The increase of race-based shootings has aroused many questions, all of which revolve around whether or not the police force is corrupt in some way. Growing concern over this matter has caused many protests and the appearance of movements such as the “Black Lives Matter” movement. With the rise of groups such as these comes the rioting and controversy that so often comes along with racial issues. So, what is the problem? Is the police force truly filled to the brim with racist and bigoted people? Well, no. Not quite. Surely there will always be people with such hatred and darkness within them but I am not so ignorant to believe that all police officers are racist or that all the shootings are based on hatred towards a group of people. Fear, stereotypes, ignorance, and a number of many things factor into the increase of police brutality cases.
It is far too easy to automatically pull the racism card and not analyze the situation further. It’s convenient. It’s not the case, though. Lack of education or knowledge, fear, and experience should all be taken into account of when analyzing situations such as these. The amount of fear and worry in the country is on the rise and for good reason. Fears of terrorist attacks, elections, and mass shootings are all things that many in this country ponder. It’s easy to assume the worst from the increase of violent activity.
The main issue is publicity of such incidents. The media is biased and only focuses on certain aspects of a situation most of the time. The continuous focus that media and news reports put out cause irrationality and fear among people, which in turn causes paranoia in the form of stereotypes and prejudice that many use as a safety mechanism. However, people must understand that everyone is capable of evil. Many will do evil things. This does not mean that everyone will, though. Despite the stereotypes and despite the names we have given to people; people are capable of evil, surely, but it is not as bad as we make it to be. So, no, I do not believe the police force is filled with such hateful individuals. Are there certain individuals who meet such a description? I’m certain. However, just because a move can be made, doesn’t necessitate that it will be made. The largest issue among the police force itself is training. They don’t view the situation and all the moves that can or have to be taken at the moment properly. Of course, in high-pressure situations it may be difficult but I believe this is what law enforcement training should be all about. Training of the brain rather than the body.
Currently, there are many things wracking the brains of Americans. Whether it be concerns over terrorism or the election. Among this is the rising concern of racism and racist intents among officers. Fear is our greatest enemy. It prevents us from thinking clearly and seeing potential consequences outside of the situation. Rationality and level-headedness are the keys to our safety.
