The Police in the 2005 Urban Uprising in Toledo Essay

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Abstract

Every American city has many citizens from diverse cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds. Such individuals tend to have different economic potentials and opportunities. These issues have contributed a lot to the kind of unrest encountered in different cities across the nation. This development explains why the 2005 Toledo Riot took place. This discussion gives a detailed analysis of the major aspects associated with the 2005 Toledo uprising.

Introduction

The “Toledo Riot took place on 15th October 2005” (Olsen & Morgan, 2005, para. 2). Many people were arrested and charged during the period. However, the police were accused of targeting specific minority groups. The 2005 Toledo Riot is an event that fulfilled the seven attributes of modern city rebellions while at the same time painting a true image of race relations, inequality, and crime in the United States. This discussion gives a detailed analysis of the Toledo Riot using the characteristics of modern city rebellions.

Description of the Uprising

The targeted uprising began when a small neo-Nazi group called National Socialist Movement (NSM) organized a march to protest against crime in Toledo’s North End (Olsen & Morgan, 2005). The riots lasted for a period of four hours. The NSM was protesting against various gang activities in the city. The march “forced different anti-fascist groups to stage a counter-demonstration” (Olsen & Morgan, 2005, para. 5). Several days before the protests, different groups came together in order to ensure the neo-Nazi rally was canceled. These groups were unhappy because the police seemed to protect the NSM. The mayor of the city decided to declare a state of emergency from 8 pm the same day. The police force was accused of supporting and protecting one group. As a result, around 114 African American youths were arrested. Most of the charges included disobedience, vandalism, assault, and curfew violations (Lawrence & Dua, 2005).

Analysts have indicated clearly that the NSM was protected by both the police and the leaders of Toledo. As well, the neo-Nazis were able to achieve their potential. Consequently, the “repressive apparatus of the government became evidence since more young African Americans were arrested and later charged” (Lawrence & Dua, 2005, p. 129). The police also granted the neo-Nazis permission to demonstrate on 10th December the same year. Different counter-protesters voiced their concerns because of the injustices perpetrated by the police.

Characteristics of Modern Urban Rebellions

The 2005 Toledo Riot appears to portray all the seven characteristics associated with modern urban protests and rebellions. Lawrence and Dua (2005) believe that the 2005 Toledo Riot emerged from the problem of race relations. Consequently, the demonstrations fulfilled the seven characteristics associated with modern urban revolts. The police deployed throughout the rebellion period were “more than a spark” (Lawrence & Dua, 2005, p. 131). The involved law enforcers protected the neo-Nazis from the counter-protesters. At the same time, the counter-protesters were unhappy with the NSM rioters. The neo-Nazis also believed that most of the gang activities in North End were committed by African Americans. The police, therefore, played a significant role in reshaping the course of this rebellion. The participants involved throughout the rebellion were also seeking justice (Lawrence & Dua, 2005). For instance, the neo-Nazis were against the increasing rate of gang activity in the North End. As well, the African American sympathizers believed that the NSM was promoting racial ideologies.

The issue of hope and despair was also evident throughout this infamous riot (Olsen & Morgan, 2005). The African Americans were unhappy with the protections availed to the whites in the region. Similar malpractices were also promoted in different parts of the country. The existence of “despair forced the counter-protesters to attack the police” (Lawrence & Dua, 2005, p. 124). They were optimistic that their concerns would be addressed in the future. As well, the rebellion was characterized by the issue of meaning and purpose (Barlow & Barlow, 2000). The neo-Nazis had a reason to demonstrate. On the other hand, the African Americans wanted the police to promote equality and support the needs of every citizen in the city.

The presence of many individuals with diverse goals during riots results in looting and burning. Several shops and stores were looted during the infamous 2005 protest (Olsen & Morgan, 2005). Most of the arrested African American individuals were accused of vandalism and looting. This malpractice has become a common aspect of present-day urban demonstrations.

The other characteristic of modern city protests is the issue of racial conflict (Barlow & Barlow, 2000). These protests proved that the city was facing a major social challenge. The whites were opposed to the welfare of African Americans and other minority groups. The police appeared to support the neo-Nazis while at the same time sidelining every African American. The ultimate goal of the 2005 Toledo Riot was to ensure both parties were heard.

Conclusion

This discussion shows how modern riots in different cities are characterized by the above seven aspects. That being the case, the government and relevant authorities should focus on new practices to streamline the actions of the police (Olsen & Morgan, 2005). The 2005 Toledo Riot also presents new insights that can be used to tackle crime and address the problem of racism. If the nation does not address these issues, more destructive riots will be experienced in the future.

Reference List

Barlow, E., & Barlow, H. (2000). Police in a Multicultural Society: An American Story. Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland.

Lawrence, B., & Dua, E. (2005). Decolonizing Antiracism. Social Justice, 32(4), 120-143.

Olsen, P., & Morgan, M. (2005). 12 Cops Hurt in Toledo Riot. The Chicago Tribune. Web.

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