7. Rodney King
In 1992, alleged police mistreatment of African Americans was a hot issue, much as it is today. When Rodney King was beaten by Los Angeles Police Department officers and the officers were acquitted in court, riots occurred in South Central Los Angeles over the course of six days. During this time, when questioned about the riots, Rodney King himself was quoted in the midst of the riots as saying: “Can we all get along?”
This statement from a man that had been brutally beaten by police has been seen by many as a plea for equal justice and fair treatment. Over the years, the phrase has been used satirically, but at the time, it sent shockwaves. Those hearing these words sympathize with the desire for violence to come to an end in general. In fact, it seemed to be a plea for peace in general, even beyond the riots. Regardless of what exactly he meant, the phrase has lived on in infamy.
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