The Los Angeles Rebellion: A Retrospective View

Abstract

The Los Angeles rebellion of 1992 is evaluated from an urban political economy perspective. After discussing the anatomy of the rebellion and assessing retrospectively the outcome of the police brutality trial; the civil unrest is situated within the broader context of the recent demographic, social, and economic changes occurring in Los Angeles society. This is followed by a critical review of existing policies and proposals advanced to rebuild Los Angeles. An alternative strategy for rebuilding south central Los Angeles, which seeks to address the real "seeds" of the rebellion, is proposed.