When Police Departments Show Favoritism
What happened to content of character?
Men and women who exhibit genuine humanity and uncommon courage can be found in every ethnicity, profession, and economic status. It’s something I’ve always believed, and after six decades of living on this planet, I’m certain of it.
We’re Not Monoliths
Placing people into neat categories -whether by ethnicity, economic situation, gender, profession, and such- does little for the individual or the nation as a whole. We start to see each other as combatants, instead of free-thinking individuals with varying goals, values, and abilities.
Treating each other as categories robs us of our individuality and humanity. Most women’s groups, for example (the one I belong to is the exception), don’t represent my values and ideas. And I’m guessing it’s the same for you regardless of your outward identifiers.
Each of us is born into unique circumstances and possess characteristics that are completely out of our control. Here are a few of mine: Woman. INTJ (check out Myers-Briggs). Descendants of Polish and Ukrainian immigrants. Born to working class parents.
Each of these is an important part of who I am and has helped shape me. What they don’t do, especially when taken separately, is define me.
It’s illogical (and immoral) to judge people based on things they have absolutely no control over. What happened to content of character being the most significant benchmark of being a decent human being?
A healthy nation works to ensure that all its citizens thrive. Dragging down entire “categories” of people in the process of purportedly helping other “categories” of people does nothing to move us towards this goal.
When Police Departments Show Favoritism
It’s one thing to see these types of categorizations from those who’ve made it their mission to divide us in every conceivable way. It’s especially troubling, however, when those sworn to uphold the U.S. Constitution engage in it.
Imagine reading a statement from a police chief whose goal it is to have recruiting classes composed primarily of certain categories of applicants. Or to see police recruitment ads (at least local ones) that include everyone . . . except for white men.
Let me be clear. Hiring qualified women, as well as people of varying ethnicities and backgrounds is essential in policing - and to the promise of equality as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. I’m proud of the strides these groups have made in entering the law enforcement profession.
Why, though, are white men being penalized for something that’s completely out of their control? And how does demoralizing them bring us closer to the goal of a united nation where true equality is realized?
The truth is, as a group, men are currently not doing well in our nation. They’re falling behind academically, are not as prominent in the work force as they once were, and are at an increased risk of committing suicide. This is a sign of a nation in decline.
The last place this type of discrimination belongs, is in law enforcement.
Until we start seeing each other as individuals and human beings -imperfections and all- we will remain divided. When we view each others as combatants, we will fail to uplift all Americans - which will push us farther away from American exceptionalism.
The Thin Green Line
To catch a glimpse of what it means to have uncommon courage and strong content of character, look no further than the wildlife rangers serving in several African, South American, and Asian nations.
These men and women protect some of the planet’s most vulnerable creatures - all for ridiculously low pay and at great risk to their personal safety. Incorruptible, they place their desire to protect wildlife and their land, and to serve humanity before their own needs.
They’re uncommon heroes who should be celebrated. Much like our police officers.
This is how I choose to judge people - by their character. And it’s how I’d like to be judged.
That’s all for now. Thanks, as always, for reading. Stay safe!
For the Blue is a solutions-based initiative. I’m just an American patriot asking questions. I don’t work with any political party and I answer to nobody. For me, the health of the nation, due process (including for police officers), the rule of law, and respect for individual liberties, will always transcend party affiliation. I welcome your thoughts, even if you disagree; though personal attacks will be ignored. You can reach me at fortheblue@substack.com.