Is America Going To Improve? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Is America Going To Improve?

Why our country can't fix an obvious problem.

9
Is America Going To Improve?
Black Lives Matter Protest

The recent bout of police-caused fatalities reignited the long standing-debate over whether or not there is bias in the police force toward African Americans, and why the police are not held accountable for their actions to the same level everyday citizens are.

The shooting of Philando Castile is one of the more shocking instances of police violence, especially given the video that we have of the event. WARNING: If graphic imagery disturbs you, do not watch the video. It is extremely disturbing and uncomfortable to watch, as it shows the last minutes of this mans life, moments after he was shot by the Minnesota police officer, Jeronimo Yanez. The sequence of events is as follows: Castile was stopped by Yanez for having a tail light out. Yanez then approached the vehicle and, upon noticed that Castile was armed, drew his weapon on Castile. Castile then informed the officer that he was licensed to carry and that he was going to reach for his wallet to show Yanez his ID and license to carry. When Castile reached for his wallet, Yanez discharged his weapon, shooting Castile multiple times in the chest and abdomen. Castile died soon after. This is a prime example of officers stepping far over their limits and using excessive force for a situation that could have been handled much differently.

Eric Garner is another excellent example. He was selling single cigarettes (which is illegal in New York) outside of a store when several NYPD officers approached him and attempted to detain him. During this process, Garner was put into a rear naked choke hold and held down by officers Justin Damico and Daniel Pantaleo. Garner was resisting arrest, so the officers took measures to detain him. That much makes sense. But, when a sergeant from NYPD arrived moments later and told the two officers to let up on Garner, the two men continued to hold Eric down. When paramedics arrived, Garner was not given oxygen, as is recommended for someone who has been choked. Rather, they did a routine check on his vitals and nothing more. This combination of overreaction and lack of action is what caused Garner's death, as the autopsy report stated the cause of death as a combination of lack of oxygen (from the chokehold) and chest compression (from the officer sitting on his chest.) This entire encounter is also on video, though Garner's death is not recorded.

Now, if these events had happened and the public consensus was "these officers clearly acted out of line and should be punished for their actions," well, I wouldn't be writing this article. Actually, the reaction was anything but. In both situations, but especially Eric's there, was a continuing argument for why the officers were justified in doing what they did. Society said statements such as, "He was breaking the law," "He was resisting arrest," "He tried to attack the officer." These are all true statements in Eric's case. However, nowhere - absolutely nowhere - does it say that officers being attacked by an unarmed assailant, can use deadly force. That is not needed, especially here.

These men reacted in such a way that brutal, unneeded force led to the unnecessary death of two men, in scenarios that could have been resolved peacefully. The worst part about this: The two officers that killed Garner have not been prosecuted for their actions. This has been backed by the public perception of Garner's actions warranted the officers ensuing reaction. Absolutely not. In both cases, the officers reacted irrationally and without reserve and in both cases the public outcry has been mixed.

That is the issue here. People are so blind, they will see these videos and defend the officers. That someone, such as myself, who will see these events as the murders that they are, hates cops. That I think Black Lives Matter is more important than Blue Lives Matter. No. I fully support our police force and their efforts, and I don't think any life is better than another. However, the lack of outrage for these events is astounding to me and that needs to change.

Police officers, especially, need to see this for what it is: the murder of two men that did nothing to warrant such violence toward them. The vicious overuse of force to prevent extremely minor crimes. Once we can accept that, once we as a nation can see past the propaganda and hate toward activist groups that are trying to incite change in a society that refuses to see the need, then we can move past these horrific events and begin to make a better country for everyone in it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

180950
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7879
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452964
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23576
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments