Reply #65: +10000

[political_Dem]

There is also a racial component on the cop shows, even though they try to "play it down". On these cop reality shows, it always seems that they are at war with people of color in their own neighborhoods. And you know how the narrative goes: the police always have to win to give the reassurance to white America that they are "taming those savages" far away from their clean, gated suburban neighborhoods.

:sarcasm:

And because most of the suspects (and/or victims) on these shows are folks of color, they create a stereotype that appeals to the lowest instincts of their target audiences (white; 18-35; male; middle/upper class; disposable income). This is the especially the case when the cops on camera get a little rough with their suspects all for the fodder of these viewers.

It's horrible the members of this same target audience are the same ones you see as authority figures on camera in the media. They are especially found as the pundits and the politicians. The prejudices of this "target audience" shape policy in this country as well as the mind-set belonging to white privilege. This is especially the case when it has to with notions of law and order.

Subduing "the others" and keeping them away from the "typical Americans" is the main point of these law enforcement reality shows.

So, if the police truly does "ignore the camera" and viewers get to see cops in their natural habitat (so to speak), what do these shows truly say about law enforcement--especially when they engage in situations as the one that killed a once vibrant little girl?