Editor, Commonwealth:
Every day on the television, there is a case on police brutality. The brutality is not only against African-Americans but also Caucasians, not only adults but children as well. Police brutality is becoming more common. It has always been a problem, but there has been a dramatic rise in the slayings of our fellow citizens by police.
As a little girl growing up, I always believed that the police were available to serve and protect my family and me from harm and danger. It’s horrible to know that some officers do not hold themselves to that standard. Police are continuously taking the lives of innocent people. We as citizens will never feel safe and comfortable relying on police officers when they are portrayed as murderers by the media. Police brutality has been under the radar for many generations.
The most famous of these attacks happened in the early ‘90s with the Rodney King case. The horrific act of violence toward Mr. King is one of the most famous and talked-about cases still today.
However, I’m not implying that all victims are innocent. But no matter how rude or uncooperative a suspect is, extreme force or death should not be used.
Recent incidents of police brutality have not been unnoticed, because the public knows what it can do to fight back and how social media can assist it in achieving justice. Social media can put extreme pressure on the government and the police departments to make sure justice is served. I’m excited that the American people found their voice through social media.
Yashica K. Jones
Social Work Major
Mississippi Valley State University
Greenwood
