In discussions surrounding police brutality, it’s common for individuals to divert the conversation by asking, “What about black-on-black crime?” This line of questioning implies that intra-community violence somehow diminishes the severity of police violence against unarmed members of those communities. However, the two issues are fundamentally unrelated.
Let’s clarify this point for those who might not be following: POLICE BRUTALITY IS NOT CONNECTED TO “BLACK-ON-BLACK CRIME.”
The term “black-on-black crime” has been weaponized, often perpetuated by those outside the community to portray Black individuals as dangerous criminals. This narrative serves to justify systemic inequalities, maintaining cycles of incarceration and poverty, particularly among Black populations. Contrary to popular belief, research indicates that the concept of “black-on-black crime” does not hold up under scrutiny.
Statistics Reveal Surprising Truths
According to the FBI’s crime reporting data from 2016, 90.1% of Black victims were killed by other Black individuals. In contrast, 83.5% of white victims were murdered by other white individuals. This pattern arises from the reality that our society remains largely racially segregated, meaning people are more likely to be victimized by someone of their own race. The notion that one race is inherently more violent than another is a misguided stereotype.
When a white individual is killed by another white person, the conversation typically remains focused on the tragedy without the need to invoke “white-on-white crime.” This disparity highlights a lack of understanding and an unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue about systemic issues when it comes to race.
Derailing Important Conversations
Bringing up “black-on-black crime” during discussions of police violence serves only to derail important conversations. It deflects attention from the critical issue of police brutality, which is an urgent concern that needs continuous dialogue. If one were to argue that police officers should not be held accountable for their actions because “Black people are already killing each other,” they would be missing the point entirely. This reasoning unjustly rationalizes the violence inflicted on unarmed individuals.
Moreover, data shows that Black men are nearly three times more likely to be killed by police than their white counterparts. This alarming statistic underscores why discussions around police brutality are so vital for the safety and well-being of Black communities. Instances where children, like a 12-year-old boy shot for holding a toy gun, illustrate the severe consequences of this issue.
The Need for Focused Dialogue
It’s crucial to recognize that the conversation surrounding “black-on-black crime” does not negate the need to address police brutality, which is a pressing reality for many. While there are community efforts aimed at tackling violence within neighborhoods, the timing and context of these discussions matter greatly.
In summary, invoking “black-on-black crime” during dialogues about police violence only serves to justify acts of aggression by law enforcement. The real focus should be on addressing the systemic issues that allow such violence to persist.
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