ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book is concerned with the causes of the Los Angeles riots, an analysis of the event, and the consequences of the unrest for the future of US cities. It identifies some of the demographic "preconditions" for the Los Angeles riots. The book argues that ethnic and racial change in the South Central area resulted in escalating tensions. It also argues that one of the painful lessons from the Los Angeles riot is that immigration and chronic unemployment leave numerous other central city areas in the nation with a potentially explosive situation. The book describes the "Bradley coalition" of white liberals and blacks ruling Los Angeles politics for two decades prior to the April 1992 riot. It reviews the actions by the criminal justice system surrounding the Rodney King beating and the trial verdict.