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When cops kill.
First, Botham Jean was killed by a white female police officer in his own home. He was eating ice cream. He wasn't a threat to anyone. Suddenly, under the notion that she was in the wrong apartment, Amber Guyger shot him to death. She said she feared for her life; claimed he was an intruder in her home since their apartments in which they lived mirrored each other from floor to floor.
Now, Atatiana Jefferson is dead. She, too, was killed by a white police officer. This time, male. In her own home. She was playing video games with her 8-year old nephew. She wasn't a threat to anyone.
There are a number of things the two of these young people had in common. Both were professionals in their respective fields with promising futures to excel--one an accountant; the other, a medical salesperson.
They were both black. They were both killed in their homes. Neither was a criminal. What could justify killing Botham and Atatiana? Absolutely nothing. Nevertheless, I don't believe that their murders had anything to do with race, but more to do with perspectives and experiences, or lack thereof, by white cops who don't know the cultural habits of people of color. Had the white officer known that people of color open their doors when it's nice outside, maybe he would have approached the home less defensively. Who knows...
First, Botham Jean was killed by a white female police officer in his own home. He was eating ice cream. He wasn't a threat to anyone. Suddenly, under the notion that she was in the wrong apartment, Amber Guyger shot him to death. She said she feared for her life; claimed he was an intruder in her home since their apartments in which they lived mirrored each other from floor to floor.
Now, Atatiana Jefferson is dead. She, too, was killed by a white police officer. This time, male. In her own home. She was playing video games with her 8-year old nephew. She wasn't a threat to anyone.
There are a number of things the two of these young people had in common. Both were professionals in their respective fields with promising futures to excel--one an accountant; the other, a medical salesperson.
They were both black. They were both killed in their homes. Neither was a criminal. What could justify killing Botham and Atatiana? Absolutely nothing. Nevertheless, I don't believe that their murders had anything to do with race, but more to do with perspectives and experiences, or lack thereof, by white cops who don't know the cultural habits of people of color. Had the white officer known that people of color open their doors when it's nice outside, maybe he would have approached the home less defensively. Who knows...
Read the blog post above in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity on this question: To what extent do cultural traditions effect how people interact with each other?
1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.
2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.
3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school, your family or your upbringing with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.
DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.
WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.
Due Friday, October 18, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST
If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.
1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.
2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.
3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school, your family or your upbringing with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.
DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.
WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.
Due Friday, October 18, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST
If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.
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