Disadvantage

After watching the Rodney King Documentary I put more thought into what it's like being the group of people at disadvantage of everything. The treatment and interactions of most, not all people with African Americans has never really advance to "equal, friendly, kind". Not only where they slaves at one point, but throughout history they've always had to prove they were more than, the close minded racist and discriminatory views of others. African Americans are always labeled in such negative ways and perceived as wild, aggressive, inferior, so many derogatory labels. That when they see one of their folks getting beat/killed by the police or others they aren't even surprised. All these years and events in history, seems to me like they teach some humans nothing. Why do the African American folks always have to be put at disadvantage in every situation? Is it just for the fact that they have a different skin color, or is it because since long time ago in a series of events we decided that they would always be inferior. As a nation the population won't ever agree on one specific thing. Yet why is it so hard to agree that African American people are just as human, just as outgoing, as any other human being.

Police

A few years ago during my sophomore year, I just got out of cross country practice and started walking home. I just passed Rengstorff Park when a police car stopped me. I was confused as to why I had been stopped, as far as I knew I did not look suspicious, nor have I done anything wrong. The police man was alone in his car and never bothered to get out. He pulled over beside me while I stood there shaking. He asked me where I was going so late at night. With a little bit of attitude I told him it was 7 o'clock. He asked where I was going, where I had been before this, where I was going at the moment, and even asked if he could look through my backpack (um no the f*ck you can't). After he asked a few questions, already irritated I asked "Is there a real reason why you stopped me?" He told me he was just "doing his job". I asked him again, "but why did you stop me", no response. After about 20 minutes of random unnecessary questions he finally drove off. A few months later, I read an article about a police officer who had been suspected of having child pornography. He was the same officer who had stopped me, and harassed me a few months back. I was so angry, and afraid, and disgusted. It was just so easy for him to take advantage of the uniform and badge he wears. Children are supposed to be able to trust the police, not question them or their morals, these officers have a duty not to betray the communities trust. After that moment, and a few other incidents I have encountered with the police, it became close to impossible to trust anyone in uniform. 

 

Black on Black Prejudice

While I was looking through my news feed on Facebook  I came across a vine of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air titled "Black on Black Prejudice". Will Smith and his cousin Carlton are trying to join a black fraternity. The leader said that Carlton wasn't a good example of a black person, that he's a sellout because he has a big house and dressed like a white person. When Carlton hears about this he argues that the leader is a sell out because there isn't an authentic way to be black that being black isn't something you can try to be it's something that you are. Watching this vine made me think about the article titled 'Acting white' and being black? It's about president Obama and the experiences and labels people put on him in high school. And the idea he said when he talked "about how black Americans use this "group think" psychology to bully other blacks, keep them from expressing themselves as individuals and stop them from assimilating into the broader culture of America". Showing that people make it seem like there is a certain way a black person has to act when in reality there isn't a guideline to be black.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GywhZCHvqXA

The "N Word"

After reading all the articles, something really stood out to me. The "N Word". We all know what it is, and most of us would agree that the word is derogatory. I used to think that just saying the "N Word" would be alright. Because when I say the "N word", I don't actually say the actual word. However, awhile ago I was watching Louis CK's Hilarious. One of the segment he did really opened my eyes to how specific words are used, even the "N word"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF1NUposXVQ

The video is about 3 minutes at most. If you could watch it, I would very much appreciate it. It might open your eyes to how even the simplest word can have so much meaning.

Pistol whipped detective

I was somewhat perplexed by this. I understand that yes, police brutality is a sticking point in the media, but I also believe that officers have a responsibility to not let the media faze them in their duty. I feel very sorry for this officer, but they should operate as they were trained. Training does not seem to be an issue. It is unfortunate cops are being put in this position or feel that way. In my opinion violence is definitely needed sometimes when someone's life is in danger. I wonder what prompted the spectators to take pictures? And the rude remarks made toward the cop; are those due to general dislike for the police? Why bother to degrade public service members?

OTL N Word Special

The beginning to this video really had me in awe. I had only heard of the Baptist church bombings of the 4 young girls, but I wasn't aware that one had survived. It was really compelling and, to me, was a great way to engage someone about what the topic is following up to be. 

I had to agree with the high school students, the N word has changed its meaning as we are a generation who doesn't really see much to the word other than a "homie." I hear the word "nigga" all the time, always directing to a friend. But I think there's a difference when you call someone a straight "nigger." I understand how the word can hold so much anger when it's used because the background behind goes back hundred of years of racially discriminating blacks, and it has been known to be a word of hate. However, it's a confusing topic because it is fine to call each other "niggas," yet when "nigger" comes out, you don't know what type of reaction someone would have. 

Shaun King Controversy

Controversy has followed Shaun King around for all his life. Because he is black skinned and his father is white, they all claimed that the man he claimed was his father couldn’t be. King says it is sad that most of his personal information has been forced out to the public, as well as his past has been opened up, including who he has been sexually active with, as well as his criminal/imprisonment record. "Never have I once identified myself as white. Not on forms, not for convenience or privilege, and not for fun and games, have I ever identified myself as white. I was never a white guy pretending to be black. Not once, ever, did it occur to me that I was being phony or fraudulent or fake.” King received a scholarship from a school, Morehouse college, which was later canceled because of one of his spinal surgeries. King said he was beaten by a "racist mob of rednecks" so badly that he missed almost two years of high school and college while recovering from fractures to his face and ribs as well as severe injuries to his spine. King also lost his scholarship because of ongoing spinal surgeries. The Black Lives Matter Movement was scared that its reputation would be discredited because King was not fully black. Ultimately, race matters too much in this country. Why does it matter what color skin we are? Shouldn't we all just see each other the same, with the same opportunites, same people, and same country. We are all Americans, doesn't matter if we're black or white. We are all Americans, even though the world hasn't accepted this yet.