Before I begin, I have tried not to weigh in my opinion too much regarding the subject of police brutality, simply due to the fact that so many people are just seeing the issue as a "racial problem". I think that in any case where a white officer shoots an African American perpetrator there are two sides and it is unfair to just look at one.
It is incredibly difficult to talk to people who are so one-sided regarding this controversial issue. I personally know someone who has said, "the only way that cops can be unbiased is if they are black." To me that statement is incredibly wrong, every person is different, of course there are biased or racist police out there, but it is not okay to say that every white officer out there is against those of a different colour, because it simply is not true. I have grown up in Canada, and my whole life I have not seen differences people based on their skin colour, they have all just been people to me.
It is incredibly difficult to talk to people who are so one-sided regarding this controversial issue. I personally know someone who has said, "the only way that cops can be unbiased is if they are black." To me that statement is incredibly wrong, every person is different, of course there are biased or racist police out there, but it is not okay to say that every white officer out there is against those of a different colour, because it simply is not true. I have grown up in Canada, and my whole life I have not seen differences people based on their skin colour, they have all just been people to me.
The biggest issue that I see here is improper training, but at the same time its hard to tell as I have never been trained as a police officer so I do not really know. As I see it, the only time a police officer should be take out their gun is to stop a perpetrator who is harming others and cannot be stopped any other way. At the same time though, I do not believe in killing others on purpose. If officers are trained properly, they should know the best way to stop a perpetuator without killing them or anyone else.
I like the idea of body cameras on all police officers, that way it is easy to catch those abusing their power, and also protect those wrongly accused of showing bias. I think that if all police officers were made to wear body cameras a lot of the problems that are occurring would be solved.
In the end I think that the key thing that everyone seems to be forgetting, is that we are all only human, and when faced with a threat there is no way to know how we will react, even with the correct training. Fear and adrenaline can be dangerous things, and it is best to know who we are as individuals in situations where those emotions may come out. The most beneficial thing that anyone can learn, is the ability to remain calm and clear headed.
In the end I think that the key thing that everyone seems to be forgetting, is that we are all only human, and when faced with a threat there is no way to know how we will react, even with the correct training. Fear and adrenaline can be dangerous things, and it is best to know who we are as individuals in situations where those emotions may come out. The most beneficial thing that anyone can learn, is the ability to remain calm and clear headed.
Hey Isabela, you notice that I specifically tried to pose the question to reach beyond the racial, or even American issue. Tonight on the news I saw news video of a white Sudbury officer smash a white Sudbury youth's face into a window and break the glass. This issue is bigger than race. Cameras do seem to be helping. The news footage was taken from the Police Dept. security camera. Your and adrenaline point is worth debating. Can training over ride that? Flawless posting, well done.
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