Justice & Race

When I think about justice, I think about fairness for all. Every human in the world should be treated equal; but in the United States there are specific laws that were made to protect our freedom and give us all equal rights as citizens of this country. The last thing I see in this country is equality. It’s a beautiful place because of the diversity of race, religion, and just so many different types of people personality wise. The laws of this country tell us that we are all equal, and should be treated that way by other citizens, business establishments, schools, etc. For a place supposedly so equal and free and fair, everyday I see people constantly being treated in moral. Great strides have been made to improve racism since the past, and all races have equal rights. But racism still exists in many people, and some of those people are the ones who are supposed to be protecting your rights. So how is it fair that the cop who pulls you over is a racist? Or the judge who is making a decision about your life in the courtroom? Or your waiter at a restaurant? Or a teacher at your school? I think race plays a huge part in justice. Unfortunately a I’d say its a negative part. I live in Harlem, and I see racism daily. I’ll be walking down the street and the police officers who are there to supposedly protect the community will be harassing the citizens. I understand because of the crime rate and other statistics of danger there they are taking circumstantial measures to “protect” the community. But what I see is police officers joyfully harassing and talking down to mostly the youth of the neighborhood. Considering Harlem is a predominantly african american neighborhood, at least my part of it, i usually see the police officers harassing african american boys between the ages of i’d guess between 11 and 30. I’ll see two boys walking down the street minding their own business and four police officers will stop them, search them, and harass them. The verbal abuse the police officers gave these gentleman, was one of the most surprising things i’ve ever heard in my entire life. The police officers get upset with the gentleman when they don’t find any drugs or weapons on them. It’s like their not even here to protect most of the time, maybe the uniform does something to their ego, but I see them treat so many members of the community in a injustice way, and unfortunately I think its because of their race. I’ve walked past police officers many times on the same streets, in semi-large groups of people with many males and the police officers don’t even bat an eye at us. Wonder why? Sad to say, but truthfully it was probably because I was in a group of white people. I hope to one day see a day where we live in a complete justice fair world, but I think so many people are to blind half the time to even realize how unjust or racist they act. Intentionally or unintentionally.