State Repression of Black Dissent in the USA : A Comparative Analysis of the Black Panther Party and the Movement for Black Lives

Sammanfattning: This comparative analysis explores the state repression experienced by The Black Panther Party, which was active mainly during the late 1960s and early 1970s, and the currently biggest movement for racial equality in the US, the Movement for Black Lives. Using Conflict Theory and Critical Race Theory the research asks two research questions: How has state repression changed from the Black Panther Party to the Movement for Black Lives? and What are possible explanations for this change? This thesis aims to shed light on state repression in relation to movements focused on black rights and equality. The findings of this research are in line with conflict theory, and supportive of racial threat perspective as a theoretical framework. The thesis concludes that state repression of black dissent has changed in multiple aspects, such as police violence, legislative measure, surveillance, and media framing, yet is still prevalent and harmful to social movements.