Shifting Attitudes on Racism and Equality in 2021: How popular culture has embraced discussions within systemic racism in policing and the criminal justice system and identity.
On Tuesday 19th April 2021, celebrations erupted across the US after Derek Chauvin was convicted in the death of George Floyd. A jury of peers found Chauvin, a past Minneapolis law enforcement officer, guilty on all three charges following the painful death of Floyd, a 46-year-old African American, in the 2020 incident that sparked days of protests and anger across the globe.
Chauvin was convicted of second-degree manslaughter and second-and third-degree murder and now faces decades in prison once his sentencing is concluded in the next eight weeks.
A Golden Opportunity for Social Reform
The verdict, though welcome, is not enough, and the nation must now deal with systemic racism and disparities in policing and the criminal justice system. The recent development presents an excellent opportunity for Congress and everyone else to rise to the occasion and do what is necessary to reform the social and justice systems and fight systemic racism in policing.
Notably, the American public cannot afford to leave all the work to the federal and state agencies. The following are three things Americans can do to educate themselves and the coming generations on racial injustices:
Popular Culture on Racism: Reading Books
Reading books about social injustices and racism is one way to empower the generations to shun racial injustices. Educating yourself and those around you through well-written books can be an integral step to understanding racial injustice and how it affects the entire nation. Literary materials on racism can also help create a deeper understanding and emphatic towards those of different races. Some of the resources that can help you get started include:
Bulkbooks- Bulkbooks is an excellent resource that boasts of well-written books about racial diversity. You can check out the guide here.
Listening to Podcasts
Relevant podcasts can also provide in-depth insights into how racial identity became a big issue in American society. Some podcasts teach on the history of black people and the minorities in America and ways through which diverse communities can co-exist. The relevant podcasts to get you started to include:
Watching Movies
Powerful movies do more than transport our imaginations. Great movies transform personalities by forcing us to look at the flaws in our lives. Movies introduce us to new people, their struggles, and unique situations. Watching great films on racial injustices can be a great way to reawaken the humanity in us that enables us to love everyone regardless of race, gender, or social standing. The following are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Get Out
- Burden
- BlacKkKlansman
- American History X
- 12 Years a Slave
- Detroit
- Just Mercy
