To be honest, I cannot blame anyone for their perceptions of me. LAPD is constantly in the news because one of my co-workers looses their cool and throws an extra punch too many while a camera is recording.
What I can blame you for, however, is not understanding that in my line of work, showing weakness is a death warrant. I am a nice guy once you get to know me. I have a family that I love. I have kids that I am raising to fight the injustices of the world without fear and wife who supports my every action.
I am only a cop because I gave up on my real dreams a long time ago. So I adapted to the best profession to suit my personality. I hate offices. I hate crime, especially after I lost a close friend to gang violence. I love excitement and would like to feed my wild side. So here I am now, your local police officer.
The Night:
I am finally ending my shift and I cannot wait to go home. I've had an extremely long day and all I can think about is my bed.
I get a distress call from the dispatch. The officer in danger is a friend and all I was thinking was, "Not on my watch." I threw on my sirens and sped to the destination with my game face on.
I arrive to the scene and see a large crowd of students. Mostly black with a few white and latino kids also.
Thoughts:
"Wait, why are they calling me racist? I'm not racist."
"Don't look weak"
"The faster you all go home, the faster we can all go home."
"He's looking at me. Show him you mean business."
"I'd hate to do it, but if they get too close I'll hit them with all my God given might."
"JUST LEAVE!"
From US:
To be honest, I cannot blame anyone for their preconceived perception of me. The media constantly perpetuates images of those who look like me in a negative, arrogant, or flamboyant manner and I understand that.
What I can blame you for is choosing whether or not you allow those images to prevent you from getting to know me rather than making assumptions.
I'm a pretty nice guy once you get to know me. I made it a prestigious university after working hard in school. I have a deep passion for helping others. Now I am about to graduate and would simply just like to have fun on the eve of finals to celebrate my accomplishments and the accomplishments of my peers.
The Night:
Just came from a yacht ride with some friends from student government in celebration of a year of hard work and good programing.
My phone died so I decide to walk to a friend's house because she usually has friends over that are filled of good energy. I was feeling great, but when I saw that there were a few other friends that I enjoy spending time with at her house, I became elated.
We know of a "ConGradulation" party happening near campus so we decide to go. I usually don't like to go to house parties, but this one has security and they are checking student ID so hey, why not?
We get there and see that there is an identical house party across the street with friends of mine who don't have as good of a tan as me (if you catch my drift).
The party was fun. I saw plenty of friends of all races all enjoying themselves and enjoying the music. LAPD arrives to shut down the party as a result of a noise complaint. That's okay. I had fun and saw the people I needed to see. We were leaving.
I hear commotion behind me and see a friend getting hauled off in cuffs. Then I see another friend who was recording the situation wrestled to the ground by several cops. Then two more friends being tackled. I look at the house across the street and the police are telling them to stay inside the gate to stay away from harm.
The next thing I know, we are at a complete face-to-face stand off with LAPD and the SWAT Team.
Thoughts:
"Look at how they are looking at me. Racists!"
"There's an identical party right next door. Why are you treating us this way?"
"You are telling me to leave, but our cars are behind the barricade you just created."
"I couldn't imagine how people used to get fire hosed and bit by dogs for similar situations."
"Why are you arresting her and hurting her? She's a Trustee Scholar."
"Whatever happens, I am willing to stand in solidarity with the people by my side."
"Something has to change."
"What did I do?"
"Why are you treating me like a monster?"
Analysis:
These may have been the thoughts of a select few involved in the events that took place the night of May 4th. Those individuals may be the outliers of a population of police and African-Americans. It is possible that this event and those similar can be prevented or rationally avoided through proper communication. But when you look at the skin, the badge, or the attire what do you choose to imagine? The monster or the man?
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