Contested Legitimacy in Ferguson: Nine Hours on Canfield Drive

On August 9, 2014, a peaceful protest in Ferguson, Missouri, turned violent after police responded with military-style weapons and vehicles. The killing of Michael Brown sparked widespread outrage and mobilization, with activists reclaiming the site as a memorial to challenge unjust police authority. The theory of Contested Legitimacy suggests that the stakes of each action by insurgents, authorities, and third parties for mobilization concern regulatory repression, and actions that undercut the validity of repression encourage mobilization. Video, photo, and textual data make it possible to unpack the complex interactive process of mobilization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

On August 9, 2014, a significant event unfolded in Ferguson, Missouri, marking a turning point in the ongoing protests and social unrest. At noon, the community witnessed the tragic killing of Michael Brown on Canfield Drive, sparking initial disbelief and limited protest. However, as the day progressed, a remarkable transformation took place. By 9 p.m., a multitude of individuals, driven by a sense of injustice and frustration, had peacefully defied the police force, armed with military-style weapons, armored vehicles, helicopters, and snarling dogs.

It is crucial to recognize that the structural factors alone cannot fully explain the emergence of insurgency in Ferguson. To delve into the mobilization process, I propose a theory of Contested Legitimacy. This theory centers around the stakes involved in the actions taken by insurgents, authorities, and third parties, which directly impact the level of regulatory repression. Actions that challenge the validity of repression serve as catalysts for mobilization.

The power of video, photo, and textual data becomes evident in unraveling the intricate and dynamic process of mobilization. These forms of media provide a window into the complex interactions between various actors, shedding light on the motivations, strategies, and outcomes of the protests. Given the longstanding grievances surrounding racist policing in Ferguson, reclaiming the site where Michael Brown was killed as a memorial offered a powerful platform to challenge unjust police authority.

When the police responded to the situation as usual, with disproportionate force, callousness, and indiscriminate actions, their response galvanized local Black support for the activists. The community witnessed the police's inability to maintain order and protect the lives of its residents, further fueling the sense of frustration and resentment. This collective outrage served as a catalyst for the escalation of protests and the demand for change.

The events of August 9, 2014, marked a pivotal moment in the history of Ferguson and served as a reminder of the urgent need for systemic reform in the realm of law enforcement. The mobilization in Ferguson was driven by a collective determination to address the deep-rooted issues of racial inequality, police brutality, and the lack of accountability for those in power. The protests continued to grow, and the community's voice became increasingly louder, leading to significant policy changes and a national dialogue about the importance of justice and equality.

In conclusion, the emergence of insurgency in Ferguson cannot be attributed solely to the structural factors alone. The theory of Contested Legitimacy provides a framework for understanding the mobilization process, highlighting the stakes involved in the actions of insurgents, authorities, and third parties. The power of video, photo, and textual data enables us to unpack the complex interactive process of mobilization, shedding light on the motivations, strategies, and outcomes of the protests. The events of August 9, 2014, marked a turning point in the fight for social justice, and the community's resilience and determination continue to inspire movements for change across the nation.

Weight: 136g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009074865
Edition number: New ed