Institutionalised Racism Must End – Conservative Article
If you are a racist in the USA, join the police force and get away with it!
If you have ever thought that this sort of statement was a thing of the past, you need to think again. The murder of George Floyd has highlighted the continued institutional racism within American society which begins with the police. Recent events once again demonstrate that a supposed justice system fails to deliver.
In order to realise the extent of the institutional racism, we must look to the past. The extreme levels of racism within the police force of centuries ago still matter today. Policing culture has failed to change. For minorities, especially people of colour, the police represent a legacy of a justice system that has reinforced inequality and a lack of advancements for minorities.
The police must turn and face their roots and address these. Otherwise, there will continue to be other stories like George Floyd and the many more that have suffered at the hands of racist policemen who think they sit above the law.
This must start with the conviction of Derek Chauvin for first-degree murder. There must be a complete review of the many laws that racist officers can use to excuse blatantly racist behaviour.
This institutionalised racism undeniably starts from the “top”. How can we expect anything to change when the President is openly racist? Trump feigns sympathy by calling George’s family. But ultimately, as we have heard from George’s brother, he fundamentally lacks humanity and is not actually there to listen.
Regardless of his policies, some of which I have defended in the past, there is no space in world politics for Trump. Without a President who is willing not just to apologise to the family of the victim but to ensure such events do not occur in the first place, then unfortunately institutionalised racism will continue to exist in the US.
As a UK citizen, it is easy to say that this does not apply to us. But this is not just an American problem.
Institutional racism exists now. It is not a thing of the past but something that continues to face minorities on a daily basis. The use of the words “unconscious bias” may sound softer but in reality, very little has changed. When it comes to racism, the UK should be a leading nation in the eradication of racial inequality. Nevertheless, they continue to sit on the fence. Not just in terms of policing, but in all aspects of life.
Although the statistics are dated to 2016, it is still true today that minorities are: more likely to be unemployed; more likely to live in poverty; less likely to be in higher education and more likely to be a victim of hate crime. Each of these, from this evidently inexhaustive list, remains the case due to the institutional racism that remains present in the UK.
Institutional racism is a world problem. Events such as the tragic death of George Floyd is only one of many examples. Something must be done. It falls upon us all to do something about it.
Written by Chief Conservative Writer, Fletcher Kipps
Point of Information
Racism: White and armed ‘good people’, black and unarmed ‘THUGS’ – a Liberal response
Mr Kipps has written a compelling article.
You do not need to look far to see it institutionalised racism in the US. The treatment of predominantly white vs predominately black protests is a clear and unsettling example.
When countless white Americans participated in anti-lockdown protests we did not see tear gas used. Rubber bullets were not fired. Protesters were armed. But importantly, they were white.
Now, look at the George Floyd and BLM protests. These are unarmed protesters. But, they are black. For that reason, tear gas was used and rubber bullets were fired. people were seriously injured.
As the article said, racism in the US has been highlighted by the police force. But, the problem starts higher up.
When Trump tweeted the phrase ‘when the shooting starts the looting starts’, he was quoting multiple racists. Including George Wallace, and Eugene Conor. Both were in the past prominent political figures in America. Both were prominent segregationists.
Trump wasn’t only quoting racists, he is racist. It is clear how far America must go to overcome this institutionalised oppression when a democratically elected leader displays such beliefs so publicly.
Mr Kipps is right to point out that this problem exists outside of the borders of the US. Institutionalised racism and oppressions is prevalent in the UK. What has happened in the US should show us how far we have to go.
I urge everyone who is reading this to educate themselves. To stand up and take accountability for all of their prejudices, to listen to black voices, to be an active ally.
If you’re wondering where to start, here is a document with resources, petitions and charities.
Written by Chief Liberal Writer, Olivia Margaroli
American police are in need of a radical revamp – a Labour response
I wholeheartedly agree with Mr Kipps’s article. The chronic racism that plagues police in the USA cannot be denied.
And it does indeed seem that the presidency of Donald Trump has exacerbated rather than improved the racial tensions in the US. A poll from last year finding that around 56% of Americans think that Trump has actively made race relations worse.
The protests across the pond have to be a wake-up call for those in power. The American police force has long been called America’s most dangerous gang. Practical steps can, and should, be taken to transform this reputation.
Campaign Zero launched in the wake of the 2014 protests, triggered by the horrific murder of Michael Brown. Championed by the renowned activist DeRay Mckesson, they outlined their “8 can’t wait” campaign which outlines eight simple measures to enforce, which can significantly reduce unnecessary police violence. These are:
- Ban chokeholds and strangleholds
- Require de-escalation
- Require warning before shooting
- Exhaust all other means before shooting
- Duty to intervene and stop excessive force by other officers
- Ban shooting at moving vehicles
- Require use-of-force continuum
- Require comprehensive reporting each time an officer uses forces or threatens to do so
When implemented fully, it has been claimed that police killings can drop by as much as 72%. It is these kinds of concrete, practical steps that the Black Lives Matter movement hopes can enact real and lasting change, and go some way to help black people in America feel safer in their day-to-day lives. It is the very least they deserve.
Written by Labour Writer, Max Ingleby
Fletcher Kipps
I am an incoming third year undergraduate currently studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of Exeter. I am socially liberal, fiscally conservative editor here at POI. I have been fascinated by politics for many years, from PMQs to late night election results all which has led to the desire to study this at university.
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Fletcher Kipps#molongui-disabled-link
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Fletcher Kipps#molongui-disabled-link
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Fletcher Kipps#molongui-disabled-link
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Fletcher Kipps#molongui-disabled-link
Olivia Margaroli
I am second year student reading Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of Exeter. Next year I hope to study abroad in Washington DC, a dream for any political student.
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Olivia Margaroli#molongui-disabled-link
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Olivia Margaroli#molongui-disabled-link
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Olivia Margaroli#molongui-disabled-link
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Olivia Margaroli#molongui-disabled-link
Max Ingleby
A late bloomer when it comes to politics and current affairs, I first dipped my toes in the political pool at the tender age of sixteen with a bracing submersion into the AS politics syllabus, and I have been hooked ever since.
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Max Ingleby#molongui-disabled-link
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Max Ingleby#molongui-disabled-link
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Max Ingleby#molongui-disabled-link
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Max Ingleby#molongui-disabled-link
“This must start with the conviction of Derek Chauvin for first-degree murder.” I assume that this is a call for a fair and unbiased trial, and an outcome that is in line with US law and the application of justice.
Of course a fair and unbiased trial is necessary. In saying this, the difficulty in convicting police officers in the US when there is overwhelming evidence is only allowing institutional racism to continue. I hope that this can change at long last in the Chauvin trial through the setting of new precedents.
I agree that there is in the US evidence of (not only) racist bias in their judicial sysytem. There will be a spotlight on this trial, but whatever decision the jury arrives at (based on the charges, of course) they will no doubt regard the outcome as “just”.