Police brutality rates in the U.S. are at an extreme high. When we look at police brutality rates in other western countries and compare them to U.S. rates, U.S. police killing rates occur 70 to 100 times more. According to Mapping Police Violence, police officers are three times more likely to kill African Americans than white people. It is fair to conclude, then, that Blacks are disproportionately targeted by the federal law, especially since they make up a small 13.3 percent of the U.S. population. This is not to detract from the bigger issue, which is the persistent tension between U.S. law enforcement officials and civilians. Seemingly, division is growing among the police force and minority groups, primarily Blacks and Hispanics, so the question is, how do we--as a nation--move forward, reverse transgression, and stimulate social consciousness? Without analyzing and seeking to comprehend the root cause of corruption within the police force, we cannot devise an effective strategy to dismantle police brutality.
We have to, to an extent, assimilate. However, I don't mean that ethnic people must rid their cultural practices, nor do I mean that Americans must adopt foreign practices, but we must find common ground and build on those commonalities. None of this can be achieved if we fail to acknowledge our cultural differences and seek to understand how these variations compliment our existence. The establishment of consciousness will reduce racial division and promote relations with those who we may consider our adversaries. Retaliating against police, at worst, only adds fuel to a fire that has already torched half the nation and launched a new age war, for hate transpires hate, and violence incites more violence. Civil rights activists are the foundation of social change, and as advocates of social change, activists must remain at the forefront of the movement and remind those who are bitter that the only way forward is through positive reinforcement of peaceful protests, as well as through objectively educating the public on controversial matters.
It is best to become allies with all individuals who wish to civilly assemble, de-escalate violence, and advance social justice. While it is difficult to step outside of one's comfort zone and set aside pride to come to an agreement with dissidents, it's important to initiate open dialogue with adversaries to establish rapport and increase sensitivity toward the police brutality issue with individuals who fail to understand its underlying factors.
