Jena 6 Controversy

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that the United States claims equality and tolerance as part of its national policy. The writer points out that while this has been somewhat challenged since the 9/11 attacks, many Americans still feel that the country advocates the values of humanity over those of racial or ethnic segregation. It is therefore tragic when racial conflicts and hatred attacks occur, particularly among the young. The writer discusses that one example of racial conflict is the "Jena Six" controversy. The writer explains that the case involves six black high school students who were arrested on charges of allegedly trying to beat a white classmate to death. The writer also provides her personal opinion on the incident and how it was treated by the justice system.

From the Paper:

"Being racial in nature, the case has also attracted the attention of civil rights activists, bloggers and black radio hosts. Many of these persons criticized the events leading to the court case and conviction, citing unequal justice as their opinion on the matter. Indeed, even the Rev. Jesse Jackson has been inspired to fight for justice until all the charges against the Jena 6 are dropped, and the American Civil Liberties Union is investigating the case for possible evidence of racial disparity. Kovach cites studies finding that African-Americans are incarcerated at nearly six times the rate of whites. Many reasons are cited for this, including the poverty level of certain ethnic groups, as well as the assumption of criminality that is associated not only with the poverty level, but also with the specific ethnic group."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Fears, Darryl. (2007, Aug 4). La. Town Fells 'White Tree,' but Tension Runs Deep. Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/03/AR2007080302098.html
• Kovach, Gretel C. (2007, Sept 15). "The Jena 6". Newsweek. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20793079/site/newsweek/page/0/
• Jones, Andrea. (2007, Sept. 19). Atlanta students rally to free Louisiana teens. The Atlanta Journal - Constitution. http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2007/09/18/rally_0919_web.html
• Richards, Clark. (2007, Sept 25). Six Lessons from the Jena 6 Controversy. Associated Content. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/392710/six_lessons_from_the_jena_6_controversy.html
• Sowell, Thomas. (2007). The last thing the South needs is a return to lynch-mob justice, whatever the color of whoever is promoting it. JWR Insighthttp://jewishworldreview.com/cols/sowell092507.php3

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