What Forms Of Protest Does America Find 'Acceptable'?

Leaders across the country, from President Trump to Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, say they support the peaceful protests against police brutality and the death of George Floyd. In addition, our leaders condemn any rioting or destruction of property.

As the last two weeks have unfolded, we've wondered: what's the historical relationship between protests, rioting, destruction of property? Why are there instances when our country celebrates it, tolerates it, or condemns it?

Kellie Carter Jackson is an assistant professor of Africana studies at Wellesley College. She wrote about those questions in The Atlantic this week and joined us to discuss the historical double standard in what kinds of protest are seen as acceptable.