Black Lives Matter and Racial Profiling in USA Essay Example

indicates that Americans still harbor hostility and concerns towards Arab and Muslim Americans. It is evident how swiftly individuals tend to pass judgments when a fellow community member commits a major mistake. Individuals of African descent frequently face discrimination and marginalization due to their appearance, resulting in feelings of isolation. Likewise, aspects of communication like accents or speaking manner can affect one's employment opportunities. Ultimately, the crucial factor lies in how individuals employ their intelligence and cognitive abilities.

The main message of the text is that one's true character should not be judged or criticized based on the actions of other members of the Black community. This point is illustrated through a narrative involving four black men who faced criticism solely because of their race. According to David Wilson, a professor at the University of Illinois and author of 'Inventing Black-on-Black Violence,' using the term "black-on-black crime" primarily focuses on race and promotes the belief that race plays a central role in this issue. Providing support for this idea, statistics from the Bureau of Justice reveal that between 1980 and 2008, blacks were six times more likely to be victims of homicide and seven times more likely to commit homicide compared to their white counterparts.

The controversy surrounding the phrase "black-on-black crime" arises from its tendency to attribute violence to race, neglecting other factors such as poverty and lack of job opportunities in black communities (What Does Black on Black Crime Mean?). Former New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani drew attention to the fact that "93 percent of blacks are killed by other blacks," exposing how the phrase is often misused to insinuate that violence is exclusive to

the black community (What Does Black on Black Crime Mean?). However, analysis of federal data reveals a similar trend with white-on-white crime. From 1980 to 2008, 84% of white victims were killed by other whites, and this remained consistent between 2009 and 2013 (What Does Black on Black Crime Mean?). Advocates argue that those who dismiss the value of black lives fail to consider factors like poverty rates, limited opportunities, and neighborhood segregation. These advocates believe that labeling these incidents as "black-on-black crime" suggests a racial distinction and reflects a biased comprehension of the underlying issues (What Does Black on Black Crime Mean?). In essence, using the term "black-on-black crime" diminishes the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement by implying that these incidents solely stem from choices made by individual black individuals.

Wilson conducted an extensive search of news articles spanning two decades to determine the origins of the phrase "black-on-black crime" in everyday language. According to his research, during the 1970s and 1980s, it was used to describe crime in cities such as Chicago, where both the perpetrator and victim were black (What Does Black on Black Crime Mean?).

The Black Lives Matter movement responded to criticisms regarding black lives by expressing their concern about "black-on-black crime" and efforts made to reduce violence. However, they also argue that these discussions are a distraction. The constant focus on black-on-black crime is seen as a diversionary tactic, suggesting that black individuals have no right to be outraged about police violence in vulnerable black communities due to the presence of crime (What Does Black on Black Crime Mean?).

A study conducted by Rod Brunson, dean of Rutgers's School of

Criminal Justice, and Anthony Braga, director of Northeastern University School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, suggests that using the term "black-on-black crime" can have negative consequences when employed by political commentators, politicians, and law enforcement (What Does Black on Black Crime Mean?). In an interview with The Christian Science Monitor, Professor Brunson clarified that they do not dispute the statistical accuracy of most crimes being intraracial (What Does Black on Black Crime Mean?).

Brunson argues that the term "black on black crime" carries negative connotations about the moral character of black people. The context in which this term is used plays a significant role in its implications, particularly when police leaders address a community after a tragic event like a shooting or homicide. By using this term in such cases, it may imply that the community condones or accepts violence. Brunson also highlights the efforts made by the black community to address and resolve this problem, such as the "Boston Ten Point Coalition." This coalition has been specifically established to combat instances of black on black crime and violence in Boston, Massachusetts.

Unequal resources, inadequate education, and insufficient social support perpetuate circumstances in which crime is disproportionately prevalent within minority communities. Thus, it is unjust to hold the black community responsible for their efforts to ignite positive transformation.