GATEWAYS
CASE STUDY 5:
LA RIOTS
1992, Los Angeles
One of the first most infamous victims of police brutality in the US. In 1991, King was beaten by the LAPD for over 15 minutes accompanied by over a dozen police officers watching over prior to his arrest for driving under the influence.
After video footage of Rodney King’s arrest was screened on television, “the Rodney King beating” became one of the most well-known cases of police use of force in history.
Throughout the trials of the police officers, media outlets repeatedly play the “the Rodney King beating” video while also highlighting his arrest and prison record, and alleged investigations for two robberies.
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Discussion Questions
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In the first video, what questions is the reporter asking, and how do these questions shape the national narrative around this event? Who is in control of that narrative?
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King’s beating by police was the first video of police brutality to be seen nationwide. How did that impact the response to King, the police, Black people in general, law enforcement in general?