Cultural+Rabbit

Cultural Mariah Nunes

South Boston has historically been a place of segregation and violence. These issues are simply the culture in the area known as Southie. However, the city has experienced many changes such as efforts to desegregate the public. An article from The New York Times explains, “The announcement that South Boston's public housing projects would be integrated was made by Mayor Raymond L. Flynn a week before his re-election in November. It was prompted by demands from Federal and state agencies that Boston speed its efforts to desegregate its public housing” (Diesenhouse). The “public housing” mentioned in the article was a cultural norm in Southie. Although, the houses were separated by blacks and whites. Mayor Flynn announced the new idea for the houses to be “integrated” so that South Boston’s racial problems dissolve. Nonetheless, conflict in Southie was beyond racism. It included issues between citizens and authoritative powers.

Furthermore, Southie’s law enforcement included more than just the Police Department. In the article, “The Athens of America,” the author describes, “The most feared and hated of all the law enforcement personnel during the busing crisis were the 125 members of the Tactical Patrol Force (TPF), an elite riot squad that wore special uniforms” (Chesson). These men were ruthless. They were “feared” and “hated” more than any other form of authority. The Tactical Patrol Force was powerful enough to affect the culture in South Boston by using violence as a means of control. One example of their abuse is the Rabbit Inn Incident. “Athens of America” elaborates, “The Tactical Police Force (TPF) arrived and attacked and wrecked the bar, beating up and arresting people in and around it. People in South Boston say that it was really a retaliatory raid because several of the patrons had beat up a member of the TPF” (Chesson). The TPF was known for the way they “attacked” and “wrecked” people and their facilities. The reasons for their actions were commonly vindictive rather than law enforcing. The culture of South Boston remained fearful of their authorities while they struggled with issues such as race and drugs for years to com.

Works Cited

Chesson, Michael. "The Athens of America." The American History News Network. 16 Apr. 2011. Web. 28 Mar. 2012.

Diesenhouse, Susan. "Black Families Are to Move Into Projects in South Boston." The New York Times. 13 Dec. 1987. Web. 28 Mar. 2012.