- #1
gjonesy
- 265
- 182
I would like to start by saying that the loss of life recently, has been tragic. It is cause for concern for the safety of Americans of all races, especially given the fact that much of it was needless and probably avoidable. Rather then point fingers I would like to give some perspective to the situation as a whole and what brought us to the place we reside at now. A place of distrust.
If I had to categorize this as an issue I would have to say its a trust issue.
With that being said the perspective of the average law abiding black male in our society is distrust. Today's generation is being raised by parents of the 50's, 60's and some 70's. This era wasn't a great one for people of color. Growing up during the civil rights movement you learned that the political machinery that ran this country "at that time" was not particularly sensitive to minorities. Nor was it always fair. It was hard and it was a struggle, but nothing worth while is ever easy. Fast forward to today, and the lessons of the past are still being taught, by family and friends. The message is (if you are black, you are a target) you will be discriminated against because of the color of your skin. You will be mistreated, you will be at a disadvantage. Always be on guard, the police are the enemy. It is taught in our schools, its part of our history. But if we do not learn from it we may be doomed to repeat it. This mentality of "its us against them" automatically puts these groups at odds, in opposition. Political movements and protest of the 50's and 60's are making a come back. But what's the reality? Today black people have access to education and training, opportunities to thrive and do well. Our president is living proof. But many still wonder, in this age of enlightenment, is today my day? Am I going to be falsely accused? Am I going to make it home alive today?
The perspective of your average (law abiding police officer or law enforcement official, even security officer) is trust no one, be on guard, take nothing at face value. You are in a thankless job, some of the people you are mandated by the oath you took to serve and protect hate you because you wear a badge, they have no respect for your position or authority, you are a target. You go to work with two goals in mind, do your job the best you can, make it home at the end of your shift. Is today the day I die in the line of duty? Will my wife or girlfriend or child receive that folded flag? Sound familiar?
The last element, it's invisible to the naked eye and it exists in both cultures, and it exists in all races you can not see it, it's just there. Its on the police force, its in the community. The corrupted human criminal mind.
Black /white/blue it makes no difference if you are wearing a badge or not. Bad character is out there. Unfortunately there is no way to distinguish one from the other. And the fact that these 2 distinct groups have this in common, makes for a bad situation for the innocent ones in the middle. I personally know of 2 officers that recently got fired for corrupt criminal activity. No one got hurt or killed but the confidence and credibility of the department was placed in questioned as a whole, by the actions of the few the majority are judged...sound familiar? One black one white,...both blue (officers). Made everyone look very bad.
Now put yourself in the other guy's shoes.
Innocent person of color:
Imagine for a moment being raised in a culture where you are taught that because you are of a different color/race that you Will face discrimination, injustice, intolerance and none of it is your fault. That this is the way the world is and you must be on guard 24/7. You are indoctrinated that you will not be treated fairly or given the benefit of the doubt and are assumed guilty upon sight.
Now put yourself in the other guy's shoes.
Good Cop of any race:
Imagine putting on a uniform, being trained in tactical use of force and through years of experience, you deal with people on a daily basis and you know that when you approach a situation with someone who you do not know, who is already on edge before you even make contact simply because that is the reaction they have, they had it pounded into their heads since birth (the police are your enemy) You can read body language and every fiber of your being is telling you this individual is agitated, aggressive, emotionally involved, and a threat to you on contact. You know you may only have a second to react, And all you want to do is your job, you want to do it right, And race/color doesn't even register. All you know is at the end of the day you want to make it home alive.
Can you really see it from both sides?
There is no easy fix, all we can try to do is understand one another.
If I had to categorize this as an issue I would have to say its a trust issue.
With that being said the perspective of the average law abiding black male in our society is distrust. Today's generation is being raised by parents of the 50's, 60's and some 70's. This era wasn't a great one for people of color. Growing up during the civil rights movement you learned that the political machinery that ran this country "at that time" was not particularly sensitive to minorities. Nor was it always fair. It was hard and it was a struggle, but nothing worth while is ever easy. Fast forward to today, and the lessons of the past are still being taught, by family and friends. The message is (if you are black, you are a target) you will be discriminated against because of the color of your skin. You will be mistreated, you will be at a disadvantage. Always be on guard, the police are the enemy. It is taught in our schools, its part of our history. But if we do not learn from it we may be doomed to repeat it. This mentality of "its us against them" automatically puts these groups at odds, in opposition. Political movements and protest of the 50's and 60's are making a come back. But what's the reality? Today black people have access to education and training, opportunities to thrive and do well. Our president is living proof. But many still wonder, in this age of enlightenment, is today my day? Am I going to be falsely accused? Am I going to make it home alive today?
The perspective of your average (law abiding police officer or law enforcement official, even security officer) is trust no one, be on guard, take nothing at face value. You are in a thankless job, some of the people you are mandated by the oath you took to serve and protect hate you because you wear a badge, they have no respect for your position or authority, you are a target. You go to work with two goals in mind, do your job the best you can, make it home at the end of your shift. Is today the day I die in the line of duty? Will my wife or girlfriend or child receive that folded flag? Sound familiar?
The last element, it's invisible to the naked eye and it exists in both cultures, and it exists in all races you can not see it, it's just there. Its on the police force, its in the community. The corrupted human criminal mind.
Black /white/blue it makes no difference if you are wearing a badge or not. Bad character is out there. Unfortunately there is no way to distinguish one from the other. And the fact that these 2 distinct groups have this in common, makes for a bad situation for the innocent ones in the middle. I personally know of 2 officers that recently got fired for corrupt criminal activity. No one got hurt or killed but the confidence and credibility of the department was placed in questioned as a whole, by the actions of the few the majority are judged...sound familiar? One black one white,...both blue (officers). Made everyone look very bad.
Now put yourself in the other guy's shoes.
Innocent person of color:
Imagine for a moment being raised in a culture where you are taught that because you are of a different color/race that you Will face discrimination, injustice, intolerance and none of it is your fault. That this is the way the world is and you must be on guard 24/7. You are indoctrinated that you will not be treated fairly or given the benefit of the doubt and are assumed guilty upon sight.
Now put yourself in the other guy's shoes.
Good Cop of any race:
Imagine putting on a uniform, being trained in tactical use of force and through years of experience, you deal with people on a daily basis and you know that when you approach a situation with someone who you do not know, who is already on edge before you even make contact simply because that is the reaction they have, they had it pounded into their heads since birth (the police are your enemy) You can read body language and every fiber of your being is telling you this individual is agitated, aggressive, emotionally involved, and a threat to you on contact. You know you may only have a second to react, And all you want to do is your job, you want to do it right, And race/color doesn't even register. All you know is at the end of the day you want to make it home alive.
Can you really see it from both sides?
There is no easy fix, all we can try to do is understand one another.