Detroit that went viral showed a Black man using a folding chair as a weapon against another man. The video's widespread attention, especially on platforms like Twitter, led to numerous reactions. While many found the video humorous, there were also serious discussions around the circumstances of the fight. One Detroit-based Instagram page captioned the footage with “The era of the folding chair: Downtown Detroit yesterday.”
Montgomery Incident:
In contrast, the Montgomery Riverfront brawl seemed to have racial undertones. It was so widely viewed and discussed that not being aware of it would imply one was completely disconnected from current events or social media. The highlight of the Montgomery brawl video was the use of a foldable chair as a weapon. Allegedly, a man picked up the chair and swung it with the intention to hit his adversaries. The footage suggests he succeeded in using the chair effectively.
The Montgomery brawl garnered official attention. The Mayor of Montgomery, Steven L. Reed, issued a statement condemning the violent act. He assured that the police acted swiftly to detain the perpetrators and promised that justice would be served. He emphasized the city's stand against violence and stated that such incidents shouldn't be normalized. The Mayor's intervention and public statement indicate the seriousness of the Montgomery incident.
Common Thread:
Both incidents are connected by the use of the foldable chair as a weapon, which appears to have caught the public's attention, making it a notable element in online discussions. The chair has become a symbol of these brawls, and the viral nature of the videos demonstrates the power of social media in shaping public discourse.
These incidents not only raise questions about the causes and contexts of public violence but also show how specific elements, like the foldable chair, can become focal points in public narratives.