Final answer:
Sociologists would explain the major contrasts of meanings and interpretations of protests, actions, and public reactions using theoretical perspectives like Functionalism, Conflict/Critical, and Symbolic Interactionism. Racial threat theory can also be applied to understand these differences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sociologists would explain the major contrasts of meanings and interpretations of protests, actions, and public reactions using various theoretical perspectives such as Functionalism, Conflict/Critical, and Symbolic Interactionism. From a Functionalism perspective, sociologists would analyze how protests, actions, and public reactions serve specific social functions and contribute to social stability or change. Conflict/Critical perspective would focus on the power dynamics and inequalities that play a role in shaping the meanings and interpretations of these actions. Symbolic Interactionism would examine how individuals interact and interpret symbols in the context of protests, actions, and public reactions.
Racial threat theory (Blalock, 1967) can also be applied to explain the contrasts in meanings and interpretations of these actions. This theory suggests that racial groups may perceive certain actions as threatening to their racial status or power, leading to different reactions and interpretations.
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