"Dr. David Dao's Nightmare Could be Yours"

[athena]

http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/11/opinions/david-daos-united-nightmare-could-be-yours/

Time and again, we've seen the same kind of memo that Munoz sent to his United team -- issued by police chiefs, commissioners and governors -- stating that "standard procedures were followed," that the victim was to blame for resisting, that "defensive" reprisal was to be expected given the constant fear of harm experienced by law enforcement. And time and again, we've seen retroactive smearing, assertions that the victim was actually a thug, a criminal, a monster, a predator who needed to be dragged away like an animal for public safety.

The horror of Dao's treatment brings us back to other news stories of innocent resistance in minor incidents, met with an overwhelming response and often tragic ending. He could've been Sandra Bland, pulled over for failing to signal and ending up arrested and dead in a cell. He could've been Samuel DuBose, who was shot by a cop who flagged him for a missing license plate. He could've been Walter Scott, unarmed and gunned down while running away from a traffic stop. All followed by post-facto attempts to defend and excuse the horrific actions of law enforcement.

Some Asian-Americans may have thought they were immune to incidents such as these, protected by our relative privilege and perceived "model minority" status. But if a doctor can be beaten and dragged by officers for refusing to "volunteer" a plane seat he legally purchased, it should be clear that no such immunity exists. And the speed with which right-wing publications and social media users have moved to dismiss this incident and retroactively condemn Dao should underscore that, in Trumpmerica, any of us who don't conform to the vision of "greatness" are now at risk.

So Asian-Americans, immigrants, women, LGBTQs and yes, members of the white working class: If you didn't come out in support of Black Lives Matter before, now is the time -- because you or someone you love could be the life that "matters" next.

Ask yourself if you could stand up to the kind of scrutiny of your past that Dr. Dao has been subjected to. Have you ever had a speeding or parking ticket? Have you ever had a disagreement with a jealous or hostile coworker? Have you ever suffered from depression or anxiety? Have you ever expressed anger at someone? If you said yes to any of the above, this could be you: "Coworkers said that Mr. X was difficult to work with and resented having to follow orders." "Ms. Y had anger management issues, according to her ex-husband Mr. Z." "Former teachers described Mr. U as a troubled and rebellious student." "Dr. V once received a speeding ticket for traveling at 45 mi/hour in a 25 mi/hour zone and was described by her colleagues at the university as a loner." "Mr. W had been receiving treatment for unspecified mental issues for five years." Before you rush to judge someone for some blemish in their past, consider that you could have been that person.

[Heartstrings]

1. Exactly

what I was trying to convey in a post yesterday when his "resistance" was questioned.

It could be any one of us next and if we don't have each other's backs, who will?

[yardwork]

2. This is the core issue.

Over the past two days it's become clear to me that people can be divided into two groups. There are those who value freedom and constitutional rights. And there are those who are more comfortable with an authoritarian structure. They like it when "uppity" people who question authority get beaten into submission.

Right now, in the United States, the people who want an authoritarian state seem to be in the ascendancy. It looks like 30 years of hate radio, Fox News, and propaganda designed to make people fearful and angry have worked. Of course, we noticed that when Trump somehow got elected. The response to this horrific event proves it yet again.

[athena]

4. Authoritarianism and a lack of empathy.

The two things seem to go hand in hand. Those who are reassured by what has happened to Dr. Dao can't seem to realize that they could easily have been in that situation.

[chia]

3. This is the reality that minority groups have lived for generations upon generations

and maybe now it's sinking in for members of all groups. I know the author is speaking for his - I can speak for members of the group who've dealt with depression and anxiety, and because of that will be considered mentally unfit in any situation such as this. When I saw it stated (if it's the right Dr. Dao even) he'd been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, my heart sank as I could immediately identify. Remember this, you who have not been stigmatized (yet). As our country lurches alt-right, your day will come.

[Ms. Toad]

5. It doesn't even have to be your past - just someone with a similar name.

Even if none of what was dug up actually pertained to the David Dao who was removed from United, he will now be perpetually tarred by whoevers past was dug up.

[Lifelong Protester]

6. I keep thinking, just because you can do something

doesn't mean you should.