The thing is, our experience generally dictates our attitudes about people. If time and time again, black people have negative experiences with cops, they are very likely to expect negative experiences with cops and relate to cops from that perspective. Most people know when they are dealing with hostility even if it isn't acted out.
Conversely, cops who have had mostly hostile experiences with black people are likely to expect hostility from black people and approach situations with that as their guide.
Which came first. The chicken or the egg? Who knows. But it is a situation that perpetuates itself.
So cops are given 'sensitivity' training to deal with it. It works better with some than others, but at least they're getting it. But who is training the young black people to get rid of those chips on shoulders and start expecting the best of people instead of the worst and treat people accordingly? It sure as hell isn't people like Barack Obama or Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton who are encouraging that.
And the beat goes on.
Conversely, cops who have had mostly hostile experiences with black people are likely to expect hostility from black people and approach situations with that as their guide.
Which came first. The chicken or the egg? Who knows. But it is a situation that perpetuates itself.
So cops are given 'sensitivity' training to deal with it. It works better with some than others, but at least they're getting it. But who is training the young black people to get rid of those chips on shoulders and start expecting the best of people instead of the worst and treat people accordingly? It sure as hell isn't people like Barack Obama or Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton who are encouraging that.
And the beat goes on.