The document summarizes the key events of the 1992 Los Angeles riots. It describes how tensions had built up between the African American community and police, stemming from the beating of Rodney King by police officers and their subsequent acquittal. This sparked riots during which Korean-American owned businesses were heavily damaged. The document also discusses the underlying social and economic inequalities, such as high unemployment rates and racial profiling, that contributed to tensions between ethnic groups. It considers possible imagined futures if racial harmony is not actively promoted in Singapore, such as increased racism, unemployment, and gang violence among youth. Ways to prevent these outcomes and promote continued racial harmony are also suggested.

1. LOS ANGELES RIOTS ADRIAN . REVATHIE . VERENA . JASON

2. PARTA

3. Background Story Rodney King was chased by 4 police officers in 1991 4 police officers beat King up The beating process was being recorded The police officers claimed that King was retaliating The court acquitted the 4 police officers in 1992 Shortly after the verdict was passed, the riot began http://www.nytimes.com/1992/03/20/us/sergeant-says-king-appeared-to-be-on-drugs.html?scp=4&sq=rodney+king%20PCP&st=cse

4. Story Beyond Story Rodney King was just the spark to the long running tension Korean merchants caused the black to be unhappy because most blacks remained poor / jobless LAPD engaged in racial profiling http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,975479,00.html

5. Story Beyond Story A Korean-American shop owner shot and killed Latasha Harlins, an African-American girl But was only sentenced to a five years probation. The incident worsened the existing tensions between African-American residents and Asian-American merchants http://www.nytimes.com/1992/01/24/news/judge-who-gave-probation-in-a-slaying-may-be-moved.html

6. Story Beyond Story State of Poverty The African-American believed that the Korean-American and other races “stole” their wealth Koreans-American refused to hire the African-American

7. Impact - Economic High unemployment rate of the African-Americans African-Americans was unable to contribute to the state’s economy During the riots, Koreans and other Asian shops were most affected by theft and destruction; businesses suffered huge losses 1 billion dollars in damages

8. Impact - Social Low standard of living Hostility between races contributing to a dangerous environment Imparted negative values and behaviour to the next generation

9. Impact - Political Inequality in opportunities to hold governmental positions

10. PARTB

11. Comparison - Similarities www.littlespeck.com/content/people/CTrendsPeople-080315.htm

12. Comparison - Differences www.littlespeck.com/content/people/CTrendsPeople-080315.htm

13. The Imagined Future- Aging Population If Singapore stops educating the population on Racial Harmony (e.g. removing racial harmony day), the future generations will grow up in a more racist nature. If younger generations are racist, they will refrain from inter-racial marriages, thus they can only marry people of the same race, limiting the number of babies produced, and number of singles increase.

14. The Imagined Future- Aging Population For example, if there are 5000 chinese males (all assumed to be racist), and 4000 chinese females (all assumed to be racist), there will be 1000 remaining chinese males who will be left unmarried. If these 1000 remaining males choose to marry other races, they can produce 1000 more babies (assuming each couple produces 1 child)

15. The Imagined Future- Younger workers find it difficult to secure jobs If Singapore abolishes Racial Harmony celebrations and education, only the older generation will be racial harmonious while the younger generations will be more racist. Thus, if the older boss of a company is Indian, a chinese young job applicant will not apply for this job and thus unable to secure a job because he is selective about the races he wants to work with.

16. The Imagined Future- Young people becoming more unemployed In relation to the previous scenario, if the younger generations are more racist, they will adopt different work ethics that may be difficult to work with, giving rise to retrenchment, unemployment and being fired.

17. The Imagined Future- Teenagers joining gangs In the 1992 L.A. Riots, the African-American teenagers grouped together and the gangsterism rate increased greatly. If Singapore was a racist society, all the teenagers will group together to form gangs according to their races. With hostility against each race, violence is bound to unfold

18. The Imagined Future- Teenagers being stereotyped as criminals and stopped at police checkpoints frequently As teenagers join more gangs of their own races, resentment and violence will be abundant. All these gangs will engage in clashes and be regarded as rowdy and gangster behaviour. Police will have to remain more vigilant to ensure that no sabotage missions are underway.

19. PARTC

20. What we can do to prevent the imagined future: Racial harmony values must be cultivated from young through education (e.g. Give more emphasis in curriculum). Every one from each race should have an equal chance at job opportunities- should be considered based on merit and not colour. Should emphasise on speaking English because if groups of people speak their own language, others may feel left out.

21. What we can do to prevent the imagined future: Have a proportionate mix of races in the police force, and recruit more policemen or women. Singapore can encourage inter-racial marriages. Companies can put new employees through work ethic courses to promote good social cohesion with each other.

22. What we can do to prevent the imagined future: Imposing extremely heavy punishments for youths consorting in gangs or racist comments. Students in school should have the freedom to choose what second language they want to take. Police force should be taught to not age, gender or racial profile. Have more encouraging racial harmony activities such as campaigns and carnivals that will interest youths. Play shows of different languages with subtitles to promote other races’ cultures.

23. Some Problems We May Face

24. Some problems we may face: Kids may skip school if they feel that the racial harmony classes are redundant. Bosses are not supportive and are prejudice against certain people due to language requirements. Parents speak to their children in their mother tongue. Some people do not want to become policemen or women.

25. Some problems we may face: Religion barriers in marriages. Companies are stingy and do not want to pay for the extra courses. People are lazy to participate in these activities. TV channels may not want to take the risk to play shows that will not give them the maximum capital.

26. THE END