EVENTS - Rodney King L.A. Riots - 9/11 - Obama's Presidency
3 Major Events in more recent United States history that give a better understanding of race and racism before and after these events. To view more events especially pertaining to government policies click here.
L.A. Riots/Rodney King - Rodney was pulled over for a speeding violation and resisted arrest. Rodney King was beaten by white policemen. This beating was taped through the police cam cars. This event was televised and caused a huge disruption which started the L.A. Riots (African American History). Many people claimed that this was an event of racial profiling. The four officers that were accused of the beating were found not-guilty by an all white jury. April 29, 1992 was the beginning of 53 people dead and $1 billion dollars in damage (Gray). This huge social event proved that not only some people are racist in more modern day and age, but that people will revolt over actions that they do not approve of.
9/11 - Following the attacks of September 11 in 2001 racial profiling in airport screenings among men who looked/were Middle Eastern grew. Before September 11th airport security was low, but now with high airport security there is more racial profiling. The Transportation Security Administration cannot completely stop screening people in airports (Siggins). The problem is how do airports maintain security but at the same time not racially profile. As of right now the security administration targets people who look suspicious, which could be taken as racial profiling. In order to maintain security for all people there is no current solution to stop racial profiling.
Obama's Presidency - There are different views on Obama entering the office. Many believe that our nation has become more racist because a man of darker coloring has entered office. Many people believe that if an individual voted for Obama, it was only based on the color of his skin. On the other hand Obama's presidency has brought in a new age in terms of racism. Before Obama became president all 43 other presidents before this were white males. Even though race should not be a deciding factor in determining our nation's future, a black man becoming president shows that many people are becoming indifferent to the color of skin. Society voted to put President Barack Obama into office, which created positive change in relation to race for America. Although yes many people were appalled, there were also those who were happy our nation might be changing in a positive direction. That as a nation white males are not the only ones worthy of presidency in the United States.
9/11 - Following the attacks of September 11 in 2001 racial profiling in airport screenings among men who looked/were Middle Eastern grew. Before September 11th airport security was low, but now with high airport security there is more racial profiling. The Transportation Security Administration cannot completely stop screening people in airports (Siggins). The problem is how do airports maintain security but at the same time not racially profile. As of right now the security administration targets people who look suspicious, which could be taken as racial profiling. In order to maintain security for all people there is no current solution to stop racial profiling.
Obama's Presidency - There are different views on Obama entering the office. Many believe that our nation has become more racist because a man of darker coloring has entered office. Many people believe that if an individual voted for Obama, it was only based on the color of his skin. On the other hand Obama's presidency has brought in a new age in terms of racism. Before Obama became president all 43 other presidents before this were white males. Even though race should not be a deciding factor in determining our nation's future, a black man becoming president shows that many people are becoming indifferent to the color of skin. Society voted to put President Barack Obama into office, which created positive change in relation to race for America. Although yes many people were appalled, there were also those who were happy our nation might be changing in a positive direction. That as a nation white males are not the only ones worthy of presidency in the United States.
Image Citations:
Nat'l 9/11 Memorial Plaza At WTC On Track To Open To Visitors In September.
Photography. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 22 May
2014.<http://quest.eb.com/images/115_3866312>
President Barack Obama. Photographer. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web.
22 May 2014.<http://quest.eb.com/images/115_2226574>
Race Riots. HORIZONTAL. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 22 May
2014.<http://quest.eb.com/images/115_863362>
Nat'l 9/11 Memorial Plaza At WTC On Track To Open To Visitors In September.
Photography. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 22 May
2014.<http://quest.eb.com/images/115_3866312>
President Barack Obama. Photographer. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web.
22 May 2014.<http://quest.eb.com/images/115_2226574>
Race Riots. HORIZONTAL. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 22 May
2014.<http://quest.eb.com/images/115_863362>