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Essay Instructions: Mississippi Burning Video Assignment

Note: To complete this assignment, you must obtain a copy of the 1988 movie Mississippi Burning starring Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe. The major video rental stores carry this movie, as do many public libraries. Or if you prefer, you can purchase the video from Amazon.com or other outlets.

View the 1988 movie Mississippi Burning.

In a reaction paper consisting of 500-750 words, discuss the specific tactics used by the Ku Klux Klan in the movie, as well as the tactics used initially, and the eventually, by the FBI in their investigation of the Klan. Would you characterize the Klan's activities in the movie as terrorism or simply as crime? If you believe it was terrorism, does that mean that all who were members of the local Klan in the movie should be responsible for any terrorist acts committed by the Klan? Finally, discuss whether you think the actions of the FBI to solve the case were ethical in light of the greater good.

Alternative to the Movie:

If your situation prevents you from accessing the movie (for example, you are deployed overseas), you may instead conduct an internet or library search concerning the case of U.S. vs. Cecil Price et al. (1967), which is the case that the movie is based on, and on violent reactions to the Civil Rights Movement in the South. In conducting your research, you will be spared some of the liberties taken in the movie concerning how the investigation unfolded. Even so, answer the same questions listed above based upon your research. Include in your commentary whether you think the FBI could have done more.

One recommended Web site is "Famous American Trials: U.S. vs. Cecil Price, et. al." http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/price&bowers/price&bowers.htm

Essay Instructions: the 1988 movie Mississippi Burning.
In a reaction paper, discuss the specific tactics used by the Ku Klux Klan in the movie, as well as the tactics used initially, and the eventually, by the FBI in their investigation of the Klan.

Would you characterize the Klan's activities in the movie as terrorism or simply as crime?

If you believe it was terrorism, does that mean that all who were members of the local Klan in the movie should be responsible for any terrorist acts committed by the Klan?

Finally, discuss whether you think the actions of the FBI to solve the case were ethical in light of the greater good.

Essay Instructions: Reaction paper based on the movie Mississippi Burning. Discuss the specific Tactic (terrorism) used by the Ku Klux Klan in the movie as well as the tactics used initially, and then eventually by the FBI in their investigation of the Klan. Characterize the Klan activities as terrorism or simply as crime. Should the Klan be responsible for any terrorism they committed and I believe the FBI did what they had to do to solve the case, I guess was it ethical in light of greater good yes. Need all involved and all aspects as described above.

Essay Instructions: View the 1988 movie Mississippi Burning.

In a reaction paper consisting of 500-750 words, discuss the specific tactics used by the Ku Klux Klan in the movie, as well as the tactics used initially, and the eventually, by the FBI in their investigation of the Klan. Would you characterize the Klan's activities in the movie as terrorism or simply as crime? If you believe it was terrorism, does that mean that all who were members of the local Klan in the movie should be responsible for any terrorist acts committed by the Klan? Finally, discuss whether you think the actions of the FBI to solve the case were ethical in light of the greater good.