Question

Many observers considered the race riots of the 1960s a negative social phenomenon. However, in a 1967 speech, Martin Luther King Jr. reflected that: Urban riots must now be recognized as durable social phenomena. They may be deplored, but they are there and should be understood. Urban riots are a special form of violence. They are not insurrections. The rioters are not seeking to seize territory or to attain control of institutions. They are mainly intended to shock the white community. They are a distorted form of social protest. The looting which is their principal feature serves many functions. It enables the most enraged and deprived Negro to take hold of consumer goods with the ease the white man does by using his purse. Often the Negro does not even want what he takes; he wants the experience of taking. But most of all, alienated from society and knowing that this society cherishes property above people, he is shocking it by abusing property rights. There are thus elements of emotional catharsis in the violent act. Briefly explain how sociologists define social problems. Then, using MLK’s analysis of race riots as an example, discuss the importance of approaching social problems objectively.

Answer 1

According to sociologist social problems are problems which are effecting the society ,which are damaging the society, culture , values , tradition, customs. It means that society is getting effected by internal and external factors. And these problems can be anything in society like , population growth , pollution, child labour , illiteracy, child marriage , anything which effects the society .

Well Martin Luther King had a vision in his mind and he wanted equality fir everyone ,and for this he protested for the equal rights of all people who face discrimination .Though our society face discrimination ,we as a citizen of this society need to change ourselves . We need to take the initiative ,we can bring the change and for this we need to start from our homes . There is a great saying if you want ti being a change in society first make your bed while going to sleep and after getting up, than think of change . People need to understand that we have to change not the society . We are the root cause of every problem. Change ourselves not the society. And if we do this all social problems will end .