Whenever discussions about police violence arise, it’s not uncommon for someone to interject with “But what about black-on-black crime?” This line of thought implies that the violence occurring within a community somehow diminishes the very real issue of police officers killing unarmed individuals they are sworn to protect. These two issues are not connected. Let’s be clear: POLICE BRUTALITY IS NOT RELATED TO “BLACK-ON-BLACK CRIME.”
For those who need a refresher, “black-on-black crime” is essentially a construct borne out of racially charged narratives aimed at portraying black individuals as menacing criminals. This serves to justify systemic inequalities, including mass incarceration and a negative public perception of black communities. In reality, data shows that the concept of “black-on-black crime” as it is often discussed simply doesn’t hold up.
Surprised? Stick with me for some enlightening insights.
Understanding the Statistics
So, why is this concept not grounded in reality? The statistics tell a compelling story. According to FBI crime data from 2016, 90.1% of homicides involving black victims are committed by other black individuals, but similarly, 83.5% of white victims are murdered by white offenders. The explanation for this trend is rooted in our nation’s racial segregation. People typically commit crimes against those they know, and since communities are often divided along racial lines, it’s logical that most crimes are intraracial.
Now, when a white individual falls victim to another white person, you won’t see black voices flooding the comments with, “What about white-on-white crime?” Why? Because we recognize the importance of context and the nuances of these discussions.
The Importance of Staying Focused
When addressing police brutality, it’s crucial to stay focused. Derailing the conversation with “black-on-black crime” only serves to undermine the serious issue at hand. Yes, I’m calling it ignorant. You’re sidestepping the real concern. Police brutality is a pressing issue that demands our attention. We need to keep these conversations going until we achieve a society where black individuals feel safe during routine interactions with law enforcement.
If I’m discussing the unjustifiable death of Eric Garner at the hands of police officers and your response is, “What about black-on-black crime?” then it’s clear you’re attempting to rationalize the murder of an unarmed man. That’s hardly a commendable stance to take.
Your logic suggests that since black individuals are already committing acts of violence against one another, police officers shouldn’t be held accountable for their actions. By this reasoning, it’s acceptable to overlook the brutality of law enforcement because “the blacks” are already harming each other.
You might not voice these thoughts aloud (though many do), but your silence often speaks volumes.
The Reality of Police Violence
Furthermore, it’s essential to recognize that black men are nearly three times more likely to be killed by police than their white counterparts. This statistic underscores why combating police brutality is a priority for the black community. Our lives, and those of our children, are at stake.
Take the tragic case of a 12-year-old boy shot within seconds by police who mistook his toy gun for a real weapon. This loss cannot be trivialized by comparing it to gang violence or drive-by shootings. Such comparisons are not only inaccurate; they are also deeply racist.
For those who insist on discussing “black-on-black crime,” know that community organizations are tirelessly working to address these issues. Our refusal to engage with your misguided comments does not mean we’re ignoring the problem.
Shifting the Focus
The central point remains: discussing “black-on-black crime” during a police brutality conversation justifies the excessive use of force against people of color. This is an urgent and serious matter that requires immediate attention. Diverting the focus does not solve the issue—rather, it shifts blame away from systemic problems and toward marginalized communities.
As we strive for a safer society, it would be more productive for those concerned about violence to focus on their communities. The real danger in this country often stems from individuals perpetuating white supremacy, so perhaps it’s time to redirect that energy toward addressing those issues.
Conclusion
In summary, the narrative of “black-on-black crime” is a misleading construct that distracts from the pressing problem of police brutality against black individuals. Both issues deserve attention, but conflating them only serves to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and justify systemic violence.