In our society, the role of the police is to protect and serve the community, but have we ever stopped to ask ourselves how the institution of policing came to be in the first place? The recent killing of Tyre Nichols and the ongoing fight against police brutality have brought to light the deep-rooted issues within the American criminal justice system. A conversation with a co-worker reminded me of the Netflix documentary "13th," which delves into the history of the 13th Amendment and its connection to the invention of policing in America.
The 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, included a clause that allowed for the involuntary servitude of those convicted of a crime. This loophole became the basis for the mass incarceration of African Americans, particularly during the Jim Crow era. The documentary highlights how the prison system was used as a means of controlling and exploiting black bodies, and how this has continued through to today's mass incarceration crisis.
It's important to understand that the roots of policing in America are deeply intertwined with the legacy of slavery and systemic racism. The original police forces were created to capture escaped slaves and maintain order in Southern states during the post-Civil War era. This legacy continues to shape the criminal justice system today, with black communities disproportionately affected by policing and incarceration.
In my earlier blog post "Understanding and Combating Police Brutality: A Call to Action," I talked about the killing of Tyre Nichols and the need for systemic change. The recent tragedy ties into the larger picture of the history of policing in America, highlighting the ongoing issues of systemic racism and police brutality.
It's time for us to have a difficult conversation about the origins of policing in America and how it has evolved into the institution it is today. We need to acknowledge the deep-rooted issues within the criminal justice system and work towards creating a system that truly protects and serves all communities.
This conversation may be difficult, but it's a crucial step towards creating a more just and equitable society. So let's take a deep dive into the history of policing in America, break it down, and discuss the ways in which we can work towards creating lasting change. Remember, knowledge is power, and it's important to stay informed and educated on important issues like this one.
It's clear that the history of policing in America is intertwined with the 13th Amendment and the criminal justice system as a whole. The recent killing of Tyre Nichols is just one example of the systemic issues that still exist in our society today. If you want to learn more about this topic, here are a few resources you can check out:
https://www.policingproject.org/
https://www.naacp.org/criminal-justice-reform/
https://www.justice.gov/archives/ag/civil-rights-division
Remember, knowledge is power and it's important to stay informed and educated on important issues like this one. Keep the conversation going and let's work together to create positive change.
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