Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: The Police Aren’t Under Attack. Institutionalized Racism Is.

 



According to Ecclesiastes, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose.” For me, today, that means a time to seek justice and a time to mourn the dead.

And a time to shut the hell up.

The recent brutal murder of two Brooklyn police officers, Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu, is a national tragedy that should inspire nationwide mourning. Both my grandfather and father were police officers, so I appreciate what a difficult and dangerous profession law enforcement is. We need to value and celebrate the many officers dedicated to protecting the public and nourishing our justice system. It’s a job most of us don’t have the courage to do.

At the same time, however, we need to understand that their deaths are in no way related to the massive protests against systemic abuses of the justice system as symbolized by the recent deaths—also national tragedies—of Eric Garner, Akai Gurley, and Michael Brown. Ismaaiyl Brinsley, the suicidal killer, wasn’t an impassioned activist expressing political frustration, he was a troubled man who had shot his girlfriend earlier that same day. He even Instagrammed warnings of his violent intentions. None of this is the behavior of a sane man or rational activist. The protests are no more to blame for his actions than The Catcher in the Rye was for the murder of John Lennon or the movie Taxi Driver for the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan. Crazy has its own twisted logic and it is in no way related to the rational cause-and-effect world the rest of us attempt to create.

Those who are trying to connect the murders of the officers with the thousands of articulate and peaceful protestors across America are being deliberately misleading in a cynical and selfish effort to turn public sentiment against the protestors. This is the same strategy used when trying to lump in the violence and looting with the legitimate protestors, who have disavowed that behavior. They hope to misdirect public attention and emotion in order to stop the protests and the progressive changes that have already resulted. Shaming and blaming is a lot easier than addressing legitimate claims.

Some police unions are especially heinous perpetrators. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s previous public support of protestors has created friction with these unions. The Patrolman’s Benevolent Association responded with a petition asking that the mayor not attend the funerals of officers killed in the line of duty. Following the murders of Ramos and Liu, an account appearing to represent the Sergeants Benevolent Association tweeted: “The blood of 2 executed police officers is on the hands of Mayor de Blasio.” Former New York governor George Pataki tweeted: “Sickened by these barbaric acts, which sadly are a predictable outcome of divisive anti-cop rhetoric of #ericholder and #mayordeblasio. #NYPD.”

This phony and logically baffling indignation is similar to that expressed by the St. Louis County Police Association when it demanded an apology from the NFL when several Rams players entered the field with their hands held high in the iconic Michael Brown gesture of surrender. Or when LeBron James and W.R. Allen wore his “I Can’t Breathe” shirts echoing Eric Garner’s final plea before dying. Such outrage by police unions and politicians implies that there is no problem, which is the erroneous perception that the protestors are trying to change.

This shrill cry of “policism” (a form of reverse racism) by Pataki and the police unions is a hollow and false whine born of financial self-interest (unions) or party politics (Republican Pataki besmirching Democrat de Blasio) rather than social justice. These tragic murders now become a bargaining chip in whatever contract negotiations or political aspirations they have.

What prompted a mentally unstable man to shoot two officers? Protestors? The mayor? Or the unjust killings of unarmed black men? Probably none of them. He was a ticking bomb that anything might have set off. What’s most likely to prevent future incidents like this? Stopping the protests which had sparked real and positive changes through a national dialogue? Changes that can only increase faith in and respect for the police? No, because the killer was mentally unfit. Most likely protecting the police from future incidents will come from better mental health care to identify, treat, and monitor violent persons. Where are those impassioned tweets demanding that?

In a Dec. 21, 2014 article about the shooting, the Los Angeles Times referred to the New York City protests as “anti-police marches,” which is grossly inaccurate and illustrates the problem of perception the protestors are battling. The marches are meant to raise awareness of double standards, lack of adequate police candidate screening, and insufficient training that have resulted in unnecessary killings. Police are not under attack, institutionalized racism is. Trying to remove sexually abusive priests is not an attack on Catholicism, nor is removing ineffective teachers an attack on education. Bad apples, bad training, and bad officials who blindly protect them, are the enemy. And any institution worth saving should want to eliminate them, too.

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose.” This is the season and time when we should be resolved to continue seeking justice together and not let those with blind biases distract, diminish, or divide us. The way to honor those who defend our liberties with their lives—as did my father and grandfather—is not to curtail liberty, but to exercise it fully in pursuit of a just and peaceful society.

 

Abdul-Jabbar is a six-time NBA champion and league Most Valuable Player. He is also a celebrated author, filmmaker and education ambassador.

Views: 10659

Reply to This

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Connect

Bookmark and Share

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

All-4-One
Saturday, Mar 9 @ Yoshi's, Oakland

Loose Ends
Friday-Saturday, Mar 22-23 @ Yoshi's, Oakland

Ledisi
Sunday, Apr 14 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Steel Pulse
Thursday, Apr 18 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Groups

Latest Activity

realmuzik posted discussions
6 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted discussions
11 hours ago
Artistpr posted a blog post

Introducing Vons WRLD: A Rising Musical Talent Emerges from Omaha, Nebraska

Oakland, California — At just 17 years old, Von Williams or professionally known as emerging artist Vons WRLD is already making waves in the music industry with his powerful storytelling and captivating melodies. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised in the vibrant musical landscape of Atlanta, Georgia, Vons WRLD draws inspiration from his diverse upbringing to create music that resonates with audiences worldwide.Despite facing the challenges of a rough childhood, Vons WRLD found solace and…See More
yesterday
realmuzik posted discussions
Wednesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Monday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Young Zeek IS Back With New Single Blue Vibes Feat MJ Robinson

Rap artist Young Zeek continues to push the boundaries of what it takes to become a great artist. He's dropping the 4th project out of the "Blow" series and he continues to put out classic hip hop music. YZ released eleven projects independently on Royalty Gang Records, he's an underground legend that is making his mark on the hip hop scene. He selects amazing beats, has an original flow and charm that has the ladies falling in love with the rapper. "Blow 4" is amazing from start to finish, his…See More
Monday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Saturday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Mar 22
realmuzik posted discussions
Mar 22
Artistpr posted a blog post

Shyne’ce Love – Triumph Over Adversity Through Melodic Hip Hop and Classical Expressions

From personal loss to musical enlightenment, New Orleans singer-songwriter Shyne’ce paves journey towards healing and empowermentNew Orleans, Louisiana —Shyne’ce Love’s story is one of heartbreaking losses and remarkable recovery, a narrative that she weaves into her groundbreaking music. Her new single, “Broken Hearted” is a sublime and…See More
Mar 22
Editor's Pick posted videos
Mar 21

© 2024   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service