The larger problem is the inherent racism in both law enforcement and judicial system. In theory, any person accused of a crime is accorded a presumption of innocence. In practice, whites are presumed innocent until proven guilty, while persons of color are presumed guilty until proven innocent (if they can manage to live that long).
Many people think it is enough to assert, “I am not a racist.” but we were all raised in the stew of systems and beliefs that create and support uneven treatment. Just as there are reductions in quality of life by people in certain categories, whether black, muslim, female, gay or whatever, there also are privileges attached to being in the historically preferred category EVEN IF WE DO NOT REQUEST THOSE.
Also, we all at times make mistakes, and the only way to root those out are to realize that we are somewhat unconsciously the products of how we were raised even if at times that totally repulses us, and to recognize and be ashamed of what we might have said or done, no matter how small it was, and then forgive ourselves enough to change while staying ashamed enough to be less likely to repeat the bad behavior.
People behave badly at times not only toward other groups but to their own as well because of how they were raised and the illogical biases the society enforces, and if you doubt that applies to all then look at the white males who work themselves to death or into addictions to smoking or drinking, or showing off, or simply behaving so obnoxiously toward females that even if they want a mate they can not attract one.
There is a term being used recently that is new to me, but it does fit for whites: White Fragility.
I already knew some of this but am trying to learn more and more, hopefully forever, and read this today. It is good:
“Reasonably certain” is I suppose an example of a rhetorical figure called litotes. And I suppose it’s none of my business, but isn’t the English idiom “by accident” and not “on accident”? (If not, what is “on accident” supposed to mean?)
This is what kids learn, my kids started saying on accident in the 80’s. We “on purpose”, not by purpose; so why not say “on accident”? After 40 years it’s still hard to hear it, but the reasoning makes sense.
Yep. I have actually been harassed by a (probably not … entirely… rogue) Texas Patrol cop and a (probably only somewhat crooked) judge: One stopped me in for “speeding” (I wasn’t) on the lonely highway (Interstate 10) between El Paso and Van Horn… and led me to, I kid you not, a mobile home set up on a pad by the side of the road which housed the other, a fax machine and a clerk. My fine was $800, CASH ONLY (I kid you not: they didn’t want a paper trail). I showed them my wallet and told them I’d need at least $40 to buy gas in EP, and they simply took all the bills and handed me back two 20s. (they got significantly less than they claimed I’d have to pay). I asked for a receipt and was told I could get one when they let me out of the county jail after I served out the rest of my fine… or I could drive away without one.
I have no idea how this would have worked for a black person. Maybe just fine, because they likely wouldn’t have targeted someone who didn’t look able to pay them off. And, this was many years ago now. For all I know, they may have caught those crooked officials and put a stop to it (probably not).
I remember reading years ago about a judge throwing out the case of a young man whose only crime was trying to run away when the police tried to stop him for questioning. The defense argued, and the judge agreed (rightfully, I believe), that rather than being a suggestion of guilt a young black male running from police was an entirely reasonable reaction.
The Love of Money is . . . almost 4 years ago
Let me guess . . . White Privilege? Stay out of the tanning parlor.
superposition almost 4 years ago
We can fix that if we end the partisanship and work together to build a nation instead of an imaginary confederation of states.
Radish the wordsmith almost 4 years ago
Back in my day, the cops would plant evidence in the car,
“Found a pot seed and a roach.”Bookworm almost 4 years ago
The larger problem is the inherent racism in both law enforcement and judicial system. In theory, any person accused of a crime is accorded a presumption of innocence. In practice, whites are presumed innocent until proven guilty, while persons of color are presumed guilty until proven innocent (if they can manage to live that long).
SukieCrandall Premium Member almost 4 years ago
Very true.
Many people think it is enough to assert, “I am not a racist.” but we were all raised in the stew of systems and beliefs that create and support uneven treatment. Just as there are reductions in quality of life by people in certain categories, whether black, muslim, female, gay or whatever, there also are privileges attached to being in the historically preferred category EVEN IF WE DO NOT REQUEST THOSE.
Also, we all at times make mistakes, and the only way to root those out are to realize that we are somewhat unconsciously the products of how we were raised even if at times that totally repulses us, and to recognize and be ashamed of what we might have said or done, no matter how small it was, and then forgive ourselves enough to change while staying ashamed enough to be less likely to repeat the bad behavior.
People behave badly at times not only toward other groups but to their own as well because of how they were raised and the illogical biases the society enforces, and if you doubt that applies to all then look at the white males who work themselves to death or into addictions to smoking or drinking, or showing off, or simply behaving so obnoxiously toward females that even if they want a mate they can not attract one.
There is a term being used recently that is new to me, but it does fit for whites: White Fragility.
I already knew some of this but am trying to learn more and more, hopefully forever, and read this today. It is good:
https://www.npr.org/2020/06/17/879136931/interrupt-the-systems-robin-diangelo-on-white-fragility-and-anti-racism
ferddo almost 4 years ago
At least you’re not in Memphis, sporting an Ohio State buckeye sticker on your bumper…
AndrewSihler almost 4 years ago
“Reasonably certain” is I suppose an example of a rhetorical figure called litotes. And I suppose it’s none of my business, but isn’t the English idiom “by accident” and not “on accident”? (If not, what is “on accident” supposed to mean?)
Taste the air Premium Member almost 4 years ago
This is what kids learn, my kids started saying on accident in the 80’s. We “on purpose”, not by purpose; so why not say “on accident”? After 40 years it’s still hard to hear it, but the reasoning makes sense.
Concretionist almost 4 years ago
Yep. I have actually been harassed by a (probably not … entirely… rogue) Texas Patrol cop and a (probably only somewhat crooked) judge: One stopped me in for “speeding” (I wasn’t) on the lonely highway (Interstate 10) between El Paso and Van Horn… and led me to, I kid you not, a mobile home set up on a pad by the side of the road which housed the other, a fax machine and a clerk. My fine was $800, CASH ONLY (I kid you not: they didn’t want a paper trail). I showed them my wallet and told them I’d need at least $40 to buy gas in EP, and they simply took all the bills and handed me back two 20s. (they got significantly less than they claimed I’d have to pay). I asked for a receipt and was told I could get one when they let me out of the county jail after I served out the rest of my fine… or I could drive away without one.
I have no idea how this would have worked for a black person. Maybe just fine, because they likely wouldn’t have targeted someone who didn’t look able to pay them off. And, this was many years ago now. For all I know, they may have caught those crooked officials and put a stop to it (probably not).
pamela welch Premium Member almost 4 years ago
Well said Mr Hands; and thank you ♥
fritzoid Premium Member almost 4 years ago
I remember reading years ago about a judge throwing out the case of a young man whose only crime was trying to run away when the police tried to stop him for questioning. The defense argued, and the judge agreed (rightfully, I believe), that rather than being a suggestion of guilt a young black male running from police was an entirely reasonable reaction.
CW Stevenson almost 4 years ago
Well said. I strongly agree