This video shows many interesting points. But, to me, it shows what happens when police are called to a scene and encounter someone they dont fear. Im sure they were told it was a white male suspect. He was given every chance by the officers to surrender before non-lethal action was taken. If they were told the suspect was a black male, chances are there level of anxiety and fear would have been extremely escalated because of a prejudiced mindset. And there are numerous recent accounts of what happens when the police arrive. Gun or no gun, the black male is killed. He barely gets 30 seconds, forget 30 minutes. Now, suppose those officers that killed the ever increasing list of young black men were not fearful, anxious and prejudiced. Suppose they were officers that were recruited from those very neighborhoods and possibly knew the suspects. Knowledge erases fear and helps diffuse conflict. Suppose sensitivity training was mandatory for all officers assigned to areas where they are the minority. So they can see people as human, as equals. Not feeling superior or dehumanizing another human being because of their race. Then officers could protect and serve their communities, as their job description proclaims. Instead of projecting fear and severing trust. Everyone has issues and baggage. But, when you give someone a uniform and a gun to patrol neighborhoods, police recruiters and trainers have to do their due diligence in evaluating the mental/psychological make up of those they plan to put on out citys streets. We must all acknowledge a growing spirit of division in our country. And we all must also agree to operate in the opposite spirit. The spirit of unity. We are so much stronger together than apart. Lets unite and find ways to bridge this divide. Much love and GOD Bless!
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 09:09:02 +0000