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We find ourselves in a persistent state of anxiety, concerned about the potential consequences of asserting our rights as Americans. The trauma of witnessing the violence against Black individuals and the tragic loss of Black lives has become so commonplace that these stories often go unreported in the media. The reality can be summed up in six chilling words: It does not change my life. This phrase encapsulates the indifference some exhibit towards the suffering of Black individuals.
Such words were uttered by an officer in Virginia to a man he had just doused with pepper spray during what should have been a standard traffic stop. This incident serves as a stark reminder that certain police officers exhibit a shocking lack of regard for Black lives.
According to media reports, an unarmed Army Lieutenant of Black and Latino descent, named Marcus Rivera, was pulled over on December 5, 2020, in a small Virginia town near Norfolk. The reason for the stop was never disclosed to him. In a mere three minutes, the life of this Black man hung precariously between safety and danger for no justifiable reason. It is only now, as Lt. Rivera pursues legal action against the police department for excessive force by Officers Sam Rodriguez and David Lee, that the footage has been released for public scrutiny.
Lt. Rivera’s lawsuit seeks $1 million in damages, asserting that the police’s use of excessive force was unjustified. Observing the video, it becomes apparent that the officers were indeed excessively aggressive, reminiscent of incidents involving George Floyd, Philando Castile, Pamela Turner, and many others whose names have become synonymous with police brutality.
In the footage, Lt. Rivera expresses his fear for his life. When he states, “I am afraid,” one officer responds with, “You should be.” This is the America we inhabit. With weapons drawn, they order him to “get out of the car.” In a bid to document the encounter, Lt. Rivera activates his cell phone—perhaps anticipating a worst-case scenario. Though he survives, the video’s content remains distressing.
As the officers shout at Lt. Rivera, he calmly inquires, “What is going on?” seeking clarification for being pulled over and why he is being ordered to comply with commands. He knows his rights as a Black citizen in a country where police often act first and justify their actions later, as seen in the video where Officers Rodriguez and Lee attempt to shift blame onto him.
Officer Sam Rodriguez tells Lt. Rivera, “You made this way more difficult than it had to be. Get on the ground!” With those words, Lt. Rivera is forcibly brought down to the pavement by two armed officers, despite possessing no weapon and offering no resistance—he merely sought an explanation.
At the end of the video, Officer Rodriguez again attempts to shift responsibility onto Lt. Rivera, saying, “There’s no need for this to be on your record. I don’t want it to be on your record. However, it’s entirely up to you. If you want to fight and argue, you have that right as a citizen. If that’s what you want, we’ll charge you.” The viewer is left uncertain about the potential charges, given that Lt. Rivera did not commit a crime—he merely sought answers.
This traffic stop transcended the notion of “protecting and serving”—it presented no threat to the officers or the community. They were intimidated by a man who did not immediately comply with their commands. Lt. Rivera understood that he should not have had to exit his vehicle for a mere traffic violation, yet he also recognized the peril he faced.
Even when subdued and lying face down on the ground, one’s life can feel utterly disregarded. Just as the officers involved in George Floyd’s death seemed indifferent to his fate, the sentiment remains: If he lives or dies, it does not change my life. The phrase uttered by one officer—”You’re fixin’ to ride the lightning, son”—is a threatening declaration, an indication of the violence that can erupt without warning.
Navigating our society as a Black individual amid such violent policing is fraught with fear. In America, the lives of Black men, women, and children are often treated as expendable. These are realities that many in White America may struggle to comprehend—because for them, It does not change my life.
To lose a child or a parent due to the brutal actions of someone meant to protect us is an injustice that strikes at the heart of our society. Lt. Rivera stands as yet another victim of a systemic issue rooted in racism and violence. I hope that you or your loved ones never find yourselves in a position where you must prepare to document an assault or, worse, a murder.
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In summary, the ongoing fear and trauma experienced by Black individuals in America are highlighted by the alarming interactions with law enforcement, as seen in Lt. Rivera’s experience. The disregard for Black lives during routine encounters poses significant questions about the safety and rights of citizens in our society.