Assignment #1

The article regarding sundown practices displays the manner in which racial exclusion tactics were not only exclusive to the southern US, but also rampant in places like California. During the early to even the mid 20th century Californian towns were still pushing black citizens from living and entering specific areas and neighborhoods. Segregation was enforced through policing, housing plans, and signs. This era left a lasting impact on California as even after these practices were eliminated from the state, their influence continues to be seen. There are areas that are predominantly white and with very low black populations due to these sundown practices. Their lasting impact asserts the fact that though things may seem to have improved, even years removed from what was considered a more discriminatory time, the effects still persist.  Segregation is still embedded in so many communities within California, a direct consequence of our country's terrible track record of an overall lack of racial equality. 

The next article regarding the 1992 riots in Los Angeles enforces how unresolved problems and tensions can explode around racial and economic inequality. The acquittal of cases such as Rodney King’s case was unfortunately way too common for the era. The acquittal of trial was the straw that broke the camel’s back. It was not the sole fuel for these riots. Years of racial, economic, and legal oppression is what truly made these riots so explosive. These riots were the direct result of the US’ systematic failure to do justice by the black community for the centuries of suffering they endured. 

These two articles display both the tactics of racial exclusion and the eventual outcomes of a buildup of such tactics over the course of time. They serve as a testament to the United State’s history of undeserving their minority populations, as well as the power of the people to rebel and protest against what they believe to be unfair legislation and judicial decisions.