ktmeng/mec huggingface dataset:
Topic: police-brutality

Beyond on the early 1800s, our country has continued to implement the ideas and principles of effective policing. Sir Robert Peel and his principles have set a worldwide standard for community policing that stands in effect to this day. Although the development of policing has had many challenges to include cultural diversity and corruption among police and society, the principles of Sir Robert Peel have given the community and police an opportunity to serve as equals to solve one primary goal. Sir Robert Peel has been a tremendous impact on these developments and continues to implement these principles in law enforcement today.
Topic: police-brutality

Despite the progress made since the Civil Rights Movement for the equality of African Americans of the 1950s and 1960s, there is one area in particular that remains difficult to change. For many years, African Americans have been oppressed by white men. It wasn’t until 1865 that they were freed from their masters. In today’s modern day, we are seeing a conflict between law enforcement officials and society. Law enforcement officials, like all people, have drawbacks and the situations they encounter almost daily can be dangerous and almost always require fast responses.
Topic: police-brutality

However, we are seeing these police officers exercising their right of their job duties forcefully and illegally. There have been many young African Americans who are losing their lives to police officers without justifications, which leads to the questions of “Are our police officers genuinely protecting us or abusing their power of authority towards people of color?” Even with hard evidence that the officer could have avoided the shooting or forceful beating, and in the wrong, the majority of them are getting off without conviction.
Topic: police-brutality

Although, for decades white on black crime continue to be an issue, the controversial topic became popular with the death of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed seventeen-year old African American shot dead in 2012 when walking home from a 711- convenience store. In the year of 2017 alone, police killed 1,147 people, in which twenty five percent of them being a person of colored and unarmed (Mapping Police Violence, 2018). As an individual with a job that its main duty is to serve and protect all citizens of their country, they are targeting people of color with no remorse or justification. With young African Americans being a prime target to these officers, as a person who is half African American, I fear for my brothers, my cousins, my friends, and even their families. Grieving a loss of a loved one is argumentatively one of the hardest experiences one would have to deal with, especially if an innocent life has been taken.
Topic: police-brutality

Police officers exercising their power illegally is an ongoing reality of individuals of color and has covered media headlines for several years now. The act of police brutality includes but not limited to illegal and unwarranted violence against citizens, especially minorities regardless of the belief of breaking a law or not. Individuals who have been affected by police brutality have been left with physical and emotional scars that will never go away, and in majority of cases, has even caused death. Police brutality cases can be dated as far back as the 1800s and has affected many families and friends who all fall under the minority class.
Topic: police-brutality

Furthermore, with every job, there are employment guidelines and rules that have to be followed. Police Misconduct can be defined as any action performed by a police officer that is unethical by established employment guidelines. In several cases, victims of traffic stop or arrests of those of color, in some way have been tortured, whether it was from a shot, tazer, or physically beaten. Compared to cases of white people in which many individuals have died due to terrorist like attacks such as school shooting, have walked into custody injury free. Many police officers are not held accountable for their actions and have easily gotten away with abuse of power against people of color even evidence from either the dash camera itself from the police car or from standbys recording on their cellular devices. Police misconduct violates rights and causes people to be wrongfully accused of crimes or even potentially death and can lead to obstruction of justice.
Topic: police-brutality

According to a statistical poll, Blacks believed that most police officers who had been accused of brutality have used “excessive force” as opposed to “necessary force in a dangerous situation” (Bureau of Justice Statistics). Misconduct could go as far as framing suspects, giving false testimony in court, stealing drugs, and shooting unarmed suspects without cause. As mentioned earlier, the Rampart Division in Los Angeles was a highly publicized incident in regards of police misconduct to the scandalous acts they were participating specifically aiming at those of color. In regards of evidence of the officer’s participation in this scandal, the police commission did not hold Rampart Division accountable for their actions. In the late 1990s, New York Police Department was accused of physical abuse against suspects, stealing money and drugs, and the distribution of drugs. Similar to the Rampart Division scandal, officers involved in the NYPD scandal were not held accountable. In addition, an article titled In the Shadows of the War on Terror: Persistent Police Brutality and Abuse of People of Color in the United States, attempted to bring awareness to police brutality and misconduct by showing committees that had concern of these mishaps voice their concern to the United States Government. In 2001, the Civil Rights Commission expressed concern regarding incidents of wrongful action. In May of 2006, CAT expressed concern regarding continuing reports of police brutality and use of excessive force and ill treatment by law enforcement officials. Later in the same year of 2006, UN Human Rights Committee also expressed concern about reports of police brutality and excessive force against racial minorities (Ritchie et al. 2017). Through long thoughtful meetings, both committees called on the United States Government to significantly increase its efforts to eliminate illegal actions of law enforcement officials. Research has shown that the government does not monitor or collect data concerning racial distribution of individuals stopped, searched, and arrested by higher authority (Ritchie et al. 2017).
Topic: police-brutality

With the hopes in advancements of technology, society is hoping to see a decrease in the abuse of power of law officials and an increase in rightful convictions of those who choose to abuse their authority. The development of these new technologies has allowed for greater insight and accountability of police officers in their daily routines including traffic violations and arrests. Dash cameras and body cameras have recently been added to police cars and uniforms over the years to hopefully increase accountability of officers and citizens. However, in many incidents, with evidence from witnesses and the dash or body camera showing excessive and unnecessary force, many police officers have walked free of murder with their jobs still in their hands, while victim’s families and friends have to mourn the unjustified murder of their loved one.
Topic: police-brutality

Martin Luther King Jr. once said “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people, but the silence over that by the good people (MLK Jr., I have a Dream). As a result of the unjustified beatings and deaths of young unarmed men, several individuals have joined together all across the nation to bring awareness to those who have been and could potentially be effected. Usually, citizens worry about protecting themselves from criminals, but lately, many citizens, especially minorities must also keep a watchful eye on those who have been given the responsibility to protect everyone. With the advancement of technology, social media platforms are becoming a better way to address these cases in detail more than news stations. Individuals who are part of these organizations have gone as far as meeting with former President Barrack Obama, peaceful protests, making hashtags to bring awareness, and forming nonprofit organizations. Despite the significant progress, those participating in these movements emphasize a need to educated all Americans concerning the killings of black Americans by law enforcement officials across the nation.
Topic: police-brutality

In conclusion, it is important to understand that Police Brutality is not limited to current events that are streamed on media platforms, but also the events that are dated back as far as to the 1800s. To avoid the unnecessary tragic losses of young black men, police departments need to implement new standards when dealing with certain circumstances and jumping to the need to shoot. Extensive training needs to be put in place on proper protocol and lawful action since learning that throughout the academy, trainees are “trained to shoot”. Police Brutality is not limited to certain states, it happens all across the world.
Topic: police-brutality

African Americans aren’t seen as individuals, but as thugs/criminals because of the color of their skin and that makes them a target. In the article of ‘Police Don’t Like Black People’ a black youth describe his encounter he have had with police. Travis explained how an undercover officer who incorrectly believed he was concealing drugs choked him in an attempt to obtain the requisite evidence: I was standing on the corner and we got these police we call the jump out boys.
Topic: police-brutality

They the police that be riding them regular cars and look like regular people. They like “what you doing on this corner?” And I’m just steady talking to ’em and they thought I had some dope in my mouth. So this one cop grabbed me and just started squeezing my throat. I was coughing and spitting up stuff and I’m like “what you all doing this for?” and they kept on like “don’t swallow it son.” I’m like “swallow, I ain’t got no dope!” I opened up my mouth after they let go. I was showing them and everything. This type of action taken by police just to find drugs was unnecessary and there was no need to physical harm this person because of a belief of concealed drugs that was never there. African Americans are put into situations that end violent that are mostly the use of excessive force from the officer. In the article of ‘Police Don’t Like Black People’ another black youth describes what he witnessed from officers. Doug explained: I saw my uncle [get beat up by the police]. They said he had a gun, but they didn’t find no gun so they couldn’t say that. Then they said he was resisting arrest so they beat him up and stuff like that. But I ain’t see no resisting arrest [especially] when they have the cuffs on you, you can ‘t resist no more. Then they maced him, and I felt like how is he resisting now? Only thing he trying to do is get that [mace] out his eyes. And then I still saw them hitting him with clubs and stuff. This gives a glimpse of that abuse of power that police have and the exceeding of their limits of violence when involving themselves in a situation. Police brutality isn’t just a problem, but a inflicting issue that needs to be fixed.
Topic: police-brutality

How does rap music influence today’s society through its culture and messages? Rap music is “a style of popular music, developed by disc jockeys and urban blacks in the late 1970s, in which an insistent, recurring beat pattern provides the background and counterpoint for rapid, slangy, and often boastful rhyming pattern glibly intoned by a vocalist or vocalists” (Webster’s Dictionary). Even though rap music has this one definition, it represents different things to different people.
Topic: police-brutality

While playing with these records, they spun sections of the songs on their turntables and discovered a new sound. They began playing this new sound at parties, and it began to gain popularity, thus birthing hip-hop.One positive message various artists express through their music is nationalism. Nationalism is a sense of pride within a nation and promotes the culture of that nation. However, in today’s society, black nationalism is prevalent which promotes the culture of the African American community. Many rappers have used their art to express this to their audience.
Topic: police-brutality

American rap and hip hop recording artist, Nas, released a song “Black Zombie,” which indirectly encourages, promotes, and increases the awareness of the ideology of black nationalism. In the song, Nas creates this metaphor referring to African Americans as Black Zombies. Through this metaphor, Nas is calling the African American community dead, as if they were zombies, who do not obtain their desires and “follow the system” as he stated in the song. He provides various examples demonstrating ways in which African Americans are oppressed, like zombies, who fail to control their actions, thoughts, and speech.
Topic: police-brutality

The idea of oppression within African Americans in America has displayed in Nas’ “Black Zombie”:”Yo, you believe when they say we ain’t shit, we can’t grow?All we are is dope dealers, and gangstas and hoes?And you believe when they are telling you lie, all on the media? They make the world look crazy to keep you inside?Why you listen when the teachers at schoolKnow you a young single parent out struggling, they think you a fool”Nas demonstrates the stereotypes that thrive regarding the black community, and this angers him. Nas then goes onto say “So stop being controlled, we black zombies.” With this message he offers a solution; he encourages the idea of black-owned land and business to break out of this oppressed state. Nas uses his social platform to encourage this nationalistic feeling throughout his community. Nas is not the only rap artist to promote nationalistic feelings through his music; according to the book Black Nationalism and Rap Music, by Errol A. Henderson, artist such as Run DMC, Too $hort, Ice-T, and many more promoted black nationalism through their music. As a result of their promotion, African American accepted the ideology and began to ban together. Due to the music, African Americans decided to challenge the ideas of white supremacists. More black-owned organizations began to boom which increased the economic status of African Americans; for example, “Russell Simmons provided an organizational basis For Black acts through his Death Jam Productions and Rush Management”. Simmons decided to keep the nationalistic feelings, that came with rap music, alive through the business world of music. This created more opportunities for African American artist to express their music to the world. These feelings were also passed on to today’s society. However, when Run DMC and Russell Simmons began to work with whites heavily, tensions between the two social groups began to rise.
Topic: police-brutality

Run DMC decided to change the game and mix the culture of rap music with Rock N’ Roll; the black community, however, was not fond of the idea. Henderson writes, “…Run DMC appeared to cross over and out of mainstream hip-hop (African American), and they have never really been accepted back, on a national level, by their previously black fans”. This quote demonstrates the rising social tensions between African Americans and whites. African Americans dominated hip-hop and for whites to become a part of the movement was damaging to the African American community. Due to these feelings of nationalism, African Americans felt betrayed by their own, Run DMC because they decided to evolve musically.Similarly to Nas, the artist uses their platform to encourage ideas through their music, such as political and social issue awareness. African Americans have been a minority group for over hundreds of years; they have also been victims of social injustices, such as police brutality. From Rodney King to Eric Garner, police brutality continues to be a muse to artists. As the law dictionary states, “police brutality is the use of excessive and unnecessary force by police when dealing with civilians.” This has been seen in many instances, especially California. During the late 1900s, police brutality was common in South Central. Police repeatedly harassed young African American teenagers, as seen in the film, which was based on real-life events, Straight Outta Compton. The problem grew to be so unacceptable that rap group, N.W.A. (Niggaz With Attitudes), released a song about the issue called “Fuck Tha Police.” Ice Cube starts the song off with the following lyrics:”Fuck the police coming straight from the undergroundA young nigga got it bad cause I’m brownAnd not the other color, so police thinkThey have the authority to kill a minorityFuck that shit, cause I ain’t the oneFor a punk motherfucker with a badge and a gun.
Topic: police-brutality

To be beating on, and thrown in jail” The audience can sense Cube’s anger from this snippet of the song. He describes himself as “a young nigga” that “got it bad,” due to the color of his skin tone. When authority heard this song by the rap group, they felt threatened especially because citizens were promoting the song. This song was creating social awareness of police brutality that was occurring, even if people were going against the police, N.W.A. wanted to bring awareness to a social issue whenpeople began to realize the issue, people’s attitudes toward the police. During N.W.A’s 1989 tour they received a letter from the federal government warning them if they performed their controversial hit, “Fuck Tha Police,” there would be major consequences. However, they knew they owed the truth to their fans. In Detroit on their tour, N.W.A decided to perform the song, while there was a crowd of police at their show. In 2014, on “The Jonathan Ross Show,” Ice Cube described how the whole Detroit police department threw fireworks onstage causing the group to flee back to their hotel where they were arrested. To the audience, it appeared that the police are punishing the group, even though as Cube reported, the police just wanted autographs, causing the audience to cause a riot outside the venue. People threw anything in sight towards the police which created utter chaos. N.W.A. then had a press conference about the incident and most of their music. In the film, “Straight Outta Compton,” when asked about their music lyrics which often refer to gangs, death, and drugs, they responded that it reflected their reality. From drugs to police brutality, it was what they saw on a day to day basis. People began to resent the police due to this incident, thus earning N.W.A the “most dangerous rap group.”
Topic: police-brutality

Finally, California reached the breaking point. As reported by CBS, on March 3, 1991, four police officers were caught on film brutality beating King when capturing him after a case. This was a shock to the world and what came next was an even bigger shock. In April of 1992, Rodney King’s assaulters were acquitted by a majority white jury. The next three days were utter chaos. California was experiencing looting, riots, arson, mass levels of violence, and social unrest; leaving fifty-five civilians dead and over 2,000 injured. For the next few months resulted in unrest and riots. Among the chaos, Ice Cube released a song called, “We Had to Tear This Muthafucka Up.” In the song, Cube says:”Not guilty the filthy devils tried ta kill meWhen the news get to the hood then niggas will behotter than cayenne pepper, cuss, bustKickin up dust is a mustI can’t trust a cracker in a blue uniform”Cube is painting a picture of what is occurring in California; he is showing the story of the Rodney King case and its effects on society; the deadly riots, and the loss in trust of the police. The song brought much awareness to the issue and the fact that police brutality was happening all over and not just in California.Another positive message that comes out of rap music is hope. This message goes hand in hand with the message of awareness of social and political issues. Rap artist tends to respond to social issues in the world with songs of hope. For example, Tupac released a song called, “Changes,” The song talks about the reality drugs, violence, and race.
Topic: police-brutality

However, Tupac is focusing on the changes that can be done to make the world a better place, hence the name of the song, changes. Tupac is giving his audience hope that better days are to come and the world will change for the better. In which many songs in today’s society reflect against issues such as brutality, similarly today’s music world and social problems.Black Nationalism and police brutality are still around and are reflected in rap culture in today’s society. Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Philando Castile, and many more, all victims of brutality. Due to all the brutality and innocent lives that were taken, the movement, “Black Lives Matter” was born. Many rappers have joined the movement and released songs to also support the movement. Singer Beyonce Knowles and her husband, rap artist Jay-Z, are proud supporters of Black Lives Matter and they are not afraid to make that a known fact. Not too long ago, Jay-Z released a song called, “Spiritual,” that he wrote addressing police brutality. When released he wrote: “I made this song a year ago, I never got to finish it. Punch (TDE) told me I should drop it when Mike Brown died, and sadly I told him, “this issue will always be relevant.”I am hurt that I knew his death wouldn’t be the last·I am saddened and disappointed in THIS America – we should be further along.WE ARE NOT·”Jay-Z is using his social platform in society to get a message across to the American people. Jay-Z released the song in response to the murder of Philando Castile, who, according to CNN, was killed by a police officer at a traffic stop. Jay-Z is staying that America is staying stagnant and even though America should be making progress from racism, it is not. He is raising awareness and also give the people hope through music.Similarly, Rap artist, The Game, decided to take the issue to his Instagram, in which he has 7.4 million followers, telling his fans to join and support Black Lives Matter. He also organized a peaceful protest to “reintroduce the Los Angeles police department” to the community, along with hip-hop artists,
Topic: police-brutality

Rappers Uncle Luke and 2 Live Crew are known for sexist lyrics and in their song “Face Down, Ass Up,” 2 Live says:”I bust a nut, and then I’m breakin’ outSo when you’re naked, down on all foursYou better make sure that you get yours’Cause a nigga like me love ya and leave yaI got mine, hoe! SEE YA!”These lyrics are extremely controversial because it promotes the dehumanization of women and taking advantage of them. To describe a woman on all fours like an animal would be taking away their human qualities which is hugely disrespectful. 2 Live is also promoting men to act as if they love a woman to have intercourse with her and then leave her which s taking advantageof her and her body. Similarly to this song, in Rocko’s, “U.O.E.N.O,” rapper Rick Ross talks about drug abuse and even promotes rape. Ross says:”Put molly all in her champagne, she ain’t even know it. I took her home and I enjoyed that, she ain’t even know it.”Rick Ross is implying the idea of date rape; he slipped drugs into a girl’s drink and took her home and had his way with her. Children listening to this song get the idea that rape is okay and not a big deal. However, with the rape victim, they will never be the same again. Women did not stand for this, after many long, peaceful protests, Rick Ross was dropped from his Adidas’ partnership. The vulgar lyrics caused women to take a stand against a problem and ended up coming out triumphant.Along with this form of crime, violence is promoted through rap music. In Eminem’s song “Stan,” he is writing a letter as a delusional rapper who describes violent acts against his pregnant girlfriend, such as tying her up, throwing her in the trunk, and killing her.
Topic: police-brutality

Even further than the music itself, the music videos are extremely sexist and degrading to woman. Most girls in music videos are showing off their body parts as if that is all they are. According to Gateway Journals, in 2007 there was a study done with seventh and eighth-grade boys that watch music videos, and wrestling videos were associated with the acceptance of date rape. So when young boys see these videos and hear lyrics like Rick Ross’, which promote date rape, they believe it is acceptable behavior. Similar to this study, MTV reported that “70 percent of the students who listened to music “daily or almost daily” listened to rap and hip-hop, and when that data was compared with the students’ answers about alcohol, drugs, and violence, the survey found that “substance use and aggressive behaviors among young people were significantly associated to certain genres of popular music,” mainly rap·” After looking at these studies, it was suggested market alcohol to make more sales, which help the economy. However, these little sales do not compare to all the money that will be lost to these students that will become criminals. The studies show that due to rap music, these children will end up either participating in illegal activities, in prison, or ruining their lives. For all negatively connotated lyrics, some children end up in prison, with more and more criminals in prison due to rap music, this causes people to pay more taxes. The people would grow angry, maybe to the point of an uprising.
Topic: police-brutality

Economically, the rich would remain rich, and the poor would remain poor, maybe even poorer considering they can barely keep up with the economy as it is; this would contribute to the growing economic gap and help it to grow. As I stated before, celebrities are very influential in our society. Socially with celebrities and rap music also comes social trends, such as new languages, dances, and even fashions trends. For example, the “Milly Rock,” is a new dance that teenagers do all the time because of rapper 2 Milly. Rap artist Desiigner introduced the term “GLLLTTT,” which is the mockery of a gun sound, to the young American society. This term is all over social media and used by many teenagers and on a day to day basis. Also, terms like “selfie,” which are now found in the dictionary are social trends that were created from music. Kanye West created a fashion statement with dresses and holes in clothing. These are just very few examples of the social influences rappers have on the society; but why are these celebrities so influential, why do we listen to them and trust them more than people we know?
Topic: police-brutality

According to the book, The Economic Worth of Celebrity Endorsers: An Event Study Analysis Studies, by Jagdish Agrawal, studies show that when celebrities endorse a product, it sells over 20% more. Rap artist Kanye West discussed running for president in 2020; already there were “Kanye for president” shirts made. Politically, for America, this would mean another politically uneducated president, after Trump. Celebrities are looked up to and idolized by citizens, so when they tell people to do something, they are more likely to do it. This is why their lyrics are so meaningful when celebrities promote things in their songs, good or bad; people are more likely to listen most likely follow. As studies show, 85% of people listen to music, of that 85%, 17% of male adolescence and 25% of female adolescence, said they listen to rap music for the lyrics. So if the lyrics are negative they are becoming brainwashed, after singing the song multiple times, they begin to believe rape, sexism, violence, and drugs are okay, as seen in the eighth and seventh-grade study. For positive lyrics, however, they begin also to become more socially aware of the world. Lyrics can be very dangerous if taken lightly.From the years 1998 to 2008, 10.7 of Americans purchased at least one rap album. There are about 300 million Americans, so of that 10.7 who purchased rap albums, they are either getting negative or positive messages. What do people think when they hear these lyrics; more importantly, think about the impact this music has on our lives. Rappers and their music have had political, social, economic, and historical impacts on the American society.
Topic: police-brutality

For example, Slavery, Jim crow laws, The Greensboro sit-in, Rosa Parks, The Case of Emmett Till, Little Rock Nine, M.L.K., Malcolm X, and the list goes on and on. Police Brutality is another part of Discrimination. The Emancipation of Proclamation made all people held as slaves in the rebellious ( Southern) states become free, but division and racism between races did not end there.
Topic: police-brutality

Have you ever been blamed for something you had no part in doing? The “Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, shows us the perfect example of the society we are living in today. The novel mainly focuses on how to change the inequality African Americans face in the 21st century and the ongoing cycle of poverty and crime. Police brutality and injustices has arisen over the past years, and it caused a drastic downfall within the society. Starr, the main character, is confronted with the issue of race by living in two very different worlds.
Topic: police-brutality

The media attempts to portray a negative image towards Khalil by labeling him as a “thug”, “drug dealer”, or a “criminal” in order to justify the wrongdoings of the police officer. Starr witnesses the entire shooting of her friend, which will cause her to constantly live in fear of police brutality. By the cops shooting an unarmed innocent African American, causes not only a community, but the society to raise uproar because of the inequality and injustices faced by being black in America. Angie Thomas ultimately wanted to express that police brutality is an issue beyond black vs. white individuals and show that the systemic criminalization of colored people can be internalized by anyone.
Topic: police-brutality

People of all colors deserve to live an equally fair life, despite your cultural background. The color of your skin should not define the content of your character, nor the way you should be treated. Angie uses Starr, the main character, to show how society treats you based on your race and how you should act. Starr attends Williamson Prep School, a predominantly wealthy and white school. However, she lives in Garden Heights, a primarily low income black community, where she feels like she is living a double life. Starr does not want to be considered as being “too black” at school, yet also being “too white” at home.
Topic: police-brutality

You have the right for your voice to be heard no matter who you are. “· what will that make me? The thug ghetto girl with the drug dealer? What will my teachers think about me? My friends? ” (Thomas 113) After witnessing the death of her friend, she knew that her and Khalil would be stereotyped. Starr fears that people will think of her a poor, ghetto, black girl just by judging where she is from. Because of today’s society, it is very unfortunate how accurate her thoughts are. Although the novel celebrates blackness and embracing who you are, Angie still wants to show her reader’s that you are uniquely you no matter what color skin you may be in and your life equally matters.
Topic: police-brutality

When a community comes together for the good of the people, they can overcome anything. With the physical and emotional destruction in Garden Heights after Khalil’s death, Starr knew that it was long overdue for a change. Starr wished to use her community and family support to help fight the oppressive systems, so that society can start changing for the better. Gangs are destructive to any community; which is why she is so determined to help get rid of the gang systems so that they may recreate unity. By using her resources, Starr was able to help rebuild Garden Heights into a place of peace. The goal was for her to break the tradition of the Garden Heights community being labeled as “ghetto” and remove the stereotypical assumptions society created.
Topic: police-brutality

Police Brutality Police Brutality is an ongoing problem and existent concern in the United States and should be resolved immediately. Law enforcement must function as an element that consists of organized and civilized officers. The presence of police brutality is becoming more of an issue as society grows. The growth of social media and camera phones have increased the national attention. The problem posed by the illegal exercise of police power is an ongoing reality for individuals of a disfavored race, class, or sexual orientation.
Topic: police-brutality

Around the early 1800’s, significant amounts of people began to immigrate into this country. This influx carried on for a while and still occurs today just with much smaller numbers. With the big mix of people, prejudice and hate crimes were not uncommon. By the mid-nineteenth century, the deterioration of cities had led to different laws that regulated public behavior as well as created new public institutions including the police force (Cosgrave, 2015). However, this divide created a separation between the law enforcers and citizens as well. In effect, we are ultimately left with racial, cultural, and ethnic profiling in policing.
Topic: police-brutality

In many cases it is often government officials that have abuse their power in many nations, but in the USA we have the issue of the law enforcers not enforcing the law or enforcing it a little too much. Police brutality cases have been on the rise since the early 2000s (CATO Institute, 2010). We as a people have often ignored the fact that those who are supposed to be upholding the law often break it. As of 2014 we as a people have taken a stand against the rise in police brutality cases.
Topic: police-brutality

Police brutality has become a prevalent issue in American society. In recent years, police brutality cases have come into the public eye. This exposition of these acts is not an uncommon occurrence. In 1992 Rodney King was publically assaulted by a police officer and this event was being publically broadcasted (Skolnick, 1994). This drew attention from the many people that lived in the area and caused a public uprising. These L.A. riots were showcased to the whole nation as a result of a single man being beaten by a police officer. It was at this point that man people across the nation became disgruntled by the injustice. Public uprisings are a devastating aftermath because a simple event, but tragic event resonated with many people. These cases of police brutality can explode into large bouts of anarchy as we saw in 1992. As the number of police brutality cases is on the rise, so it the probability of another devastating event such as the week long L.A. riots. A simple solution has been proposed to solve all of the issues presented by these violent acts.
Topic: police-brutality

The police use a tactic where they place unmanned vehicles along roads where speeders are common. The “Mike Brown” law is seemingly trying to mimic that tactic by using these individual police cameras to deter excessive force to arrest the suspect. The “Mike Brown” law proposes that funds be set aside, so that law enforcement officers (including federal officers) can be assigned cameras that capture the on duty activities of the officers wearing them. If any illegal or illicit activity were to be performed while the officer was on duty, then the “cop cam” would capture it all on camera and the court would have definitive evidence to put these corrupt law enforcers away. This law was inspired by the shooting of an unarmed eight-teen year old in Ferguson, Missouri. The initial incident was: a police officer had stopped two teens (one of them being Mike Brown) and told them to get down on the floor. Mike Brown had complied and was on his knees with his hands behind his head, pleading for the officer not to shoot. The officer was reported to have shot the unarmed teen at least 6 times. Michael Brown was murdered in broad daylight by a police officer. This is another case of police brutality has cause a large amount of civil disobedience and unrest.
Topic: police-brutality

The unrest in Ferguson is only the most recent case of civil unrest due to an unjust act from a police officer. According to Todd C. Frankel (2014), the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri is only due to the recent buildup of mistrust between the people and the law enforcers. According to an interview between Frankel and Antonio French (2014), French has observed that the police have mishandled cases, especially cases dealing with predominantly black neighborhoods, and he believes that this is what the cause of all this unsettlement is. French had also stated that this explosion of anarchy has been bubbling up for a long time and this is true because this is not the only case of anarchy breaking out from a case of police brutality.
Topic: police-brutality

Rodney King was all over the national news in 1992. He was not a star, he was not a rising celebrity, nor was he an artist of any kind. Rodney King was all over national television because he was brutally beaten by multiple police officers of the Los Angeles Police Department. This was the first real widely known case of police brutality. This was also the case that revealed just how brutal police can be. The majority of Americans were shocked because before this was publicized the police were often depicted as upstanding citizens on television and to watch them beat a mean nearly to death was an eye opener that was well needed to spark a change. After the police officers were acquitted of all charges, L.A. broke out into riots (Skolnick, 1994).
Topic: police-brutality

These riots were actually considered “insurrections” because these acts were political instead of anarchic. The amount of people that took to the streets was massive. Many of the people that were taking part in this “insurrection” were actually brown instead of black. At this point this event was considered to be a multiracial affair because there was many races involved including the Asian population. These people were taking a stand against the racial issues of the area and this is what is happening currently in Fergusson, Missouri.
Topic: police-brutality

The NFL represents “The National Football League,” which contains thirty-two professional American teams (“NFL Football Teams,” para 1). Over the past year to present time, there has been a lot of controversy within the league concerning a major political issue with select NFL players kneeling during the playing of the national anthem before kickoff. Kneeling is executed to represent a form of silent protest. The NFL players who are kneeling believe that there are prevailing issues in the United States that need to be brought to the public’s attention.
Topic: police-brutality

According to the philosopher, Boxill, protest is meant to not only stop the injustice from happening, but to also show self-respect (Boxill, para 1). The injustices that the NFL players are silently protesting against during the playing of the national anthem, are police brutality and racial inequalities occurring in the United States. The issues behind the protest should be addressed, but the way the NFL is allowing players to kneel during a time which celebrates patriotism and the symbolic representation of our country, should not be allowed.
Topic: police-brutality

The protest first began in the NFL when a player from the San Francisco 49ers sat on the benches during the playing of the national anthem at preseason games (Mindock, para 3). Later in the season, he changed to kneeling during the national anthem while his other teammates remained standing (para 4). Ever since the first player, Colin Kaepernick, kneeled during the anthem, it has started a widespread protest encouraging other players in the NFL to join.
Topic: police-brutality

The reasons behind the protest, such as police brutality and racial inequalities, are extensive issues in the United States. According to the mapping of police violence, police have killed 1,079 people in the United States this year. Of these 1,079 people, 26 percent of those killed were of the African American race, which represents 13 percent of the American population (“Mapping Police Violence”). These statistics are well known and alarming to most. The NFL players felt that something needed to be done in order to bring the injustices to the public’s attention. As mentioned above, the protest itself is genuine, but the way it is being executed is exceptionally wrong and troubling. My first argument, is that the form of protest the NFL players are using shows disrespect towards the members of the military and the American flag because the national anthem is played during sporting events to display patriotism for the wars that were fought. The national anthem was written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, which was a conflict between Great Britain and the United States, killing roughly 15,000 Americans (“Star Spangled Banner Lyrics,” para 2). By kneeling, the players are showing a lack of patriotism for our country and this draws attention away from their concept of protesting. Under Title 36 in the United States Code, Section 301 states, “all other person’s present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart” (“United States Code,” para 2). Although there is no federal punishment for violating the United States code, it shows overall disrespect towards the country. Many soldiers have lost their lives fighting for the freedom of the United States, and to military personnel, it may come off as very discourteous.
Topic: police-brutality

The first argument not only enrages the majority who serve in the military, but it also upsets the fans. The disrespectfulness fans perceive from the way the protest is performed, can lead to unintended consequences. Protesting in the public eye may lead to boycotts and un-peaceful events. Ever since the protest began, more security has been needed at the games to protect fans from violence that might occur due to the kneeling that takes place (“Refusing to Stand for the National Anthem,” para 8). Also, fans have been committing arson by burning the jerseys of players who promote the protest to show dislike (para 8). Not only is the kneeling making the audience feel uneasy, but causing them to lash out to also be heard.
Topic: police-brutality

My second argument, is that not standing up during the national anthem is a very ineffective way to promote a protest of injustice. Kneeling during the national anthem catches the viewers’ attention, but can be a major distraction (para 6). It can be a distraction to their teammates and can also cause internal team controversy for those who don’t agree with the style of protest. Not standing for the national anthem before the game, can get in the way of the main message they are trying to protest, which is police brutality and racial injustices. The national anthem stands for men and women who have fought for our country (para 5). Once people see a player kneel, it is hard for them to get past the perceived disrespect for the military personnel of the United States and listen to the deeper concerns of the protest. Many fans get distracted by the action the players are performing, not even realizing there is a bigger cause behind the action. Not only does it distract the players and the audience, but it takes away from the overall football game starting minutes after the kneeling occurs. In addition, the protest draws attention away from the actual reason people bought tickets, which was to view and enjoy the football game between two opposing teams.
Topic: police-brutality

There are many objections that you could use to rebuttal against the first argument. I think the best objection is that if one believes the United States is not holding up the foundations the country was established on, not standing during the playing of the national anthem is reasonable. The reason the protest was executed by kneeling, was because Kaepernick felt that his country wasn’t showing justice for all and was oppressing African Americans (para 3). He did not want to show pride in a country and flag that undermined police brutality and racial injustices, acting like these were not issues in the United States. Many other players now kneel during the national anthem for this reason. The players are not purposely trying to offend the military, police, or others who find it disrespectful, they are trying to bring recognition to the issues, so other people can be informed. Raising awareness of social injustice is their main target, not dishonoring those who have risked their lives for America (para 3).
Topic: police-brutality

Another major objection to the first argument could be that kneeling during the national anthem is protected by the First Amendment. The football players are exercising their constitutional right to peacefully protest, bringing the issues of police brutality and racial injustices to the public’s attention. Legally, there was nothing wrong with Kaepernick’s form of protest. The players of the NFL have the right to speak out and make a statement about something they believe is unfair. The First Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” (Staff, para 1). In addition, it is an individual’s choice whether or not he or she wishes to participate in standing for the national anthem. With the freedom of speech, comes the right to express your opinion peacefully with either direct words or symbolic actions without diminution, and that’s exactly what the NFL players are doing (“What Does Free Speech Mean?,” para 1).
Topic: police-brutality

The second argument emphasized that kneeling during the national anthem is not an effective way to promote and protest the injustice occurring in the United States. A possible response to this argument could be that kneeling is an effective way to promote the issues because it easily grabs people’s eyes on a platform that is viewed by millions of Americans. Kneeling is an unexpected action taken by the NFL players and it shocks the audience which makes them pay attention to the issues (para 6). This sparked other players to join Kaepernick in the kneeling because they realized the public would react, good or bad. Also, it created a conversation on social media and in the news. The protest spread like wildfire, and people were widely talking about it. On social media, there were those who took the NFL players’ side and others who did not agree with the form of protest. By grabbing the fans’ attention, they are able to speak out and voice their opinions on racial issues that needed to be displayed. Now that the public is more aware of the police brutality and racial injustices, actions can be taken to try to prevent those injustices from happening further.