The conviction of a police officer for the murder of George Floyd is big news. But I'm coming to learn that often, the small, seemingly stray facts tell a bigger story.
Jeremy: this is so interesting about your journey as a TV newsman. Wish others in local TV news had the same insights. You still see “if it bleeds, it leads” news coverage - and I haven’t stopped hearing the word “allegedly”
Interesting that when police responded to Eastover issues, the police officers were asked to not park in front of resident's home. What's the intent of that? The fear that a cop car in front of your home would draw attention to yourself? However now the police cruiser is parked outside of someone else's home, drawing attention of all the nosy neighbors to their residence.
I can’t say exactly, not can I speak for them, but I do understand why so many people default to “police are friendly” because... that’s what they were taught as children and probably experienced it. I grew up in small town Ohio and my interactions with the 3 officers in town only came at school assemblies (and once when someone stole money from the pizza shop where I worked). If that’s what you got during your formative years, it’s harder to take an objective view of police culture. Likewise, I really have to work to put myself in the shoes of someone who’s frightened when blue lights pop up in the rear view, mostly because I’m white and I haven’t had that visceral relaxation. But it’s all worth trying to understand and looking back at moments that you understand more clearly thanks to hindsight.
You've given me an (a?) eureka moment. All-white school assemblies formed my childhood impressions of police officers, as well. I also believe that much of the 34% is made up of non-ethnic people who watched neither the trial nor much news about the murder. Otherwise, I find it mind-boggling that they could see "innocence" in Chauvin.
Great article Jeremy. Wish miss you on Kitley Pl in Charlotte.
Jeremy: this is so interesting about your journey as a TV newsman. Wish others in local TV news had the same insights. You still see “if it bleeds, it leads” news coverage - and I haven’t stopped hearing the word “allegedly”
Interesting that when police responded to Eastover issues, the police officers were asked to not park in front of resident's home. What's the intent of that? The fear that a cop car in front of your home would draw attention to yourself? However now the police cruiser is parked outside of someone else's home, drawing attention of all the nosy neighbors to their residence.
Excellent, thank you. Any ideas about who (generally speaking) the 34% of people are, who think that Chauvin is innocent?
I can’t say exactly, not can I speak for them, but I do understand why so many people default to “police are friendly” because... that’s what they were taught as children and probably experienced it. I grew up in small town Ohio and my interactions with the 3 officers in town only came at school assemblies (and once when someone stole money from the pizza shop where I worked). If that’s what you got during your formative years, it’s harder to take an objective view of police culture. Likewise, I really have to work to put myself in the shoes of someone who’s frightened when blue lights pop up in the rear view, mostly because I’m white and I haven’t had that visceral relaxation. But it’s all worth trying to understand and looking back at moments that you understand more clearly thanks to hindsight.
You've given me an (a?) eureka moment. All-white school assemblies formed my childhood impressions of police officers, as well. I also believe that much of the 34% is made up of non-ethnic people who watched neither the trial nor much news about the murder. Otherwise, I find it mind-boggling that they could see "innocence" in Chauvin.
Also, sorry about the "not can" and "relaxation" typos, because autocorrect.
Insightful article. I enjoyed it.
Thank you!