In the history of American legal proceedings, there are many cases where the police force has been used against minorities. Unfortunately, this keeps occurring to this day, although in many respects, it contradicts the legislation of the state. Many shreds of evidence are supporting this claim; in particular, they can be found in the literature. A striking example is a book The Black and the Blue, where Matthew Horace gives testimony from behind the blue wall of secrecy and paints a society where police molest citizens. Thus, modern American society is facing a severe problem of racism among authorities.
Reading this book, people can see many disadvantages and the racist actions of the American police: they use their power to oppress individuals and can even affect their family life. For instance, in the story, the father, Bobby, acting under the pressure of the authorities, brutalizes his family to the point of pushing his wife and son to walk away. Later on, the son misses his father and has to live with him. The family is dismantled, and everyone lives in regret. It should be avoided, and reconciliation requires truthful and fair treatment of all citizens. Such an image of the situation in the country reflects the real state of affairs. Indeed, the modern American police system can be overly violent, which can lead to disastrous consequences such as the destruction of families.
Individuals often claim to be mistreated by the police just because of their skin color, as in the mentioned novel. This is especially noted in states containing a high number of immigrants. They are also treated with malice in America because some native-born people believe that foreigners have come to steal their opportunities. However, this contradicts the claimed American human rights: according to the Constitution, each citizen of the U.S. has the right to live freely, express themselves, and feel protected. In reality, often people come to the U.S. without any evil or harmful intent. However, Horace states that racism is often considered by police officers as something usual. Moreover, it can be not only in law enforcement but also in education, work, medicine, and other areas. Thus, in many situations, there are notable immeasurable xenophobic issues.
Police officers sometimes act beyond their jurisdiction when handling minorities. According to Horace, the police force has been accused of applying double standards in more than one situation. Police brutality emanates from rogue officers who have allowed themselves to be used by the system to advance its ill-treatment of the less privileged minorities. Hence, there are many racism issues in the U.S. police system that must be eradicated. Brutality and victimization of immigrants are something that should be condemned by all means possible.
Undoubtedly, the whole American society should overcome racism and similar problems through joint efforts. Each citizen of the U.S. should feel safe and protected, and the police play a critical role in this. They have to be an example for others and should act accordingly, without taking racist or other harmful actions. However, even small steps towards the goal, a fruitful and united society, can be useful. Therefore, police officers should be mindful of their actions and be patient and reasonable. This requires much effort and time but is worth it.
Annotated Bibliography
Armenta, Amanda. Protect, Serve, and Deport: The Rise of Policing as Immigration Enforcement. University of California Press, 2017.
Armenta has written a lot about the ethnography of immigration policing in Nashville. The book provides a template on how immigration policies can be reframed. It is high time that immigration systems accepted to open up their doors. Using this book, the United States government can make significant states towards building a friendly and unite society consisting of various people.
Barlow, Fiona Kate, and Chris G. Sibley, editors. The Cambridge Handbook of the Psychology of Prejudice: Concise Student Edition. Cambridge University Press, 2018.
This chapter exposes the pain and suffering meted on immigrants. They are discriminated against and prejudiced. Unfortunately, it can also be met among various groups of immigrants trying to build a better life in America. Therefore, natives should be more patient and supportive of these people.
Evans, Mariah D. R., and Jonathan Kelley. “Prejudice Against Immigrants Symptomizes a Larger Syndrome, is Strongly Diminished by Socioeconomic Development, and the UK is not an Outlier: Insights From the WVS, EVS, and EQLS Surveys.” Frontiers in Sociology, vol. 4, no. 12, 2019, pp. 1-12.
This article focuses on negative attitude toward the immigrant, religious minority, and ethnic groups. The evils done to immigrants have brought about enmity and mistrust towards police officers. However, the state agencies such as police should be beneficial for the society and trusted. Therefore, the whole system should be restructured to become beneficial for the society.
Horace, Matthew. The Black and the Blue: A Cop Reveals the Crimes, Racism, and Injustice in America’s Law Enforcement. Hachtette Books, 2018.
This book helps readers understand the inner state of things in the police system better. The author discusses various cases related to racism and other problems which at present are often considered normal. However, his main point is that this situation is not suitable for a healthy society. Thus, both citizens and police workers should be mindful and try to deal with racism and other severe problems.
Kalpanik, Sankhya. Welcome to the USA: True Story of an Indian Student from IIT in America Kindle Edition. Center of Artificial Imagination, Inc., 2012.
This book talks about the fate of an Indian student who is working in America as an IT expert. Despite his qualification, he is treated with malice in most working stations. However, notably, there are multiple successful immigrant workers in any technical or scientific area. Thus, this story can be useful in showing such people the possible obstacles which can occur on the career path.
Linnemann, Travis, and Corina Medley. “Black Sites, “Dark Sides”: War Power, Police Power, and the Violence of the (Un)known.” Crime, Media, Culture, vol. 15, no. 2, 2019, pp. 341-358.
With the current state of immigration in America, the non-white population will be high. The number of non-native uniformed force will also increase. Human rights organizations shall be strong in fighting for the rights of non-Americans. White Christians have seen the atrocities done on non-natives. The church now represents the Dark Side of America. This is another proof of the fact that not all the government systems are working correctly, and the nation should unite to improve the situation.
Taylor, Clarence. Fight the Power: African Americans and the Long History of Police Brutality in New York City. NYU Press, 2018.
In this book, Clarence Taylor is telling readers about the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014, which was direct proof of police brutality. The events that followed his death stirred up a national debate on the use of excessive force. Michael was indeed suspected of robbery, and during an attempt to detain him, a quarrel ensued between him and the policeman. However, the policeman had no reason to kill Michael, so this act amounts to extrajudicial killing. Death acted as a catalyst for numerous further events that attracted the media.
Williams, Kristian. Our Enemies in Blue: Police and Power in America. AK Press, 2015.
In this book, Kristian Williams calls upon uniformed men to act diligently in some instances, the police have acted negligently towards immigrants. He advocates for the full understanding; nevertheless, he advises citizens to follow the rules because no one can fight with law. Therefore, the author’s main point is that only joint efforts of the police and citizens can contribute to prosperity.