Comparing a major American city and its rebellions against itself: Los Angeles of 1965 and 1992

Abstract

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This article compares two of the most devastating uprisings of the twentieth century. Using two models for social change we examine and compare the Los Angeles uprisings of 1965 and 1992. While each uprising occurred in very different periods in American history both have much in common. However, there were also a number of distinct differences that can be attributed to changes in racial and class demographics within the city. Finally, despite the tendency to label these acts of violence as riots [an outbreak of frivolous violence that lacks a political purpose] the circumstances around which certain communities in Los Angeles erupted in 1965 and 1992 show, among other things, that both rebellions were a legitimate form of political participation and very much a part of the American ethos.