How America’s Incremental Policies Have Quietly Led to the Tragic Death of George Floyd
How America Had Been Slowly Killing George Floyd
The tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has sparked a global conversation about systemic racism and police brutality in the United States. However, the reality is that Floyd’s death was not an isolated incident, but rather the culmination of a long history of systemic oppression and violence against Black Americans. How America had been slowly killing George Floyd is a story that needs to be told, understood, and addressed.
For decades, Black Americans have faced systemic discrimination in various aspects of life, from education and employment to housing and healthcare. This discrimination has created a cycle of poverty and despair, making it more difficult for Black individuals to break free from the confines of oppression. Police brutality has been a constant threat, with countless cases of unarmed Black individuals being killed by law enforcement officers.
The story of George Floyd’s death is one that has been unfolding for years. Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, had a long history of run-ins with the law, which often stemmed from his struggles with drug addiction and poverty. However, this does not justify the excessive force used against him by Officer Chauvin and the other officers present during the incident.
The video footage of Floyd’s death, which shows him pleading for his life while being pinned down by Chauvin’s knee on his neck for nearly nine minutes, has become a symbol of the systemic racism that plagues America. The incident has sparked protests and demonstrations across the country, demanding justice for Floyd and an end to police brutality.
The roots of this systemic racism can be traced back to the country’s history of slavery and segregation. The institution of slavery created a foundation of dehumanization and oppression that has persisted for centuries. Even after the abolition of slavery, segregation and Jim Crow laws continued to enforce racial segregation and discrimination, perpetuating the cycle of oppression.
The modern civil rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s brought significant progress in the fight against racial discrimination, but the struggle for equality continues today. The deaths of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and many others have served as reminders that the fight against systemic racism is far from over.
To address the issue of police brutality and systemic racism, America must acknowledge its history of oppression and take concrete steps to dismantle the structures that perpetuate these injustices. This includes reforming the criminal justice system, providing adequate funding for education and social services in underserved communities, and holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the death of George Floyd is a tragic reminder of how America had been slowly killing George Floyd and countless others like him. It is a call to action for all Americans to confront the systemic racism that plagues our society and work together to create a more just and equitable future for all.
