Riots in England: Could it Happen in the United States?
Riots erupted in England on Saturday, Aug. 6 after police allegedly shot and killed citizen Mark Duggan. Since Saturday, violence has spread to London and at least 10 of its suburbs. Could this pattern of rioting happen in the United States? It has occurred in the past.
1992: LA Riots
In 1991, a bystander videotaped police brutalizing African American Rodney King, establishing tension when the media began broadcasting the footage. In 1992, an all-Caucasian jury did not convict the police officer, resulting in riots throughout LA.
1996: Violence at Summer Olympics in Atlanta
At the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Alanta, a 40 lb. pipe bomb exploded, wounding 111, killing one and inciting a heart attack in a fleeing camera operator. The bomb detonated at Olympic Park, a central gathering place for Olympic Games attendees.
A jury later determined that this was the act of lone terrorist Eric Robert Rudolph. President Clinton condemned the bombing and said he would support the death penalty in this case, though Rudolph was convicted to multiple life sentences.
Recently the media has raised concerns over potential violence at the 2012 Olympics in London given this week's riots.
2011: Youth Flash Mobs in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has a flash mob problem--and not the fun kind. Groups of youths utilize text messaging and social media to coordinate mischief. The latest incident occurred on Saturday.
Mayor Nutter has implemented a curfew to deter youth violence. Children as young as 11 allegedly participate in this recent rash of youth violence. Nutter also committed to keep youth centers open later and fine parents when their minors are involved in these incidents.
This occurred roughly two years after youth allegedly caused the death of a local Starbucks manager.
With the ongoing riots in London, critics have blamed the government and the economy for the shutdown of youth clubs. BBC reports that technology giant Blackberry has agreed to assist police with crackdown on youth violence as groups are using smartphones to coordinate.
A strained economy in a community already underserved can create a climate in which riots appear.
As of 6:45 p.m. EST, a blogger in Birmingham, England reports that "Police have totally lost control."
Published by Tara M. Clapper - Featured Contributor in Arts & Entertainment, Travel, Technology and Lifestyle
Tara M. Clapper is a freelance writer living in the Philadelphia area. The author steadily produces material for content sites and private clients while pursuing a Masters in Publishing part time. Tara s... View profile
- Parole and Probation in the United StatesIn this paper I will discuss the history of parole and probation in the United States and how it came to exist in today's society.
- International Students in the United StatesThere are a variety of opportunities and places to turn to for a 'taste of home' while attending college in the U.S.
- The Top 5 Spa Resorts in the United StatesThis is my list of the top five resorts in the United States. I have included all inclusive resorts and day spas. So there is something for anyone here.
- Healthcare in the United StatesHealth care in the United States still has a long way to go. Something more needs to be done to address this growing problem.
Will the Condom with Teeth Catch on in the United States?A Consideration of Whether the Prophylactic "Condom With Teeth" Will Catch on in the United States
- The Reasons for the Surgeon General's Report on Youth Violence
- My Top 5 Reasons Why Soccer Will Never Be Big in the United States
- Fact or Fiction: Concentration Camps in the United States
- Reasons Why Soccer Will Never Be a Big Hit in the United States
- The Ten Most Horrendous School Shootings in the United States
- The Problem of Homelessness in the United States of America
- Autism in the United States Senate: An Asperger Syndrome Staff Member
1 Comments
Post a CommentThank you for the excellent article. Sometimes it is important to get an article out where people can hear untarnished details of things like mischief with flash mobs and imposed curfews to help deter juvenile participation.