Wind (and a little bit of media studies!)
I was nearly blown into traffic today by a gust of wind. Millions upon millions are prone to the wrong-headed belief that “the Windy City” moniker comes from Chicago’s wind, but I’m here to tell you that Melbourne has some of the most ferocious wind I’ve every experienced. At one point, I was pedaling, but the headwind was so strong I nearly tipped over from lack of momentum. Can’t wait until winter!
Onto the media stuff. For my Conflict class, we’re looking this week at the ways in which the media frame public dissent and protests. Pretty interesting stuff. A study of a British riot mentioned the famous 1968 Democratic Convention riots, so I decided to have a look at the Tribune archives (thanks library card!).
Common wisdom now relates that Daley and the police wailed upon the hapless protesters, but in 1968 the situation was pretty different. Most references I found - before the system crashed - were about the poor, fatigued police just doing their best. An editorial hilariously sums up the Tribune’s (highly conservative wisdom) after the jump…
Bad Judgment by the Police
We have no sympathy with the rowdy demonstrations conducted by the hippies, yippies, and other young punks who have gathered in Chicago by the thousands. Their presence is unnecessary for the work of the Democratic national convention, which they apparently are trying to influence.
We do have sympathy with the Chicago policemen, who have been working 12 hour shifts and are getting tired. Particularly they are tired of senseless demonstrations which take them from more important work.
…
Strong security, however, does not require the police to beat up newspaper reporters and photographers who are lawfully trying to cover a news event.
…
At least 24 newsmen have been roughed up… Judging from photographs, some of the newsmen looked like hippies, and perhaps they refused to obey police orders to move. If so, police were perhaps justified in using force.The press is not the enemy of the police; it is the policeman’s friend. Policemen so lacking in judgment that they needless beat up a representative of the press don’t belong on the police force.
-Bad Judgment by the Police
Chicago Tribune (1963-Current file); Aug 28, 1968; ProQuest Historical Newspapers Chicago Tribune (1849 - 1985) pg. 16
Now there’s a mayor who knew how to keep ‘em all in line. I’m sick of Prince Daley; where’s papa when you need him?
Sphere: Related Content
March 11th, 2007 at 9:00 am
Look, when you just worked a 12 hour shift, it’s hard to tell a photographer from a hippie. You’re just swinging that truncheon and damn, a skull’s a skull, and they need cracking.
March 11th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
Too true, my friend. Too true.