Race relations is a debate that is not about to die anytime soon. There are different areas of concern when one looks at how races relate including entertainment, family, commerce, sports and religion, among others. A lot of attention has been on law enforcement and race relations because frequent and highly publicized nasty encounters. What issues underlie all the discussions on police and races in US?
Racial disparity and inequality can be seen on different fronts in the US. There are areas that are predominantly Black neighborhoods and considered poor. This almost causes the community to be associated with crimes, drugs and violence. The disparity can be blamed as a disposing factor but it cannot be used as a confirmatory that all Blacks are violent or drug dealers. Police officers should therefore desist from assigning such labels to residents of such areas.
Strained relationship between police and people has also been blamed on racially biased behaviors. For instance, police may consider Latinos as predominantly drug peddlers and persons with no immigration documents. Blacks may also be labeled as criminals. Responding to an incident with this mindset or manning a road with the notion means that there will be no objectivity. It is such actions by police that have escalated situations unnecessarily.
Racial animus is regarded as a factor escalating the weakening relationship between police and the public. Animus is regarded as a hidden dislike that might not manifest until something happens. The hate or negative attitude is triggered by an incident that causes police to act as if they are confirming their suspicion. This means that two suspects of the same crime will be treated differently just because their race differs.
Racial prediction can also be regarded as statistical discrimination. It is bothersome to individuals and might not even be done consciously by officers involved. For instance, an officer will find out that he stops more Blacks than Whites or any other race. When two vehicles are traveling on the road, the vehicle for a Black driver will be stopped more times than that of a white. There is nothing to justify that apart from hidden statistical discrimination.
Situational risks are associated with racial animus or racial biases. For instance, once you are flagged down, there will be nothing suspicious about looking for your Drivers License below your seat or unbuckling your belt. However, a black is mistaken for drawing a gun and ends up being shot. This indicates a policeman who has already made a conclusion. Such conclusions are racially biased.
There are reflex actions by law enforcement officers that have been questioned. While it is normal to react in self-defense, there appears to be bias regarding the subjects of such reflex. Is there a possibility of everyone being treated with similar level of suspicion? This is the question that many people are unable to answer.
There is need for more awareness of the areas where biases manifest. When people are aware, there is likelihood of reducing altercations. Communities and police departments are also encouraged to discuss incidences whenever they happen with the aim of finding the areas of bias and a subsequent solution.
Racial disparity and inequality can be seen on different fronts in the US. There are areas that are predominantly Black neighborhoods and considered poor. This almost causes the community to be associated with crimes, drugs and violence. The disparity can be blamed as a disposing factor but it cannot be used as a confirmatory that all Blacks are violent or drug dealers. Police officers should therefore desist from assigning such labels to residents of such areas.
Strained relationship between police and people has also been blamed on racially biased behaviors. For instance, police may consider Latinos as predominantly drug peddlers and persons with no immigration documents. Blacks may also be labeled as criminals. Responding to an incident with this mindset or manning a road with the notion means that there will be no objectivity. It is such actions by police that have escalated situations unnecessarily.
Racial animus is regarded as a factor escalating the weakening relationship between police and the public. Animus is regarded as a hidden dislike that might not manifest until something happens. The hate or negative attitude is triggered by an incident that causes police to act as if they are confirming their suspicion. This means that two suspects of the same crime will be treated differently just because their race differs.
Racial prediction can also be regarded as statistical discrimination. It is bothersome to individuals and might not even be done consciously by officers involved. For instance, an officer will find out that he stops more Blacks than Whites or any other race. When two vehicles are traveling on the road, the vehicle for a Black driver will be stopped more times than that of a white. There is nothing to justify that apart from hidden statistical discrimination.
Situational risks are associated with racial animus or racial biases. For instance, once you are flagged down, there will be nothing suspicious about looking for your Drivers License below your seat or unbuckling your belt. However, a black is mistaken for drawing a gun and ends up being shot. This indicates a policeman who has already made a conclusion. Such conclusions are racially biased.
There are reflex actions by law enforcement officers that have been questioned. While it is normal to react in self-defense, there appears to be bias regarding the subjects of such reflex. Is there a possibility of everyone being treated with similar level of suspicion? This is the question that many people are unable to answer.
There is need for more awareness of the areas where biases manifest. When people are aware, there is likelihood of reducing altercations. Communities and police departments are also encouraged to discuss incidences whenever they happen with the aim of finding the areas of bias and a subsequent solution.
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