Factors behind African American Males Being Victims of Police B ✓ Solved

The recent widely publicized tragic deaths of African Americans at the hands of the police has created a public discussion about racism in policing. A lot of research has been piloted to identify and understand the perception of the African Americans about the police and the consequences of racial inequalities on policing (Brunson, 2017). Unfortunately, limited research has been conducted to investigate the institutional and personal influences of non-African Americans police officers on how they treat African Americans (Brunson, 2017). Furthermore, more research has to be done to understand the history of policing, to identify if there are practices within the force that motivate officers to engage in unethical behavior against racial minorities. The widespread awareness created due to the latest deaths of numerous African American males in the hands of the police has uncovered the unaddressed public concern which is defining the root reasons of extreme use of force by the police directed towards black males resulting in ‘admissible homicides’ (Gilbert & Ray, 2016).

The criminalization of black males has been a prevalent issue in the history of the United States. Currently, there are limited researches that apply an intersectional approach towards the investigation of the intersection of gender and race in realizing police behaviors that lead to ‘admissible homicides’ for African American males (Gilbert & Ray, 2016). Research needs to be done about the implications of social and legal factors in violence-related incidents involving law enforcement officials and African American males. The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand the factors behind African American males being targets of police brutality at disproportionate rates for easier identification of appropriate measures required to deal with the issue.

Paper For Above Instructions

The issue of police brutality against African American males has become a significant topic in contemporary discussions about law enforcement practices and racial inequality in the United States. Recent high-profile cases involving the deaths of African American men during encounters with police have fueled a national conversation about systemic racism within law enforcement. This paper aims to explore the various factors contributing to the disproportionate victimization of African American males by police, drawing on qualitative research to better understand the complex interplay of institutional practices, historical contexts, and personal biases.

Historical Context of Policing and Racial Discrimination

To comprehend the current landscape of policing in America, it is essential to consider the historical backdrop of racial discrimination against African Americans. The policing system in the U.S. has its roots in slave patrols, where law enforcement was primarily focused on controlling and subjugating enslaved African Americans (Alexander, 2010). This historical context has left a residual influence on the relationship between African American communities and law enforcement, perpetuating a cycle of mistrust and hostility.

The criminalization of African American males has been exacerbated by the "War on Drugs" policies of the 1980s and 1990s, which disproportionately targeted black communities and led to mass incarceration and policing tactics that have been labeled as discriminatory (Hinton, 2016). This historical trajectory has framed the perception of African American men as threats, laying the groundwork for hostile encounters with law enforcement.

Institutional Factors Influencing Police Behavior

In addition to historical factors, institutional influences within police departments play a crucial role in shaping the treatment of African American males. Police culture often fosters an environment where aggressive tactics are normalized, and the use of force is viewed as an acceptable method of control (Kraska & Kappeler, 2015). This culture can result in a lack of accountability for officers who engage in brutality, especially against marginalized groups.

Moreover, training programs within police departments frequently fail to address the implicit biases that officers may hold towards African Americans. According to research conducted by the American Psychological Association, implicit racial biases can lead to an increased likelihood of perceiving African Americans as dangerous or threatening (Todd et al., 2017). The combination of a biased perception and a culture that supports aggressive policing practices can lead to disproportionate violence against African American males.

Intersectional Considerations in Police Encounters

Understanding the impact of police brutality against African American males also requires an intersectional perspective. Research indicates that the intersection of race and gender significantly influences the treatment of individuals by law enforcement (Collins, 2015). African American males often face unique challenges not only because of their racial identity but also due to gendered expectations that categorize them as aggressive or deviant. The dual lenses of race and gender can exacerbate the violence they face during police encounters.

Furthermore, studies suggest that socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and lack of access to education, can complicate the relationship between African American males and the police (Hagan & Dinovitzer, 1999). Communities that are economically disadvantaged may have less access to resources that could mitigate police brutality and may be more vulnerable to discriminatory practices.

The Role of Public Health in Addressing Police Violence

Addressing police brutality against African American males requires an approach that is rooted in public health frameworks, such as the Public Health Critical Race Praxis (PHCRP). This framework advocates for a comprehensive understanding of how sociopolitical factors intersect to impact the health and well-being of marginalized communities (Gilbert & Ray, 2016). The PHCRP approach emphasizes the need for systemic changes in policing practices, including anti-bias training and increased transparency in law enforcement processes.

Moreover, community-led initiatives that promote healing and reconciliation can play a significant role in rebuilding trust between African American communities and police. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, systems can be re-envisioned to prioritize community safety without resorting to excessive force or intimidation.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The factors contributing to the victimization of African American males by police are multifaceted, encompassing historical, institutional, and intersectional dimensions. To effectively address the issue, it is crucial to promote research that investigates the root causes of police brutality, ensuring that measures are not only proposed but implemented. Training programs that emphasize empathy, cultural competency, and accountability, alongside community involvement in policing strategies, can help reshape the narrative surrounding African American males and law enforcement in the U.S. Ultimately, creating a more equitable policing system will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations.

References

  • Alexander, M. (2010). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. The New Press.

  • Brunson, R. K. (2017). “Police don't like black people”: African-American young men's accumulated police experiences. Criminology & Public Policy, 6(1), 71-101.

  • Collins, P. H. (2015). Intersectionality’s definitional dilemmas. Annual Review of Sociology, 41(1), 1-20.

  • Gilbert, K. L., & Ray, R. (2016). Why police kill black males with impunity: Applying public health critical race praxis (PHCRP) to address the determinants of policing behaviors and “justifiable” homicides in the USA. Journal of Urban Health, 93(1).

  • Hagan, J., & Dinovitzer, R. (1999). Collateral consequences of imprisonment for children, communities, and prisoners. In Crime and Justice (Vol. 26, pp. 121-162). University of Chicago Press.

  • Hinton, E. R. (2016). From the War on Poverty to the War on Crime: The Making of Mass Incarceration in America. Harvard University Press.

  • Kraska, P. B., & Kappeler, V. E. (2015). The politics of policing: Between crime control and social justice. Anderson Publishing.

  • Todd, A. R., et al. (2017). The role of implicit bias in police use of lethal force. Journal of Law and Policy, 25(1), 1-35.