First Impressions Trumping Facts on Police Violence

First Impressions Trumping Facts on Police Violence
(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

We are now in an era where initial visceral narratives shape our lasting attitudes. Images of men being lethally shot in the back or dying with a knee on their neck create strong impressions that are not easily changed by subsequently released information. These dynamics were previewed by Christine Blasey-Ford’s testimony at Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing. Despite no corroborating evidence, despite her remembrance based on memory-retrieval therapy almost thirty years after the alleged event, her emotional testimony was riveting. It was compelling for many older women as they relived dynamics they had experienced in their youth. No amount of subsequent information that brought into question Blasey-Ford’s veracity made any difference to her supporters.

The same dynamic has been repeated in the way recent high profile cases against the police have been viewed. In response to the Rayshaw Brooks (Atlanta), Breonna Taylor (Louisville), George Floyd (Minneapolis), and Jacob Blake (Kenosha) killings there have been countless demonstrations, sports events have been cancelled, and a widely-held belief has been perpetuated that these lethal actions reflected wanton disregard for black lives. Many black commentators suggest that these outcomes could happen to them. "And I know people get tired of hearing me say it, but we are scared as Black people in America. Black men, Black women, Black kids, we are terrified,” NBA state LeBron James said.

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