Whenever discussions around police brutality come up, there’s always someone who chimes in with, “But what about black-on-black crime?” as if that somehow justifies the police’s actions against unarmed individuals. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t!
Let’s break this down for the folks in the back. The notion of “black-on-black crime” is a fabricated narrative, designed to paint black individuals as violent. This stereotype keeps marginalized communities trapped in cycles of poverty and incarceration while promoting the false idea that black men are inherently dangerous. But hold on tight, because the statistics tell a different story.
According to the FBI data from 2016, a staggering 90.1% of black homicide victims are killed by other black individuals. But here’s the kicker — 83.5% of white homicide victims are killed by white people too. Why is that? Well, our society is still largely racially segregated. People tend to commit crimes against those they know, which often means their own race. So, it’s not about one race being more violent than another; it’s just common sense.
Now, let’s think about it — when a white person is murdered by another white person, you don’t see black folks popping into the comments saying, “What about white-on-white crime?” We understand that not every conversation needs to be derailed by irrelevant comparisons.
When the focus is on police brutality, bringing up “black-on-black crime” only muddles the issue. It’s like trying to argue about the weather while someone’s house is on fire. Police brutality is a serious concern that demands our attention, and we won’t stop discussing it until every person can feel safe during a routine traffic stop.
If I mention the injustice of police officers attacking someone like Jamal, who was choked to death, and you respond with “What about black-on-black crime?” it’s clear you’re sidestepping the real issue. This kind of logic implies that because black individuals are already harming each other, it’s okay for law enforcement to act with impunity. Yikes!
Statistics show that black men are nearly three times more likely to be killed by police than their white peers. This alarming fact is why many of us are passionate about combating police brutality. We protest, we advocate, and we write — because our lives depend on it.
Let’s not even get started on tragic instances like the shooting of a 12-year-old boy with a toy gun. There’s no comparison to “gang-banger” violence; it’s simply not the same and trying to draw parallels is downright racist.
For those who insist on mentioning “black-on-black crime,” know that many community organizations are actively working to tackle these issues. We’re not ignoring it; we just know when to have that conversation.
The point is simple: bringing up “black-on-black crime” during discussions of police brutality only serves to justify the use of excessive force against people of color. This topic is vital, and lives are at stake. Let’s shift the focus back to where it matters and hold everyone accountable — even those who look like us.
And to all the white folks worried about crime rates, how about focusing that energy on your communities? After all, the biggest threats often come from within.
So, as we navigate these important topics, remember there are plenty of resources available to help us understand and address these complex issues. For more insights on pregnancy and related topics, check out resources like the CDC. And if you’re looking for information about home insemination methods, our friends at Make A Mom provide some great tips, as does our blog post on intracervical insemination.
Summary
The concept of “black-on-black crime” is a misrepresentation used to distract from discussions on police brutality and systemic racism. It oversimplifies complex societal issues and shifts focus away from the real dangers faced by black individuals, especially from law enforcement. Understanding the statistics and context is crucial, as is recognizing that communities are already working towards solutions to violence without deflecting the conversation.