What Is The Similarities Between The Fergusson Riots And The Civil Rights Movement

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The Fergusson riots refers to the civil unrest experienced in the state of Missouri in response to the alleged police killing of unarmed black teenager, (Kennedy & Schuessler , 2014). On the other hand, the Civil Rights are refer to a period in American history when a social movement arose calling for recognition and protection of human rights after the civil war (Kennedy & Schuessler , 2014).
Though separated by a gulf of time both incidents have served to evoke strong racial sentiments. In both the issue of racial discrimination and the disenfranchisement of the black ‘man’ are core. While the Civil Movement era was fighting against entrenched racial segregation policy the Fergusson riots are a response to perceived police profiling and excessive force against blacks. There also exists similar embracing of non-violent protest by both groups including placards and T-shirt messages. Police use of intimidation technique in attempting to control the crowds transcend the times. While in the Civil Rights era the police used dogs, todays police have gone hi-tech. use of rifles, water cannon and teargas achieved similar ends. …show more content…

The use of social media to shape social perceptions and police response is a stand out difference. While such technological developments are recent they have been key to the Fergusson riots as police attempt to exude restraint. The organization of both movement is also dissimilar. While in 1950s society was united in calling for an end to racial discrimination, in Fergusson the views are split. One gets the feeling that the police use excessive force across the board, not only to blacks. Coupled with the apparent predominantly white police force in a black majority township the ugly theme of race rears

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