Two Towns of Jasper, the film

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Recommended: The causes of racial conflict

Simmel’s Theory of Conflict Simmel’s theory of conflict may be applied to the residents in “Two Towns of Jasper” because the murder of James Byrd Jr. had created conflict of racism and forced the town to examine their collective identity. The theory of conflict explains conflict as a form of interaction, more beneficial way to bring people in one society together, and a necessary for societal change. The benefits of a conflict are promoting growth in a society, resolving issues, and innovation. “Two Towns of Jasper” demonstrates that the conflict that arises from the murder of James Byrd Jr. brings the citizens of Jasper to recognize the racial differences that are occurring and resolve these issues in order to prevent future problems. Caucasians and African-Americans come together and view the murderers as common enemies which heightened the solidarity among the two groups. “Two Towns of Jasper” may seem like a normal, modern day town but on the inside the citizens still hold ideas of segregation and racism. These ideas are then examined as the documentary investigates the trials of Bill King, Lawrence Brewer, and Shawn Berry. The three murderers tried for Byrd’s death were all Caucasian and in some way showed hatred toward African-Americans. Bill King and Lawrence Brewer had tattoos that represented the Aryan Nation, a public and political white pride organization, and Shawn Berry was also thought to have ties to the organization. When they beat and murdered Byrd the issue of race arouse and citizens began to question each other’s motives. African-Americans brought up issues of segregation and Caucasians tried to justify the segregation as a traditional way of life. Societal change was examined and made possible because cit... ... middle of paper ... ...legal authority is seen through the court processes and the conviction of Bill King, Lawrence Brewer, and Shawn Berry which satisfied most citizens of Jasper. The legal procedures and rules determined that they were guilty by reviewing the facts of the case and not by using the traditional view held by many of its citizens. Traditional authority is viewed through the opinions of the citizens on how the community functions in regards to racial segregation. Traditionally, citizens of Jasper have been segregated and have never thought about the racial segregation until this heinous crime was committed. Charismatic authority is developed through the town officials and their notion of the segregation. As the officials came together in their ideas and opinions about racial segregation, the town came to realize that change needed to occur in regards to the racial division.

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