Hall, A. V., Hall, E. V., & Perry, J. L. (2016). Black and blue: Exploring racial bias and law enforcement in the killings of unarmed black male civilians. American Psychologist , 71 (3), 175-186. Doi: 10.1037/a0040109
The article addresses the negative consequences of the encounters between police officers (blue) and black male unarmed civilians (black). It looks at the psychology behind the killings, policing with prejudice related to race, and factors that may have led to the unlawful killings of numerous black males. Finally, the article identifies alternative means of policing so as to improve relations between black and blue.
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Introduction
The researcher dissects the psychological antecedents that play a role in racial bias between black civilians and law enforcement. The main aim is to provide a recommendation to the normative influences that impact racial bias and contribute to the mistrust between black and blue.
Theoretical Framework
The researcher uses federal data to show that law enforcement officers are 21 times more likely to cause fatalities to black male civilians compared to white male civilians. The slogan “Black Lives Matter” is used to show how blacks still face unwarranted discrimination in American society. This proves that blacks are dehumanized by police officers through general stereotypes as is seen with their interactions with the law.
Results
The researcher identified characteristics that are common to the majority of individuals who are attracted to law enforcement as a career. While examining the psychosocial properties of police officers in relation to their job demands, the researcher states that most of them possess strong collective identities, unique values such as conformity and power, and they subscribe to unique social order beliefs. Research also showed that law enforcement encounters with black male civilians may be precarious. This is because of the negative stereotype towards black men which creates an intergroup threat and anxiety. Also, cross-racial intergroup is more aggressive in males compared to females. This prejudice is proven with demographics revealing that it is more likely to find an American police officer engaging more aggressively with a male than a female and also more aggressively with a black than a white civilian.
Personal Notes
To curb racial bias between black and blue, the researcher recommends addressing racial prejudice at a younger age and increasing cross-racial engagement. For joint police and community efforts, the recommendation provided includes supporting community policing and diversifying police force by law enforcement. The blue also needs to engage in diversity training and increase accountability, especially during officer-civilian encounters. With the recommendations in place, the racial bias and threat that exists between black civilians and law enforcement will be terminated and replaced by mutual trust and respect.
