The personal side of bias, prejudice and oppression

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice and Oppression

The movie 'When They See Us' is a prime example of African American and Latino boys being the target of bias, prejudice and oppression in this country. This documentary was heart wrenching and very hard to watch as it told the story of  five children of color who were accused of the beating and raping a white female jogger in New York City's Central Park in 1989. Although there was no physical evidence connecting the boys to this crime (i.e. no DNA) they were still accused, charged and convicted. They were also coerced into confessing under interrogation. They served long prison sentences before the real murder and serial rapist, Matias Reyes confessed to the crime as being the lone perpetrator. The were awarded a settlement by the state but nothing could reverse the damage that these men suffered.

The Bias, Prejudice and Oppression was massive. They were called animals from the very beginning of the investigation. They were questioned without there parents and were beaten. The cops even threatened one dad and brought up his police record to get his son to confess, or else he would loose his job. The boys were 14, 15 and 16. It was sickening and I cried. In order to turn this opportunity into an equitable situation the police and the prosecutor needed to be reprimanded for the treatment of the boys and the handling of this case. It should have never been brought to trial. Police officers should have lost their jobs as a message for equal right treatment of civilians no mater their color. Even today the prosecutor and police officers are still saying that these men were guilty after they have been exonerated of all charges and awarded 41 million dollars by the state. White privilege and pride is an ugly beast!