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Los Angeles Riots: Lessons for the Urban Future

NCJ Number
163114
Editor(s)
M Baldassare
Date Published
1994
Length
259 pages
Annotation
Because the 1992 Los Angeles riots were among the most violent and destructive events in 20th century urban America, this compilation of papers looks at causes of the riots, what actually took place, and consequences and meaning of the riots for U.S. cities.
Abstract
The findings provide strong evidence of the existence of an inner-city underclass, the persistence of black-white tensions in U.S. society, and the emergence of ethnic hostilities in urban neighborhoods. In particular, the riots demonstrate that the treatment of blacks and living conditions of poor blacks has changed less than some thought and that the potential for violence is heightened by social and economic transformations in inner-city black neighborhoods. Three defining characteristics of the Los Angeles riots are noted: (1) conditions of poor urban blacks have not improved and remain a critical source of urban uprisings; (2) black-white tensions remain high, as race relations are in a troubled state due to personal and institutional racism; and (3) combined effects of foreign immigration and economic restructuring, present in many U.S. cities in the 1990's, are leading to ethnic hostilities. The demographic setting of the riots and the role of public opinion are discussed. Attention is also paid to characteristics of those arrested, the extent of property damage, conflict between blacks and Koreans, and community coalition building. Suggestions are offered on how to avoid future unrest in urban areas. References, tables, and figures

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