Why are a majority of African/Latin Americans fear the police?

Answer 1

I would dispute the fact that a /majority/ of African- and Latin-Americans fear the police, though I know that it does exist, and that it's particularly strong in those communities. Systemic racism and racial profiling is a major reason for that. African- and Latin-Americans have developed an unfortunate and unfair reputation as criminals and statistics (i.e. crime rate) have supported that stereotype. The high incidence of crime is likely related to poverty -- many African- and Latin-Americans implicated in blue-collar crime live hand-to-mouth, which is attributable to the persecution they've faced in North America over the years. It is as a result of this persecution that many African-American and Latin-American individuals face so much difficulty in climbing the social ladder -- it was and still is largely a 'white man's world' (white men are predominant in positions of power). Stereotypes and the statistics that support them have hindered change, which has led to a vicious cycle with no visible end.

Consequently, law enforcement officials are sometimes suspicious of African-Americans and Latin-Americans -- or, to better illustrate the problem, they are more inclined to suspect an African-American or a Latin-American person as opposed to a Caucasian person, based on the stereotypes that have characterized those racial groups (often supported by the idea that 'stereotypes have to come from somewhere'). This hasn't helped matters and, along with contributing to fear of and resentment towards police officers within these communities, police officers have also gained a reputation as racist bigots. While it's true that some police officers are -- in 2006, two Canadian officers were arrested and charged for beating an unarmed, unresisting black male outside a nightclub -- it's unfair to say that they're all prejudiced. Unfortunately, this stereotype, perhaps as unfair as those pinned to Latin- and African-Americans, has prevailed and it's increased tensions between police officers and citizens a great deal.

Ahem...I might've gotten a little carried away in answering that, but, particularly as a member of the African-Canadian community, I feel very strongly about the issue and I wanted to address as much as I could. It is, however, a very broad issue and there is a lot of history that I didn't go into. A very thought-provoking question, thank you!

Answer 2

If I understand the meaning of your question, blacks or AfroAmericans have good reason to fear the police, racism is part of it. Latins also fear the police for the same reasons. In Mexico everyone is afraid of the police because they have been the law enforcement arm of government as well as the criminal one. A crook and a policeman are the same thing.
Sad.

Answer 3

Probably because the rodney king incident was not a surprise to anyone that was a member of one of those races....
many of the police have ideas simular to the guy that denied saying the N word in the oj trial
(furman).
I have witnessed a black person getting roughly handled for saying the EXACT same thing that a white person said!

Answer 4

think of of the present political climate as someone-friendly chilly, inconvenient and grotesque for specific, yet sure to bypass. This direction will no longer be able to be sustained in this united states. So sit down lower back and snigger on the holiday. with a bit of luck whilst it fairly is throughout there will be not extra Bush enthusiasts or Obama worshipers left to utter a peep. which would be an spectacular day certainly.

Answer 5

Believe it or not but most of the time law enforcement is racist toward hispanic and african americans.Ive seen it personally when cops only look at you because of your race.This happened to my brother so i know for a fact that they do that.Wish they didnt but hey you cant change the way people think and its going to be like that until people wake up and grow up!!

Answer 6

fear of the police and a healthy respect are alot different.Most treat police with respect regardless of color. point blank the computer says most people act like the police ar4e a problem, ask yourself did I do sumthing wrong most who dont like police have placed themselves in the wrong position. other than that think illeagle immigration status. tha should answer any other qestions

Answer 7

Those who fear the police have reasons to be fearful. Perhaps they are law-breakers or have criminal records. They also could realize that the impression they project is that of gang bangers, pimps, drug dealers, or just plain undesirables. Cops do profile, as all of us do too.

Answer 8

I think it's from events in the past that have created stereotypes. For example, one stereotype might say that all black and hispanic people are criminals. The black and latino people know of this stereotype, and stereotype that all white people believe it and hate people outside their race. So even if a cop is known to do his/her job no matter what race the people involved are, if he/she is white, black/latino people might assume the cop is out to get them.

Answer 9

Because police are associated with racism and blacks and latinos are often associated with crime...

Answer 10

Police target us. That's why.