I read the article, “Who Were the Counterprotesters in Charlottesville?” by Farah Stockman. This article starts off by saying that white supremacists were holding a rally in response to anti fascists wanting to take down a historical statue. The anti fascists then decided to join the rally and counter the protest. The counter protest was organized by Charlottesville activists, clergy members, and local community residents who called themselves Solidarity Cville. Brittany Caine-Conley, who is part of Solidarity Cville, warned the locals of the possibility of violence breaking out at the rally. While the rally may not have been set up for intentional violence, both parties came prepared if the rally called for a fight. Violence then erupted between both parties resulting in one woman dying with many others having serious injuries. A white supremacist ran his car through the crowd and killed the woman which angered the anti-fascists even more. They started to beat up the “Unite the Right” leader, Jason Kessler, causing him to have to leave. The anti fascists group also got support from a group called the Redneck Revolt who came with rivals and surrounded the anti fascists to protect them from the white supremacists. When the police were called to the riot they were told to stand down and let the violence happen. Vice President Mike Pence addressed the issue saying that according to Trump, both parties were responsible for the violence that occurred which angered a lot of the counter protestors. He also said that President Trump stated that no matter what perspective you have, whether it’s having a militant or violent perspective, using force is unacceptable. This statement was made so that both parties could face prosecution for their actions. Symbolic Interactionism: A symbolic perspective would see the torches as a nonverbal communication symbol. To the white supremacists, the torches are a symbol of intimidation and power. Even though the white supremacists did not wear their pointy hoods at the rally, they still brought the torches to conduct fear and get a rise out of the anti-fascists members. To the anti-fascist group, the torches are a symbol of oppression. It reminds them of the hardship and hatred that was expressed towards their race and how to this day it is still happening. Functionalism: A functionalism perspective would see that society functions best through discussions and debates. They might see the violence that happened at this rally as a dysfunction because violence disrupts the ability of society to function effectively. Even though the protestors were voicing their opinions nothing was getting resolved. Even in the midst of all the violence, the Charlottesville’s local community members came together to make their voices known and to stick together. Other groups like the Redneck Revolt group even came out to provide protection for the counter protestors. They all functioned together to make an impact. Conflict Theory: ...

1. I read the article, “Who Were the Counterprotesters in
Charlottesville?” by Farah Stockman. This article starts off by
saying that white supremacists were holding a rally in response
to anti fascists wanting to take down a historical statue. The
anti fascists then decided to join the rally and counter the
protest. The counter protest was organized by Charlottesville
activists, clergy members, and local community residents who
called themselves Solidarity Cville. Brittany Caine-Conley, who
is part of Solidarity Cville, warned the locals of the possibility
of violence breaking out at the rally. While the rally may not
have been set up for intentional violence, both parties came
prepared if the rally called for a fight. Violence then erupted
between both parties resulting in one woman dying with many
others having serious injuries. A white supremacist ran his car
through the crowd and killed the woman which angered the anti-
fascists even more. They started to beat up the “Unite the
Right” leader, Jason Kessler, causing him to have to leave. The
anti fascists group also got support from a group called the
Redneck Revolt who came with rivals and surrounded the anti
fascists to protect them from the white supremacists. When the
police were called to the riot they were told to stand down and
let the violence happen. Vice President Mike Pence addressed
the issue saying that according to Trump, both parties were
responsible for the violence that occurred which angered a lot
of the counter protestors. He also said that President Trump
stated that no matter what perspective you have, whether it’s
having a militant or violent perspective, using force is
unacceptable. This statement was made so that both parties
could face prosecution for their actions.
Symbolic Interactionism: A symbolic perspective would see the
torches as a nonverbal communication symbol. To the white
supremacists, the torches are a symbol of intimidation and
power. Even though the white supremacists did not wear their

2. pointy hoods at the rally, they still brought the torches to
conduct fear and get a rise out of the anti-fascists members. To
the anti-fascist group, the torches are a symbol of oppression. It
reminds them of the hardship and hatred that was expressed
towards their race and how to this day it is still happening.
Functionalism: A functionalism perspective would see that
society functions best through discussions and debates. They
might see the violence that happened at this rally as a
dysfunction because violence disrupts the ability of society to
function effectively. Even though the protestors were voicing
their opinions nothing was getting resolved. Even in the midst
of all the violence, the Charlottesville’s local community
members came together to make their voices known and to stick
together. Other groups like the Redneck Revolt group even
came out to provide protection for the counter protestors. They
all functioned together to make an impact.
Conflict Theory: A conflict theory perspective applies social
class, race, gender, education, and ethnicity. This article
described a struggle of power between both sides. The white
supremacists feel they are superior then the other races and
want to get rid of them. The other races are feeling like they are
being targeted and that nothing is getting done about it. They
feel as though they are not being heard and so the only way to
start getting noticed is to create violence. The white
supremacists are a hateful group that have hate speech and for
some reason still have privileges and free speech to voice their
opinions on race matters that have nothing to do with them.
Discussion Questions:
1. Do you believe that both sides should face prosecution for
their violent behavior regardless of who started it? Why or why
not?
2. Should events that have offended people in our history be
completely removed or not talked about? Why or why not?

3. 3. Why were the police told to stand down and do nothing?
Do you think they would have helped the situation if they had
been instructed to intervene?
Discussion 1:
1) Answer in APA format with more than 1 reference.
2) Responses to be provided later after providing is submitted.
Responses:
1) I will post 2 peers post, kindly provide response for each
peer post for discussion 1.
Response 1,2(for discussion 1):
1) Kindly provide in APA format with references.
2) Response 1(for peer post 1 and question 1): Kindly provide
in APA format with references.
3) Response 2(for peer post 2 and question 1): Kindly provide
in APA format with references.
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