Part 4/12:
This destruction carried unique ramifications, a firm signal that the police could not even protect themselves, let alone the communities they serve. In the narrative spun by the media at the time, a conscious effort was made to redefine grassroots violence. There was an affinity toward downplaying these actions, as major outlets resorted to labeling violent riots as "mostly peaceful protests". The effect this had on the public psyche was profound, leading many to acquiesce to a new reality they did not recognize.