Chokehold
by Paul Butler
Finished the last of the RA Favorite books for the semester. “Majority rules”…ah, how this concept has
failed our country in so many ways over the course of our history. Its failure couldn’t be more eloquently captured
than Paul Butler did in his recent book Chokehold. The book is a sociological, data-rich thesis
on how African-American males have been ‘placed into submission’ through current
policies and laws and by those who administer the law – police. Butler draws from our earliest
days as a fledgling country with the division of slavery to our present day
policies that protect police and their ability to hold power over those not in
power. How could our country continue to
divide the outcomes delivered to people of color and those delivered to white people? Butler’s research is
rich with quantitative data points that compel the reader to reflect upon one’s
own privilege and then look externally to see the realities of prejudice and
discrimination impacting African-Americans in society today. He draws upon his own experience as a
prosecutor, sharing details on how the system works and how we might actually
change the system. Reading the book is an
opportunity to better understand the impact of one’s race on the simple act of walking
down the street, driving in a car, or wearing a hoodie. All choices that he presents can be
problematic as a male of color. I
strongly suggest all my white colleagues/friends reflect on the various
everyday things that whites take for granted and on how those with privilege
can work to change discriminatory practices.
Laws on low-level offenses needs to change. Important read for all.
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