suffered more than 160 riots. The most notable among urban riots was the Newark riots of 1967 and Stonewall Riots of 1969; each of which had various reasons for its outbreak. In general though, between 1964 and 1971, there were about 752 spontaneous riots especially in black communities occurring in 316 American cities. Many of these conflagrations were however exaggerated by the media with only the major ones as already discussed having severe magnitude in terms of violence, arson and property damage. In exploring the various causes of such urban riots, many social scientists have advanced different theories. Among these reasons are racial grievances and competition for jobs in the inter-ethnic setups of communities. Further, in a search for answers as to why cities could experience racial riots of varying magnitudes, scholars usually focus on broad trends. Mainly they pinpoint the high unemployment rate amongst the blacks which they relate to cities or the whole nation as a whole. But it is evident that they ignore the local factors which too may provide more insight in to the causes of urban riots. This therefore led to a number of analysts confining their research on the event itself and the surrounding circumstances such as police mobilization (Gilje, 10). Based on this concept, it is important to find the effect of police presence and its effect on the magnitude or severity of an urban riot. The urban riots of 1960s were somewhat escalated by the intervention of the federal government. But this should not be misconstrued to imply that local and state place agents did not play any part. Eventually, upon studying a number of riots that occurred, it emerged that police response has a major impact on the nature of a riot. The timing so as to ensure there is not under-response or over-response is vital as police presence will determine the end result. It is also evident from history that many of American urban riots had a connection with racism. In many occurrences, such riots were initiated by the whites and were directed to blacks. This trend however changed in the 1960s when the roles were reversed and blacks found themselves initiating urban riots. The most notable of these include the Rochester race riot of 1964. This riot took place in Rochester, New York on Friday evening of July, 24th when the Rochester Police Department tried to arrest a nineteen year old intoxicated black on a street. The police after having been notified of him responded with a dog and since rumors of police brutality had spread quickly, an angry crowd formed on Joseph Avenue. This was followed by violence that lasted for three days leaving a trail of destruction. Statistics finally recorded 4 dead, 35 injured, 1000 arrested and 204 store houses looted. It later emerged that the local, especially the good kids had initiated the riot which the adults joined in later. This was further fueled by the fact that many African-Americans had low pay and low skill jobs and they used violence to cast their personal grievances (Wasow, web). The Philadelphia race riot of 1964 was in similar manner black-initiated. From August 28th to 30th, the black neighborhood of North Philadelphia erupted as they accused police of brutality. The Philadelphia Police Department had over the years tried to improve it relationship with the black majority, 400,000 in number, by patrolling the city in twos; one black and one white officer. Unfortunately, one black woman, Odessa Bradford, engaged a patrol squad in to an argument after her car had stalled on Columbia Avenue. As the two police officers attempted to force her to remove the car, a crowd formed and came to the rescue of Odessa. Due to crowd herding mentality, rumors started to flow that white police officers had mistreated a pregnant woman and thus violence ensued. The police response took a turn and instead of confronting rioters, they retreated and left the area. Final statistics showed 341 injured, 774 arrested and 225 stores looted or damaged in the course of three days. The urban riots left the North Philadelphia city without many vital businesses as many businessmen never returned. All in all, there were other urban riots which started due to racial segregation circumstances through out the 1960s. Their cause and eventual destruction of both property and live had similar characteristics as the already discussed ones. These included: Watts Riots in 1965, Hough Riots in 1966, Racial Tension in Omaha in 1966, Newark riots in 1967, Chicago Riots in 1968 and the 1969 North 24th Street Riot in Omaha. One thing that made these urban riots among many others to stand out is the large number of participants as well as the effects they finally caused. Statistics however show that despite the escalation of black-initiated urban riots in the 1960s, the number of occurrences decline at the turn of the decade. Government commissions that were formed to seek the cause of the riots indicated that majority of riots in the 1960s and early 1970s were due to racial grievances and deprivation. A commission that presented the Kerner Commission Report indicated that these riots were an aftermath of prior white discrimination of blacks and hence was unavoidable. Between 1970s and 1980s urban riots continued in many American cities albeit marked with less and less casualties like in the sixties. However, this did not remain for long since in 1992, a significant form of riots broke out in Los Angeles. These riots which started on April 29, were as a result of a beating Rodney King, a motorist, received in the hand s of Los Angeles Police Department officers. The prelude can be traced back to March 3, when King and two passengers were driving on Foothill highway. Upon being stopped they refused but chose to speed of under what transpired to be a high speed chase by traffic cops. The presence of five LAPD officers made the case worse since they had beaten King with batons on his arrest. This was in contrary to a video shot in this event which showed that LAPD officers continued to beat King instead of cuffing him as was in law. The also accused him of having been under influence of PCP which later test proved untrue. The video which had been shot by a neighbor as he witnessed the beatings became a focal point in the media after presentation in the court case. The five LAPD officers were charged with assault and use of excessive force. This was not however to be as some influential whites doctored the case as it was about to come for deliberation. They then proceeded to acquit the LAPD officer of assault and use of force but one. This ruling as it was heavily publicized by the media drew mixed reaction even from the president. After the verdicts, riots began in Los Angeles and continued to escalate despite the presence of National Guard, the Army and the Marines. Over the next few days numerous acts of violence and looting were recorded as well as personal engagement among the law enforcers, the blacks and the whites. They included beatings received by Reginald Denny, a white truck driver by blacks an incident recorded live on television. This was followed by Fidel Lopez severe beating and possible killing of him though he was rescued. The second and third day too were marked by widespread riots and massive destruction even after law enforcers numbers were increased. Many important American figures were also drawn in to numerous debates as well as begging for end of hostilities. Order started to flow back from the fourth day but not after massive destruction in the city had occurred. The final statistics recorded 53 dead, 2,000 injured, material loss of approximately $ 1 billion, and over 3,000 arson cases destroying more than one thousand buildings. The factors that led to Los Angeles riots were cited including a fatal shooting of a black teenager by a Korean American. Others included cultural differences, high unemployment among the residents of Central Los Angeles due to recession and poverty. Sociologists on their part cited disparity in economic growth as a cause which led to powerlessness and frustration among urban dwellers. In conclusion, riots have continued to wreck havoc on the society and the general order of things. From the many instances that have been recorded in history it is clear that they have causes and if dealt with properly, urban riots can be avoided. The government must therefore put in measures to ensure there is equal employment opportunity for all people regardless of their racial background. Social institutions which promote unity and shun segregation also need to be encouraged in order to avoid urban riots (Dreier 52).

Anne Frank :: World War II History

Anne Frank Anne Frank lived with her family in a pleasant house. For Anne and her sister, Margot, their early childhood was a sucure place inhabited by loving parents, relatives and nurses. However, the Nazis had gained power in some parts of Germany. The Nazis wanted all Jews to be killed. Otto Frank, Anne's father, did not hestitate to wait for the Nazis to come into full power. In 1933, the Franks left Frankfort. Mrs. Frank and the two girls joined her mother in Aachen, near the Belgian border. Otto Frank went to Holland and started a business in food products. In the spring of 1934, the Franks reunited and settled in Amsterdam. Anne Frank lived in Amsterdam happily, like she did in Frankfort. She attended Montessori School and had a host of friends. Her father, however, was still worried for in Germany the Nazis gained almost complete power. In 1940, the Germans envaded and conquered Holland. Anne's life had changed by the Germans taking control. She could not go to her school, and was to attend the Jewish Lyceum. No Jews were allowed out on the streets at night. In 1941, the Germans had their first round-up of Jews in Amsterdam. 5 months later, the Germans summonded 16-year-old Margot Frank to report for deportation. Otto Frank, however, had contact with Dutch friends, and were able to hide out in the attic of a house. The morning after Margot was summonded they left Amsterdam and went to the attic of the house called the Secret Annexe. In the Secret Annexe they were joined by the Van Daan family. There was Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan and their son Peter. Later, a eldery dentist, Alburt Dussel, was invited to share their refuge. The 8 Jews hid in the Secert Annexe for many years. Otto Frank's Dutch friends, brought them food and even gifts. The news in the fall of 1942 was terrifying for the Franks. The roundup of Jews from Holland was proceeding according to plan. While the Franks were in hiding, Germany was at the height of conquest. But of August 4, 1944, the Gestapo penetrated into the Frnak's hiding place. The 8 Jews, together were taken to Gestapo headquaters in Amsterdam. The Franks, Van Daans, and Mr. Dussel were sent to Westbork. Anne Frank, Diary of a Young Girl was actually the diary of Anne Frank. Anne Frank was a girl who lived with her family during the time of while the Nazis took power.

Argyle & Tuckman’s Theories of Communication

This assignment will discuss two well known theories of effective communication. Firstly it will look at Michael Argyle (1972), the cycle of communication and then it will discuss Bruce Tuckman (1965) stages of communication. Michael Argyle (1972) looks at the cycle of communication which involves six stages this is about sending receiving and the decoding of messages between individual and also groups. 1.An ideas occurs – when one has thought of an idea that they want to express with another person/s2.Message coded – when the idea has been thought through, there is a thought process of how this idea is going to then be communicated. There is a thought as to how this message is going to express it, as it could be through language, writing, sign or symbols or whatever it may be.3.Message sent – articulate the message, may it be verbal, written, sign or use what would be most appropriate in order to communicate effectively.4.Message received – when the messa ge has been heard or seen, depending on how the message was sent in the first place.5.Message decoded – this is where the person who had received the message is starting to make sense of the message. As one tries to decode the message is received is at this point where they can miss interpret the message.6.Message understood – providing that all goes well the initial idea is then understood but sometimes this doesn’t always happen. Once there is understanding thenBruce Tuckman’s (1965), stages of communication looks at how a group of people have to develop their behaviour in order to become an effective group, all to reach a common goal. His sequential theory has four stages of communication. 1.Forming – has been considered to be the introduction stage, where it is not clear to the group what their purpose is. At the same time they put one another under scrutiny as they are not too familiar with each other, so there in not much in the way of trust either. So as a result of this some may not be happy with the idea. Some may be feeling frustrated where as others may just have some issues about working with  particular people. There could be a lack of values and some prejudices may possibly be expressed initially to some members of the group.2.Storming – when putting certain characters together that usually don’t work with one another, it at this stage where the competition is rife as there is a power struggle within the group as some may try to change the team’s mission. This could result in arguments about how the group is going work and what roles each member will be having. Eventually the team itself could splint. As a result of putting different people together, the group begins to form relationships with each other and can sometimes for smaller group. This causes the lack of motivation, anxiety and frustration resulting in the groups failure to complete the mission.3.Norming – during this stag e the trust and respect is developing amongst the members of the group, since it becomes clear that each member has a role and they are aware of what their role will be. As a result of them coming together with a common goal they all have a shared expectation of each other, which is known as norm. They have fully established norm, a set of common beliefs and values. Individuals become more motivated and commitment is demonstrated with each member of the group, whilst the team is being creative. The group now have a fully defined purpose and so success begins to flow within the group.4.Performing – the group now demonstrates that actually they are able to perform the task effectively as members feel comfortable, at ease and have a sense of belonging to the group as a whole. There is a high sense of morale as the group experience high levels of trust, pride and support from each other and so now this group begin to feel that their performance has been of better-quality.More oft en than not I believe that the patterns of behaviour do actually arise in some individuals. There are those that are more extreme than others, whereas some are less extreme but none the less this does not suggest that people cannot work well together. According to Tuckman’s theory these stages can be very effective in breaking down the barriers of  communication within a group of individuals that have a common goal. With Argyle’s theory it is agreed that this very process does actually taken place when communication but at the same time it could easily breakdown when the message has been misunderstood of misheard.

My Life as a Carbon Atom In The Bush essays

My Life as a Carbon Atom In The Bush essays My name is Bon, and I am a carbon atom. I am a non-metal element, living in the north eastern region of the periodic table, in Period 2, Group IV, which means I have two occupied shells and contain 4 electrons in my valance shell. I am universally renowned from my chemical symbol of C, and distinguished by my atomic number 6, and the atomic mass 12.01. Without me, life as we know it would not exist. Out of the other109 elements in the periodic table, I am the only one that has the properties that make it possible for living systems to develop, due to my unique ability to form a wide range of compounds. This is on account of the fact that I have four electrons available for bonding with other atoms. I can also share my electrons with other carbon atoms, like myself, in a form called covalent bonding. A compound that I am most commonly found in is oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, chlorine, and hydrogen. Last year I bonded with 11 carbons and 26 hydrogens and formed a large molecule. We were great together, and we had lots in common, with our similar electronegativites, which allowed us to form a non-polar compound, decane. Decane is a hydrocarbon, a type of organic compound. Along with other chemical compounds, but mainly with hydrocarbons, we formed a fossil fuel, crude oil. Fossil fuels are formed when some dead organisms are compressed under land, or water for long periods, and undergo chemical changes. It wasnt until one day; we were mined and sent to a power plant station. There, we were subjected to high temperatures in the presence of a catalyst. This process we underwent, was called Catalytic Cracking. The high temperatures caused us to break down into smaller, and more useful molecules, but the temperatures also caused us to decompose. The catalyst was used to lower the temperature at which we would crack, and prevented us from decomposing. The catalyst also had an advant age of producing the industrially important hydrocarb...

Dreams4 essays

Dreams4 essays Thesis: We dream thousands of dreams every night, but why and what do they mean? In my report I want to tell you about dreams. Dreams are a communication of body, mind and spirit in a symbolic communicative environment (www.sleeps.com). To make that statement easier to understand dreams are a review influenced by factors in your life and spirit (www.sleeps.com). Our brains are constantly active. It is always in different states like sleeping, awake, drowsy, alert, excited, bored, concentrating, or daydreaming (www.sleeps.com). Sigmund Freud believed dreams are keys to the most secret parts of the mind (Coren 24). Dreams always occur while we are in a type of sleep called REM (Rapid Eye Movement) (www.geocities.com). All the things you dream about are a reflection of you life. They reflect your feelings, thoughts, desires, and your fears. Interest in dreams are dated way back even to the time of the Greeks. The people of the ancient world tended to believe that some dreams were sent by the gods to convey information to mortals (Holroyd 44). They discovered that a dream is not nonsense but information in disguise (Holroyd 46). The Epic of Gilgamesh was one of the first known writings of dreams. Written four thousand years ago, about the experiences of Gilgamesh. For example, Gilgamesh dreams that he is pinned to the ground by the weight of a god who has fallen on him. At another point in the story he and his companion Enkinu climb to the top of a mountain that immediately collapses. These same kinds of images and situation are dreamed by people of todays time (Holroyd 46). The Greek people even thought certain things in your dreams had certain symbolism. They thought that snakes showed a sign of sickness or the presence of a enemy, and if it was a powerful snake it meant a bad illness was coming (Holroyd 56 ). Dreaming of birds was also a sign from the...

Should our national energy policy focus on building more nuclear power Essay

Should our national energy policy focus on building more nuclear power plants - Essay Example For instance in France, 90% of the electricity that is consumed in that country is from nuclear reactors. It is evident that the future is indeed in nuclear energy thus countries needs to embrace this technology since it is proving to be the game-changer in the future world economics (Kozima, et al.). I think the national energy policy should focus on building more nuclear reactors since the energy demands for a nation like USA are increasing by day and these other forms of energy are proving to be undependable (Krivit, Jay & Thomas). The use of non-renewable fuels has been an issue of contention for so long given the negative impact that the carbon compounds that are produced pose to the environment to the fact that these energy sources will be depleted soon. Thus, questions raise what next when these energy options are exhausted? Renewable energy options such as wind are also no-dependable for large economies like America (Anthony & Chandler). Wind power will only be available when there is wind mean in the event of absence of wind the energy resource will not be available. This brings in the conviction point that the nuclear energy is an option that will solve global energy issues amicably. Many factors support the idea of the national energy policy building more nuclear react ors some of them have been elaborated as follows (Ferguson & Charles). Nuclear reactors are famous as the only form of energy production that has least environmental impact. Unlike other forms of energy production that emit junks of carbon compounds into the atmosphere the gases that are emitted from nuclear reactors are environmentally friendly and do not contain any trace of greenhouse gases (Verfondern). Today’s world is faced with the burden of global warming as a result of greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere (Anthony & Chandler). If

Nelson Mandela Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Nelson Mandela - Research Paper Example Nelson Mandela’s rejection of the offer of conditional amnesty made by Botha, the second was Nelson Mandela’s search for a way to make peace after the assassination of Chris Hani, and the third was Nelson Mandela’s refusal to stand as president for a second term. Because of these decisions, Nelson Mandela not only served as a successful political leader, but also earned a lot of respect in the eyes of people of his own nation as well as the whole world in general. The African National Congress was in much need of a sturdier measure against the apartheid government. The armed wing launched by Nelson Mandela helped attack the apartheid government. Today, he is remembered as a very successful political leader and people study his leadership tenure to learn lessons for effective and successful leadership. Nelson Mandela can be considered as a great leader because he is the pioneer of the modern South Africa. The influence of Nelson Mandela on the political scenario of South Africa today is huge. Nelson Mandela was very popular among the South Africans. Many people of his nation called him Madiba that was the traditional clan name of Nelson Mandela. He was also known by the word Tata, which is used to refer to father in the tribe of Xhosa (Karimi, 2013). He struggled for freedom tirelessly, which earned Nelson Mandela the respect of not only his own people, but also the whole world at large. He is popular for his passion, humanity, and humility. Nelson Mandela saw the armed fight as a mechanism of defense against the violence inflicted by the government. He said, â€Å"My people, Africans, are turning to deliberate acts of violence and of force against the government in order to persuade the government, in the only language which this government shows by its own behavior that it understands†¦If there is no dawning of sanity on the part of the government -- ultimately, the dispute between the government and my people will finish up by being settled in violence and