'Blue Racism' is a Figment of NYPD SBA Pres. Ed Mullins Imagination

 

By  Damon K. Jones

In response to the NYPD  Sergeants Benevolent Association Union video called Blue Racism, as Black Law Enforcement Professionals, we are insulted and embarrassed that Union Leadership would intentionally twist meanings of words that have a long history of hate and suffering.

First, as Black Law Enforcement Professionals we recognize that Blue is not an ethnic group or race. Whether SBA President Ed Mullins will recognize it or not, the badge and blue uniform have historically been used as a tool of oppression from slavery, the civil rights era and unjust killings of Black men and the point of entry of Mass Incarceration.

Second, the meaning of racism is prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior. Historically the Law Enforcement has acted as a superior entity of civil service. The culture of Law Enforcement, especially the police department, carries itself as something separate from any government function or accountability even though they are city employees.

In many cases in the Black community, law enforcement has been an occupying force with policing policies and tactics that treat Black, Brown and poor communities differently and less than white communities.

Blue Racism is a figment of SBA President Ed Mullins imagination. But racism in the NYPD and other police departments throughout the nation is an unfortunate reality for many Black Officers. Racism in the police department is so real that Black and Brown officers don’t feel protected by the union that they faithfully pay union dues to.

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Source: Blacks in Law Enforcement of America