[oats]

I think there are two sources for these problems. First is racism. Second is the over militarization of police forces.

I don't think cops are racist, not on the whole. And those that are, I believe, are not consciously racist, but seem to be the product of a system that has told them to keep a closer eye on black people. These aren't KKK members, but the more I see this ferguson shit the more it becomes apparent that people lack racial empathy. It sounds like a trite argument to make, but does anyone really think this would have happened to a white 18 year old in ferguson?

The police militarization is less nuanced, I think. Police have equipment that they aren't properly trained for, and will scarcely ever need except in the most extraordinary of circumstances. This changes their behavior. It's an interesting case study to see public opinions on policemen here in Asia - they are regarded as helpful guides and peacemakers, many don't carry firearms. I'm not suggesting that America can seamlessly adopt those measures, but I think it would do wonders for police/community relations to have a non-threatening unit of police that exists for community involvement and general betterment, not just for arresting criminals.

Police have one of the hardest, and worst jobs in the world. The pay is adequate at best, and you kinda have to be a dick because you never know who you're going to encounter. And there are some crazy fucked up fucks in the general population, even though most people are normal and law abiding. But they got some serious cleaning up to do, the least of which means some sensitivity training and historical context of race and behavior. Every urban cop should have to read WEB Dubois and James Baldwin IMO. Yay reading