Real Time w/ Bill Maher: Black Men Aren't Threats -- They're Humans

[betsuni]

[Dave in VA]

1. Waiting for the day...

I'm waiting for the day when marchers like those in Charlotte, NC start carrying the Gadsden Flag through the streets. "Don't Tread On Me" is not just a "caucasian" message.

Just me $0.02

[localroger]

2. The fundamental problem with police training

...is that they are taught that the most important thing and the first thing they must do in any encounter is gain control of the situation. This is how you end up with children on the ground in handcuffs because they didn't comply fast enough to make the cop comfortable, and exacerbates the problem of stereotypes like the "dangerous black man" because the same cop who feels in control simply having a conversation with a white person may not feel comfortable in the presence of a large black guy unless he is cuffed and completely submissive.

Cops need to be trained to gauge the situation and not to overreact to minor slights when there is no actual threat behind them. The control imperative is more appropriate to military training where you really are surrounded by enemies who might be trying to kill you. In a community of neighbors it just escalates harmless situations into outrage and murder.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

3. All of the celebrity newscasters need to stop blaming the victim too....

They've already stopped echoing the police version as if it's the final word.