BLM Summaries
1. Summary
An African American male named Alton Sterling was shot dead by a police officer in Baton Rouge. This news article describes a witness account of the incident and debates if this shooting could have been prevented. According to the article, the witness claimed that the two police officers involved in the scene were hostile towards the victim and that the victim’s action at the scene did not appear to have posed any threat to the officers. Further, the author uses a video captured at the scene to postulate a hypothesis about what could have really happened that threatened the officer to fire a gun shot. The article also briefly describes the possible ways to prevent such fatalities in the future. (Ashwin)
Balko R. (2016 July 6). Alton Sterling’s death appears to be another police shooting that was both legal and preventable. Washington Post. Retrieved on September 08, 2016, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-watch/wp/2016/07/06/alton-sterlings-death-appears-to-be-another-police-shooting-that-was-both-legal-and-preventable/?utm_term=.e892c67f7271
2. Summary
This news article focuses on a scientific study aimed at quantifying the racial bias existing among the police. The reaction of police officers (mostly white) when confronted by criminals from different racial background was studied with the help of simulators and questioners, without the officers being aware of the purpose of the study. It was observed from the questioners that the officers strongly tend to relate firearms with black suspects, showing an inherent racial bias existing among the police community. However on the contrary, results from the simulators showed that the police officers are less likely to shoot an armed black suspect when compared with suspects from other racial backgrounds. The study shows that the officers are cautious while confronting racial minorities, as they are aware of the consequences. This also refutes the popular belief that major police shootings occur because of the racial bias among the police departments. (Ashwin)
Jackman T. (2016 April 27). This study found race matters in police shootings, but the results may surprise you. Washington Post. Retrieved on September 13, 2016, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/true-crime/wp/2016/04/27/this-study-found-race-matters-in-police-shootings-but-the-results-may-surprise-you/
3. Summary
This article described how the Black Lives Matter movement has gained global significance after the racial tensions between African-Americans and police that happened in the United States. The article describes the details of the various protests that happened in South Africa and the United Kingdom, supporting the Black Lives Matter movement in the US. The article also highlights the comments of New York City mayor, who said the movement is anti-national. The author refutes this statement and states that racial discrimination is prominent in the US and that the probability of the police shooting an African-American is higher than a White-American being shot, pointing to the statistics. (Ashwin)
Tharoor, H. (2016, July 12). Black Lives Matter is a global cause.Washington Post. Retrieved on September 16, 2016, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/07/12/black-lives-matter-is-a-global-cause/
4. Summary 1 Philando's Case A S
The killing of Mr. Castile, a 32 year old cafeteria supervisor at a public school in Minnesota on July7th, 2016 disturbed me a lot. According to the article, it was a routine traffic stop for a broken tail light; Mr. Castile, his girlfriend Ms. Reynolds and her four year old daughter were in the car when this occurrence happened. The cop demanded to check Mr. Castile's documents of license and registration when the victim informed him about the licensed firearm he was carrying with him. The cop wanted the victim to produce the documents, but did not let him do so; suspecting that he might reach for his firearm they shot him four to five rounds that killed the victim. The entire incident was captured on a cell phone camera by his girlfriend and was streamed live on a popular social media. It has reached over 500,000 users of this social media. The girlfriend wanted to share this with the world and supporters chanted that they would be standing their ground. (A.S.)
Reference
Taylor, G. (2016, July 7). Cops Shot Philando Castile, His Girlfriend Streamed the Horrific Aftermath on Facebook. The Daily Beast. Retrieved September 07, 2016, from http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/07/07/cops-shot-her-boyfriend-she-livestreamed.html
5. Summary 2 of A S on Autistic and Behavior Therapist
This is the summary of police atrocity that happened recently on July 18th, 2016 in North Miami, Florida. This incident was reported by Alvarado, Miller and Berman. This happening was recorded by a by passerby when Mr. Kinsey, an African American behavior therapist, was trying to appease an autistic person who ran away from an assisted living facility. The recording displayed Mr. Kinsey in a yellow shirt, who was lying on the ground with his hands raised towards the sky, and another man sitting near him. This apprised the police, and they fired 3 shots. Mr. Kinsey, who was hospitalized, after being hit on his leg, claimed that he yelled at the police saying that the autistic person had only a toy truck in his hand, and when the police opened fire his he had his hands still in the air. The police have not spoken to media or public as to why their officer opened fire, when they were few dozen foot away from the victims. The state officials have initiated an investigation, but still the answer to the question of if the police aimed at the autistic man is not resolved. (A.S.)
Reference
Alvarado, F., Miller, M., and Berman, M. (2016, July 21). North Miami police shoot black man who said his hands were raised while he tried to help autistic group-home resident. Washington Post. Retrieved September 14, 2016, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/07/21/fla-police-shoot-black-man-with-his-hands-up-as-he-tries-to-help-autistic-patient/
6. Summary 3 of A S
This is the summary of an article “Austin Cops body slam, beat teacher for speeding - tell her blacks have violent tendencies” that appeared on the free thought project website this July 22, 2016. An elementary school teacher “King “was brutally slammed and tortured by an arrogant and an aggressive police officer, Mr. Richter, for speeding 15 miles over the 35 mile per hour speed zone. The video captured exhibits the lady teacher cooperating with the police officer and she was also polite and only asked the police officer if he could hurry up. This irked the officer and he violently tortured her and apparently told her that he was going to taze her. The second officer on the spot passed racist comments that many people are afraid of blacks because of their violent behavior. The teacher’s behavior was orderly, and this was contrary to the Richter’s lying statement to his superior officer. The federal investigation was initiated at the request of the Justice Department, leading to the Police Chief submitting his apologies to King publicly. (A.S.)
Reference:
Emmett, A. (2016). Austin cops body slam, beat teacher for speeding -- Tell her "Blacks have violent tendencies. Free Thought Project. Retrieved September 15, 2016, from http://thefreethoughtproject.com/austin-cops-assault-teacher/
7. Summary
The author of this article is talking about the incident were in the middle of a manifestation organized by the Black Lives Matter movement, 12 police officer and one civilian were shot. The shooting was performed by four subjects. One of the suspects is dead and the other three are in custody. The suspect who died said that he was acting alone and that he wasn’t affiliated with any group. According to the police they perched in different garages and triangulated the officers. Obama, the president of the USA, condemns this act as a despicable attack on law enforcement, and suggested that action in the regulation of arms should be needed. (Edgar)
Legum, J., and Raymond, L. (2016, July 8). 12 officers shot, 5 killed, at Black Lives Matter protest in Dallas. ThinkProgress. Retrieved from https://thinkprogress.org/12-officers-shot-5-killed-at-black-lives-matter-protest-in-dallas-6150db506e36#.4k1hd1wmp
8. Summary
In this article Powel is investigating what people think about the actions of Kaepernick. He first asks one of his teammates about the situation. That particular teammate approves what the quarterback is doing. Powel then asks some fans about this. One black fan is happy with Kaepernick’s actions, but several white fans are indifferent or angry with this situation. They say that by doing that, Kaepernick is disrespecting the flag and the soldiers who are fighting for America. At the end of the article the quarterback talks about Trump and ask him to talk with the victim’s families to see what he think after that. (Edgar)
Powel, M. (2016, September 13). Colin Kaepernick finds his voice. New York Times. Retrieved on Sep. 13, 2016 from http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/14/sports/football/colin-kaepernick-monday-night-national-anthem.html?_r=0
9. Summary
In this article the author is explaining that different football players are doing the same protest that Kaepernick did. He is also telling how other news media had catalogued Kaepernick’s actions as foolishness. Several media outlets have referred to Kaepernick as an idiot looking for attention, and that he’s never going to achieve anything. The author explain that he already has made something because he and the team donated one million dollars to improve inequality. Levin also established that before 2009, football players did not stand while the anthem was played. He established that the government is the one that is trying to make football a patriotic game. (Edgar)
Levin, J. (2016, Sepember, 1). Colin Kaepernick’s protest is working. Slate. Retrieved on Sep. 13, 2016 from http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2016/09/colin_kaepernick_s_protest_is_working.html
10. Summary
While many may be wondering what intensifies the Black Lives Matter movement, it is unveiled in the article referenced below, that police brutality and on the other hand, attacks made onto the Police result in extra judicial killings, which eventually intensify the matter. The matter does not only focus on killings but also on “lack of justice”. The writer suggests that Black Lives Matter should have its focus on "black-on-black" crimes which are steered up by extreme poverty levels amongst the blacks. The matter also reveals that, while blacks suffer such life atrocities and mayhems, many white Americans also suffer the exactly the same though at quite a lower rate (in the ratio of 1:3 approximately). (Judas)
Reference:
Hafner, J. (2016, July, 27th) Why Black Lives Matter doesn't focus on ‘black-on-black’ crime. USA Today. Retrieved on 09/08/2016 from http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/07/27/why-doesnt-black-lives-matter-doesnt-focus-talk-about-black-black-crime/87609692/
11. Summary
Colin Kaepernick has continuously and intentionally refused to stand while singing the American national anthem, protesting against mistreatment of blacks and other minorities. Kaepernick regards the Black Lives Matter as more than football as stipulated in the article, and vowed to remain in the protest regardless of the outcome. Amidst too much criticism, the 49ers group surprisingly issued a statement which conclusively supported Kaepernick’s right to express his feelings. His coach also clearly says, it’s Kaepernick’s right to do what he thinks is right. The National Football League also issued a statement that exempts players from standing during the singing of anthems, denoting that though necessary, it’s not mandatory. The Coach highlighted that there is no any incident whatsoever, where Kaepernick has been threatened to be removed from football, or stakeholders simply sitting to discuss his exit from football. (Judas)
Reference:
Wyche, S. (2016, August, 27th) Colin Kaepernick explains why he sat during national anthem. NFL.com. Retrieved on 09/14/2016 from http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000691077/article/colin-kaepernick-explains-why-he-sat-during-national-anthem
12. Summary
In the article, ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer criticized Kaepernick’s action of kneeling during the singing of national anthems before the beginning of games. Aimed at advancing the protest against injustice and police brutality, Kaepernick refused to stand up in a series of games during the singing of the anthems. Difler advised Kaepernick to act like a backup quarterback (his position in football) who should always be silent. Kaepernick fervently countered by highlighting that Difler has not suffered such oppression before and has not been in touch with any of the families whose people have been murdered; otherwise, his feelings would be more human. The author highlights that Kaepernick’s protest was supported by many other players in different teams and in different games. Kaepernick is surely determined to ensure that the right actions are taken to bring upon freedom to every inhabitant. (Judas)
Reference:
Rogers, M. (2016, Sept, 13th) Colin Kaepernick fires back at Trent Dilfer over anthem protest criticism. USA Today. Retrieved on 09/14/2016 from http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/49ers/2016/09/13/colin-kaepernick-response-trent-dilfer-criticism-national-anthem-protest/90293914/
13. Summary
In the article “Diddy: Black people got shortchanged by Obama,” the author talked about an interview between Diddy and Rev. Al Sharpton on a recent MSNBC show. Diddy said the black community was shortchanged by President Obama, since he thought they put Obama on the president position, but Obama did little for black people. Meanwhile, he called on the black people to hold their vote. He said he did not believe any of the candidates; holding one’s vote was one kind of strategy for black people to get something in return from the candidate who wanted to get political support from the black voters. (Lingjuan)
Reference:
Schultz, M. (2016, September 4). Black people got shortchanged by Obama. pagesix. Retrieved on September 8, 2016 from http://pagesix.com/2016/09/04/diddy-black-people-got-shortchanged-by-obama/
14. Summary
From the article Black Man Shot, Killed by Police While Enjoying Meal, the Broward Palm Beach News Times reported that a police shot a Pompano Beach man after officers dealt with a domestic disturbance. The victim was Gregory Frazier; his sister called 911 because she saw Frazier arguing with her daughter and she told dispatchers his brother was with a pocket knife. However, when officers arrived at Frazier’s home, Frazier was eating with his nephew Quartaze Woodard and the argument was over. Woodard said officers still asked his uncle to get down to the ground, but Frazier refused and asked officers to “leave me alone” more than once. Officers finally shot and handcuffed Frazier; even though they tried to perform CPR to Frazier, he was pronounced dead on the spot. The officers who shot Frazier were white and they all have left compulsorily. This incident now is under investigation. (Lingjuan)
Reference:
Teamebony. (2016, September 12). Black man shot, killed by police while enjoying meal. Ebony. Retrieved on September 15, 2016 from http://www.ebony.com/news-views/gregory-frazier-police-shooting#axzz4KP5loWb8
15. Summary
In the article Donald Trump just told the Milwaukee area’s black community that they need more police, the author, Andrew Joyce, talked about how Donald Trump tried to convince Wisconsin’s black community that more law enforcement and more effective policing would help them to solve the unrest situations. The author claimed that during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, black community leaders always used the argument that their community should support government’s law-and-order politics, which was because the black people were more easily to be victims. However, Mr. Joyce thought that Trump’s advocating this idea in 2016 was laughable since the black communities were not likely to support any law-and –order policies nowadays. Also, Trump charged Hillary Clinton with being anti-police and he suggested Clinton showed “bigotry” toward the African-American people since Clinton did not support tough-on crime policies too much. Moreover, Trump defended the police officer who shot Sylville Smith on Monday. (Lingjuan)
Reference:
Joyce, A. (2016, August 17). Donald Trump just told the Milwaukee area’s black community that they need more police. Fusion. Retrieved on September 15, 2016 from http://fusion.net/story/337443/donald-trump-more-police-wisconsin/
16. Summary
In the article “How Americans View the Black Live Matter Movement” by Juliana Menasce Horowitz and Gretchen Livingston, both researchers of the Pew Research Center in Washington D.C. gave a brief overview of the opinion of America’s adults about Black Live Matter movement. As mentioned in the article, the Black Live Matter movement start getting prominence after the 2014 police shooting of an 18 years old black male in Ferguson, Missouri. All the data set used for the statistics analysis presented in the article was obtained from a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center from February 29 through May 8, 2016. After finishing the study, the authors have found that Black Live Matter movement is among black and white U.S. adults, but some differences are being found between groups. The article present the findings in four statement, as follows:
1. The first statement in the article said: “Roughly four-in-ten Americans support the Black Live Matter movement.” More than forty percent (43%) of Americans support the Black Live Matter Movement. From that 43%, 18% strongly support the movement and a 22% who doesn’t approve it at all. All graphs are available in the article for a better understanding. From the study, the authors have found that 65% of the supporters of the Black Live Matter are black people. Among white people, a 40% support it, while a 28% showed opposition to the movement.
2. The second statement in the article said: “Among whites, Democrats and those younger than 30 are particularly supportive of Black Live Matter.”
3. The third statement in the article said: “About a third of Americans familiar with Black Lives Matter say they don’t understand the goals of the movement.”
4. The fourth statement in the article said: “Blacks are more likely than whites to say the Black Lives Matter movement will be effective in the long run.”
The statements number two, three, and four were not explained in details due to words limitations, but graphs are available in the article for detail appreciation an understanding of the issue.
Reference
Livingston, J.M. (2016, July 8). How Americans View the Black Live Matter Movement. Pew Research Center Facttank News. Retrieve from http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/07/08/how-americans-view-the-black-lives-matter-movement/
17. Summary
In the article “Facebook temporarily blocks Black Live Matter activist after he posts racist email” by Sam Levin talks about an incident with a Black Live Matter writer and activist Shan King last Friday, September 9, 2016. The author start by giving an overview of who is Shan King and why Facebook shut down is account. The reason why Facebook banned his access to Facebook account was that last Friday the writer post on his wall a picture of an email that called him twice “N-word saying “F**k You N**!!!!” The whole article talks about different scenarios in where Facebook had shut down the access to writers by posting stuff that brings controversy. At the end of the article, a published picture showing Shan’s Facebook wall with a post that says his opinion about the incident. In a few words, Shan expressions of being worried about the extreme power that Facebook has over his users, also he points out that he realized that Facebook didn’t shut down his account they closed down their account.
Reference:
Levin, S. (2016, September 9). Facebook temporarily blocks Black Live Matter activist after he pots racist email. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/sep/12/facebook-blocks-shaun-king-black-lives-matter
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