African-American police officer: Ferguson 'heart wrenching

[kpete]

Do you think it makes it easier for some of your co-workers to shoot dead a black man?

I don't feel they would have that same connection or compassion with that individual, so it may make it easier for them.

Do you think what's happened in Ferguson over the last couple of weeks might make some of your white colleagues listen more to the kind of things you and other African-American officers have been saying about their negative dealings with black people?

No, absolutely not. It's actually created that divide and made it larger. It's made it harder for me to want to talk to them about it any more.

They are so disconnected from it. Their rationale, perception and interpretation of the issues are so far-fetched.

The comments they make are very one-sided and show such a lack of compassion and understanding, or even the desire to understand. It's heart-wrenching. It's been very difficult.

So when black people in Ferguson say the issue is not just about Michael Brown, but the way they have been treated as a community, do you agree?

I can completely agree with that. It (the killing of Michael Brown) should be a learning experience.

Quite possibly the officer was in fear, as was the young man. It is sad no one is addressing that. Why was he (the police officer) so afraid of him that he had to use such intense force, and why was (Michael Brown) in such fear that it happened [that] way?

I don't know who is to blame for these perceptions, but it's almost like a fear-based society. You're told this certain type of people behaves in a certain type of way, and it sticks with you throughout your life. They never take the time to find out if it's true.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-28890068

[Cha]

1. Thank you, kpete~

[logosoco]

2. Insightful and sad.

I always get so hopeful when big things happen that it will be the thing that will change things. Her second answer is very telling that this is not going to be. What is it going to take?

Fear does make people act in stupid ways.

[avebury]

3. K&R nt

[Dustlawyer]

4. Racism spreads like a virus, but through ignorance and fear.