White Privilege at MU

[forgetful]

That's his mugshot photo, standard for news organizations to do this.  Look at the mugshot of the killer down in Houston that shot the school last week.  I suppose they could have run his class picture instead where he is smiling and handsome, but that's not what news orgs do.  Should they?  Should they be required to show a good picture and a bad picture?

The media has tremendous power to influence emotions one way or the other by what photos they choose.  In the Trayvon Martin situation the media was widely panned for using a photo of him as a 12 year old when he was 17 at his death.  The questions became why they would show a person's photo so out of scope with their present age, especially the difference in size and maturity.

Take a look at Tiger Woods mugshot , Nick Nolte, Nick Carter, Justin Bieber.  The range is endless because of the state they are in, time of day, if they smile vs not smiling, but to your point the media can create an image if they wish. My question is whether in this case they did, or did the simply use a mug shot as most news organizations do?

There is a nuance to this story though that I think makes it unacceptable.  The story is about two things.

1.  The wrongful arrest and electrocution of an unarmed black male. 

2.  The fact that the individual was actually a local professional basketball player. 

The story then could require one of two different pictures.  1) The mugshot. 2) His basketball photo. 

Given that he was a victim who was wrongfully attacked and arrested, the first seems inappropriate.  The second accurately frames him as an individual and is relevant to the story.  That is why most media used a basketball photo and not the mugshot in the story. 

Using the mugshot reeks of racism and an attempt to frame the story as him being a punk.  It enhances the already illegal, racist and public humiliation he had to endure.  Frankly, it is absurd. 

Now in other cases, where a famous person was arrested on legitimate grounds, for crimes they committed, a mugshot, even if embarrasing, is both relevant and appropriate for the media to use.  That is not the case here.

[4everwarriors]

Here's hopin' da released video provides audio content from da initial contact wit Brown as well, hey?

[GGGG]

Here's hopin' da released video provides audio content from da initial contact wit Brown as well, hey?

Why?  Unless Brown issued a threat, which has not been alleged to my knowledge, I don't know why that would make a difference.

[MU82]

There is a nuance to this story though that I think makes it unacceptable.  The story is about two things.

1.  The wrongful arrest and electrocution of an unarmed black male. 

2.  The fact that the individual was actually a local professional basketball player. 

The story then could require one of two different pictures.  1) The mugshot. 2) His basketball photo. 

Given that he was a victim who was wrongfully attacked and arrested, the first seems inappropriate.  The second accurately frames him as an individual and is relevant to the story.  That is why most media used a basketball photo and not the mugshot in the story. 

Using the mugshot reeks of racism and an attempt to frame the story as him being a punk.  It enhances the already illegal, racist and public humiliation he had to endure.  Frankly, it is absurd. 

Now in other cases, where a famous person was arrested on legitimate grounds, for crimes they committed, a mugshot, even if embarrasing, is both relevant and appropriate for the media to use.  That is not the case here.

This seems reasonable.

[brewcity77]

The reason I take issue with the mugshot is that this is not reporting the arrest. The arrest was in January. In January/February, sure, it's just reporting. When you're talking about an incident that sounds very much like inappropriate action by police and that Brown was the victim, continuing to use that pic 4 months later is shaping the narrative. That's no longer a subconscious decision or one made simply using the tools available to you, that's choosing to paint the victim in the most negative light. Further, he likely looks like that because he just got tased, so his victimization is now being used to make him look worse.

I've spent nights combing through B-roll. I've sat on the internet finding pictures to use for news stories. We're well beyond the point of "just use the arrest photo."

[4everwarriors]

Why?  Unless Brown issued a threat, which has not been alleged to my knowledge, I don't know why that would make a difference.

Is it of interest to you that Brown, supposedly, was parked in a manner that took up 2 handicapped parking spots without a permit? Audio and video will tell the entire story. Are you kidding? Its all relevant.

[StillAWarrior]

Is it of interest to you that Brown, supposedly, was parked in a manner that took up 2 handicapped parking spots without a permit? Audio and video will tell the entire story. Are you kidding? Its all relevant.

Can't speak for Sultan, but responding for myself:  not even remotely.  That's a ticket, not a tasering.  What will be of interest to me is how he interacted with the police.  Plenty of people who would seem to have an interest in suggesting Brown acted inappropriately are suggesting just the opposite.

[MUBurrow]

Is it of interest to you that Brown, supposedly, was parked in a manner that took up 2 handicapped parking spots without a permit? Audio and video will tell the entire story. Are you kidding? Its all relevant.

taser personalis

[tower912]

White privilege means that parking in handicap parking spots without a permit doesn't mean getting tased and arrested..    At most a ticket.

[4everwarriors]

How he interacted with the police is the essence of whether the use of a taser is justified. Therefore, the audio is clearly an important part of the video.

[GGGG]

The reason I take issue with the mugshot is that this is not reporting the arrest. The arrest was in January. In January/February, sure, it's just reporting. When you're talking about an incident that sounds very much like inappropriate action by police and that Brown was the victim, continuing to use that pic 4 months later is shaping the narrative. That's no longer a subconscious decision or one made simply using the tools available to you, that's choosing to paint the victim in the most negative light. Further, he likely looks like that because he just got tased, so his victimization is now being used to make him look worse.

I've spent nights combing through B-roll. I've sat on the internet finding pictures to use for news stories. We're well beyond the point of "just use the arrest photo."

OK, I get that as well.  I didn't know they were still using it.

[GGGG]

Is it of interest to you that Brown, supposedly, was parked in a manner that took up 2 handicapped parking spots without a permit? Audio and video will tell the entire story. Are you kidding? Its all relevant.

So if he said mean things to the police, he deserves to get tased? 

[4everwarriors]

In 1981 James Schoemperlen, urinated in public after a Brewer's game. Should have resulted in a ticket, right? Not if you resist and are verbally obstinate. We have all progressed as a society, I think, since 1981, but google this incident and view the pictures. Thinking Schoemperlen didn't feel privileged that day.

[4everwarriors]

So if he said mean things to the police, he deserves to get tased?

That's why the audio is so important. Let's say for argument sake, Brown was spotted in Walgreens parking lot at 2 am illegally parked taking up 2 handicapped spots. Police approach him and ask for his driver's license, run a check, and come back with a citation. Is that justified? Few can argue otherwise. In the worst case scenerio, Brown pays the fine and the incident isn't newsworthy.
However, the video and audio will give all of us an insight as to what actually happened and whether or not the police actions were excessive. I'm open minded, but will reserve justment until actually viewing and hearing the tape.

[Goose]

The Schoemperlen case was over the top. I remember vividly how outraged by Dad was over that beating. My Dad was a pro cop guy, but he was over the top hot over the treatment to Schoemperlen.

As for the Brown deal, I always hold out judgement until the video/audio are released. While I am also big pro cop, when they cross the line I believe they deserve any punishment they get. Tough job, but have to play within the rules.

[MU82]

I trust that somebody will post the video when it's released for us all to see and then make judgments.

I also trust that somebody will find out who kidnapped 4ever.

[Jockey]

Why?  Unless Brown issued a threat, which has not been alleged to my knowledge, I don't know why that would make a difference.

Cuz we have to have something that shows the black guy was at fault

[MUBurrow]

The Schoemperlen case was over the top. I remember vividly how outraged by Dad was over that beating. My Dad was a pro cop guy, but he was over the top hot over the treatment to Schoemperlen.

As for the Brown deal, I always hold out judgement until the video/audio are released. While I am also big pro cop, when they cross the line I believe they deserve any punishment they get. Tough job, but have to play within the rules.

+1. And I'd add this is why the more video, audio and data we can get the better. We don't do anyone, either the cops or the communities they police, a favor by making decisions about laws, regulations and relationships with less than complete data.

[Pakuni]

How he interacted with the police is the essence of whether the use of a taser is justified. Therefore, the audio is clearly an important part of the video.

Nope.
In fact, the Milwaukee Police Department's policy for use of Tasers says just the opposite.

G. The ECD shall not be used when it is reasonable to believe that incapacitation of the subject may result in serious injury or death:
1. In proximity to flammable liquids, fumes, gases, blasting materials, or any other highly combustible materials that may be ignited by use of the device, including, but not limited to, any subject who may have been contaminated with combustible liquids.
Note: Some areas within hospitals have oxygen or other flammable gases or substances in use. Officers need to be aware of this when deciding whether to use an ECD.
2. When it is reasonable to believe that incapacitation of the subject may result in serious injury or death.
3. Near roofs or the edge of buildings, to eliminate the possibility of the subject falling and sustaining serious injury or death.
4. Punitively for purposes of coercion, or in an unjustified manner.
5. To escort or prod subjects.
6. To awaken unconscious or intoxicated individuals.
7. Against subjects who are offering only passive and/or verbal resistance.

http://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/mpdAuthors/SOP/467-ELECTRONICCONTROLDEVICE1.pdf

[Lennys Tap]

Cuz we have to have something that shows the black guy was at fault

No, cuz the more informed our judgements are the better they tend to be

#No More Knee Jerks

[4everwarriors]

Nope.
In fact, the Milwaukee Police Department's policy for use of Tasers says just the opposite.

G. The ECD shall not be used when it is reasonable to believe that incapacitation of the subject may result in serious injury or death:
1. In proximity to flammable liquids, fumes, gases, blasting materials, or any other highly combustible materials that may be ignited by use of the device, including, but not limited to, any subject who may have been contaminated with combustible liquids.
Note: Some areas within hospitals have oxygen or other flammable gases or substances in use. Officers need to be aware of this when deciding whether to use an ECD.
2. When it is reasonable to believe that incapacitation of the subject may result in serious injury or death.
3. Near roofs or the edge of buildings, to eliminate the possibility of the subject falling and sustaining serious injury or death.
4. Punitively for purposes of coercion, or in an unjustified manner.
5. To escort or prod subjects.
6. To awaken unconscious or intoxicated individuals.
7. Against subjects who are offering only passive and/or verbal resistance.

http://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/mpdAuthors/SOP/467-ELECTRONICCONTROLDEVICE1.pdf

Great, so the video and audio should show whether Brown resisted aggressively or offered more than verbal resistance, right?

[Pakuni]

Great, so the video and audio should show whether Brown resisted aggressively or offered more than verbal resistance, right?

Why would audio matter if verbal resistance is irrelevant?

[Jockey]

Exactly.  This isn't an example of racism or white privilege.  Mugshots can be accessed by the public and are used pretty much universally by media outlets when reporting arrests.

This mugshot was used long after the incident occurred. Also, I wonder what someone is supposed to look like after being assaulted by police.

[4everwarriors]

Why would audio matter if verbal resistance is irrelevant?

Calling someone a mf'in' pig is a lot different than a suspect saying "I object to you citing me today, sir."

[GGGG]

 



Calling someone a mf'in' pig is a lot different than a suspect saying "I object to you citing me today, sir."

Not according to the policy.  Are you seriously suggesting that someone calling the cop a "mf'ing pig" is a tasable offense?