The Real Riots

In World's End, T.C. Boyle describes riots in the fictional town of Peterskill. The scene described in his book was terrifying. The hatred expressed by the 'Patriots' through line such as "Out! You never get out! Every nigger bastard dies here tonight. Every Jew bastard dies here tonight!" (p. 91) are both chilling and scarring. While Boyle's riots were merely fiction its important to remember they were based on a real event. The 1949 riots in Peekskill, NY fit the description of those in Boyle's book all the way up to the guest list.
Under the guidelines of the Freedom of Information act the Federal Bureau of Investigation has released their report on the Peekskill riots to the public. Although the fiction is chilling it is worth a moment to browse the document and remember those who suffered while exercising their first amendment rights.

FBI Report on the Peekskill Riots

Works Cited:
Boyle, T. C. World's End. New York, New York: Penguin Books, 1987.