No
one can specifically answer the question why the Black communities (esp. Black
males) are the target of aggressive policing by law enforcement, and
disproportionately overrepresented in the criminal justice system as prison
inmates, in juvenile detention, or on felony probation in comparison to any
other ethnic or racial group. Why is this so; what is White America so afraid
of; why are Blacks such a threat to society? There are published studies by
some social scientists suggesting that African-Americans have an inherent “pathology”
towards violence and anti-social tendencies. This is patently nonsense,
insulting, intellectually dishonest, and it condemns a race of people as
nothing more than uncivilized, untamed, wild animals, or at the very least,
subhuman. I have another opinion that I would like to offer instead. Oprah
Winfrey used to talk about the “new normal” in America after 911, and she was
right; but in ways that she couldn’t even imagine. One of the things that was
warned about in past generations as far as predicting the future was that this
country would evolve into a “police state” with almost unchecked power from law
enforcement officials. The terrorist attack on America and the Twin Towers in
flames along with the loss of over 3,200 American civilians was the breakout
moment in this nation’s history. First responders (fire fighters and police)
who risked their lives to save people trapped beneath the rubble, twisted
girders, broken glass, and toxic dust became heroes; not just nationally but
internationally. They were lauded, and rightly so, with honors and praises
befitting the heroes of Greek mythology- like Odysseus, Perseus, Hercules,
Achilles, Agamemnon, and others. This also meant, however, that they could do
no wrong; at least in the eyes of the public (their worshippers).
Now,
let’s take a step back and try to look for some perspective. Since 911 there
has been a radical change of attitude and tactics in law enforcement when it
pertains to crime prevention; which by the way, had been coming for some time
but at a more gradual pace. The approach of community policing (‘Protect and Serve”)
of the past has been replaced by military tactics in urban warfare against criminals,
much like soldiers fighting enemy combatants in the Middle East (Iraq &
Afghanistan). In fact, the growing ranks of police are filled by veterans of
the War on Terror, who have served several tours of duty or many wannabees who
were somehow disqualified for military service- just saying. A lot of inner city, urban neighborhoods
probably looks like they could be in a war-torn, ravaged and blighted, Third
World country. Police patrols ant traffic stops seem like checkpoints by
Israeli military from the Palestinian side into the territory of state of
Israel in eastern Jerusalem. For all intents and purposes African-Americans
might as well be Palestinians because for many, they don’t seem to be treated
any better. Just as disaffected Palestinians retaliate the best way they can
against what they see as injustice from the government policies and aggressive
Israeli military in the beloved land of Israel, then sooner or later
frustration boils over into violent reprisals from African-Americans who feel
such neglect, despair, and hopelessness.
This
reaction does not justify what was done in Dallas or what might be done in the
future; nor does it answer the problem but it may help explain it a little.
Now, having said all of this I want to wrap things up with a look forward and
where to go from here. The “eye for an eye” approach is no solution and all it
does is continue the non-ending karmic cycle of violence. Personally, it would
not come as a surprise to me that a lot of police officers suffer from PTSD,
and I wonder if it has ever been suggested or investigated; and if so it must
have been swept under the rug because I haven’t heard anything about it. Anyway,
I think probably 9.5 out of 10 police officers bravely serve with honor and
distinction; irrespective of the race, religion, ethnic identity, and any other
differences in the people they come in contact with. Having said this, there
are bad cops and they have to be fired just like there are soldiers who are
unfit to wear the uniform and faithfully carry out their duties in violation of
the military code of conduct (UCMJ). Just as these individuals are dishonorably
discharged from military service, police officers who fail to carry out their
jobs to safeguard the public trust without prejudice, then these officers are a
disgrace and dishonor the badge/shield they wear, the institution, and their
fellow officers.
These
men and women have sworn a public oath and are bound by law to that commitment
and any violation of such is punishable by law. It is also important for those
in the Black community to give the police the benefit of the doubt (initially),
like innocent until proven guilty; but I don’t like that last part because it implies
“guilt”- you just have to wait long enough until it is revealed or becomes
self-evident. There can and must be cooperation between these two camps and I
think what they have in common is in the area of, pardon the vernacular, “snitch-bitch.”
The Black community doesn’t like anyone to inform on the group to outsiders and
the police department doesn’t like to single out ‘rogue’ cops but this practice
has to stop if we are going to ever make progress in race relations. It is
inherent in every group to want to protect its members but sometimes we have to
step outside the box and draw up another paradigm-one that will keep us true to
our values and yet at the same time purge the harmful and destructive elements
from us. This can be done and it will not happen overnight, but this is America
and anything that the people of this country really want to do, nothing can
stop us from getting it done.
Robert
Randle
776
Commerce St #701Tacoma, WA 98402
July 13, 2016
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
