Simmel's Conflict TheorySimmel's Conflict Theory can be applied to the residents of "Two Towns of Jasper" because the murder of James Byrd Jr. created a conflict of racism and forced the city to examine their collective identity. Conflict theory explains conflict as a form of interaction, a more beneficial way of bringing people in a society together, and a necessary element of societal change. The benefits of conflict promote societal growth, problem solving, and innovation. “Two Towns of Jasper” demonstrates that the conflict arising from the murder of James Byrd Jr. causes the citizens of Jasper to recognize the racial differences that are occurring and address these issues in order to prevent future problems. Caucasians and African Americans come together and view the murderers as common enemies, which has strengthened solidarity between the two groups. “Two Towns of Jasper” may seem like a normal, modern town, but inside, the citizens still have ideas of segregation and racism. These ideas are then examined as the documentary investigates the trials of Bill King, Lawrence Brewer and Shawn Berry. The three murderers on trial for Byrd's death were all white and expressed hatred toward African Americans in one way or another. Bill King and Lawrence Brewer had tattoos that represented the Aryan Nation, a public and political white pride organization, and Shawn Berry was also said to have ties to the organization. When they beat and murdered Byrd, the issue of race was raised and citizens began to question each other's motives. African Americans brought up the issue of segregation and Caucasians attempted to justify segregation as a traditional way of life. Societal change was examined and made possible because cit...... middle of document ...... legal authority is visible through the legal proceedings and conviction of Bill King, Lawrence Brewer and Shawn Berry which satisfied most of the citizens of Jasper. Legal procedures and rules determined that they were guilty by looking at the facts of the case and not by using the traditional opinion of many citizens. Traditional authority is perceived through citizens' opinions on how the community functions with respect to racial segregation. Traditionally, the citizens of Jasper were segregated and never thought about racial segregation until this heinous crime was committed. Charismatic authority develops through municipal officials and their notion of segregation. As officials came together around their ideas and opinions on racial segregation, the city realized that change needed to occur regarding racial division..