According to recent polls, most people view police favorably and more favorably over BLM, most oppose defunding police, etc. Your thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Black Lives Matter Movement Rating:
Then:67% favorable
Now: 49% favorable

*National poll has BLM at 45% favorable
Police favorable at 69%
(Harvard University, American Political Studies)

Local Police Rating:
Then: 74% favorable
Now: 77% favorable (90% Republicans, 66% Democrats, 66% hispanic, and 60% black voters)

Reduce funding to PDs and move to other areas:

63% oppose

[Oigit]

My biggest issue with BLM is the same issue I have with other movements that have came out over the years. These movements need to focus on having civil and adult conversations with people more then anything else. Because you will always reach more people with a civil and adult conversation then you will demonstrations or protests. A lot of the time people will completely tone a movement out and use a demonstrations or protests against the movement. This is something that both the mainstream media and both sides of the political isle are good at doing.

If you can a civil and adult conversation with a person they are highly more likely to talk to someone they know about it. So that conversation might have been with one person and it sends up reaching a unknown amount of people. Because a civil and adult conversation with one person can and often does spiderweb out from there.

As for police I have had several interactions with them over the years. Interactions that included being approached by 2 officers. One with their taser draw and the having his hand on his gun. Also had one slam me onto the back of his car and search me. First one was because I was wearing a Slayer t-shirt in suburbs and walking to a friends house. Apparently a woman though I looked so dangerous she called the cops. I think the cops hated Slayer too. I was slammed into the back of the car and searched when I was after beating up and drunk neighbor who kept trying to fight me. So I punched him out. He lost and someone at his place called the cops.

I don't have a negative view of the police and really never have. But I do hate the three I had a negative interaction with. Just like every other human that has and ever will walk this planet police are individuals. Condemning everyone in a given group for the actions of a few only creates more issues. Human history as endless examples of this. It's time we simply stop thinking in terms of they, them and [insert group here]. That means everyone including ourselves as individuals. Because our history as a spaces has proven time and time again that it's the only way we can move forward.

[RolandCuthbert]

According the polls Martin Luther King was one of the most hated people in America before he was murdered.

That’s why many folks who claim to love him so much today are disingenuous.

www.smithsonianmag.com/.../

According to an early 1968 Harris Poll, the man whose half-century of martyrdom we celebrate this week died with a public disapproval rating of nearly 75 percent, a figure shocking in its own day and still striking even in today’s highly polarized political climate.

White racial resentment was still a critical factor at that point. But Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s unfavorable numbers were at least 25 points higher in 1968 than in 1963, and his faltering appeal over the final years of his life was also a consequence of appearing to fall behind his times in some respects even as he was leaping well ahead of them in others.

[Asker]

What’s your point?

[RolandCuthbert]

The obvious point which you missed somehow is that popularity does not make for right. You don’t stand up for what is popular. You stand up for what is fair. So just because most folks are opposed to the concept that a “Black” persons life might be as valuable as someone else’s life that doesn’t mean the concept itself is wrong.

I think MLK proved that point over a over again throughout his life.

[Asker]

I don’t disagree with you there.

I just think most people don’t quite think of BLM as being for that as you do.

In other words, people have a different understanding of what BLM stands for.

If you told me, “hey, do you believe Black Lives Matter?”

I’d say “yes.”

If you asked this to most people you meet, they’d say “yes” as well for sure.

I think this and BLM the organization/movement as we see it today in the US are DIFFERENT in people’s eyes.

[RolandCuthbert]

I am not understanding why should I care what other people think of the concept that a "Black" person's life could be worth as much as their own.

I need to understand that. For me, for my mother, my nieces/nephews, and my family. Right? I need to know that my own self-worth is not dependent upon what you think. It is something that is supposed to be self-evident to me.

As for you, you can lie to yourself, trick yourself, speak in psycho-babble or do whatever you think makes you feel better about your own beliefs.

But I reject any and all notions that people are members of "races". Or that races have racial behaviors. Or that genetics has anything to do with race. Or that some how in this make-believe fantasy of yours you can measure the negative behaviors of a race and rank them. I reject that I have anything to feel bad about, have responsibility for, be judged for because you think I or someone else belongs to a specific make-believe "race".

I believe in culture. That people pick or are absorbed into different group identities. It is a complex/messy process that is just as weird/strange and wonderful as the human beings who create these different identities. It has always been that way. Even when race bullshit was popular in science. Scientists simply got it wrong for obvious reasons. They have corrected that mistake but because the concept of race gives some people this sense of superiority over other groups, many people in public just keep bullshit going instead of educating themselves.

[Asker]

Interpretations over concepts and movements is going to be different for everyone.

A wide variety of people seem to not be approving of BLM today and I think it has something to do with individuals using BLACK LIVES as a punchline.

You know what I mean?

To gain power, money, push an agenda, etc.

You’ve experienced this many times I’m sure.

Whenever someone says something about helping black lives or black people but in your head you’re like “you’re full of shit.”

That’s what I mean,

[RolandCuthbert]

Again, I don't care what you think the punchline is. I don't care what you think of the organization or the concept. Hate BLM. Good for you. You can pretend there is this gigantic conspiracy or agenda.
You can believe in make-believe all you wish. You can pretend you have this great following of people who are following your leadership on this matter.

That's your fantasy.

I have to believe my life matters. That the life of my mother matters, my family, etc.

And I know all about bullshit. Because you have pushed it here. You pushed bullshit about the concept of race. You pushed bullshit about "Blacks" and crime. You pushed bullshit that "Black" people should expect different outcomes from their encounters with police just because some "Black" neighborhood in St. Louis has issues with violence.

That's bullshit.

[Asker]

I’m saying this is not about me.

I’m just telling you why I think people all over the US are disproving of BLM.

I think Black Lives Matter just like all other lives.

I don’t like the organization though

I think a lot of people would agree with me.

I think you would too

Black Lives Matter? Yeah

The organization? People want power and don’t care about actual lives

[RolandCuthbert]

So you really have a hard time understanding, that I do not care about what you think of the organization. Nor do I care of what you think of what the public supposedly thinks.

I can't run my life being concerned about the issues of some internet troll.

I explained myself pretty simply. As for what you tell yourself. . . tell yourself whatever you think you need to hear to get some sleep at night.

[Asker]

Not what I think.

What nearly the majority thinks

Blacks, whites, Latinos, republicans, democrats, rich, and poor.

These are all the types of people and groups within the disproval of the organization.

I’m just the messenger telling you what is the reality.

Of course, you can believe and interpret the organization to mean whatever you want it to mean

[RolandCuthbert]

Right, you keep telling me what you think the majority thinks, just like it is supposed to matter to me.

And I submit that my opinion of my own self value will never be dependent upon what you think. Or what anyone else thinks.

But you can't wrap your head around the simple concept that a "Black" person might think their life is worth as much as you think your life is. It is just too hard for you.

[Asker]

How is it hard for me?

Name one thing I’ve said, one thing or sentence that proves that.

You can’t.

Stop being racist.

[RolandCuthbert]

Right. You keep calling me racist. I don’t think that term means what you think it means. You are the one trying to explain why “Black” people should have the same negative opinion you have of us. And I keep trying to explain that will never be the case for most “Black”
people. But apparently in your world thinking that a “Black” person’s life is worth as much as yours is a racist concept.

And I just want to let everyone know, that is a batshit crazy racist ideal.

But you do you.

[Asker]

No, I’m saying you acknowledging and not caring that black lives are being used for political power and headlines is racist.

It’s what you’re doing man.

[RolandCuthbert]

Ah, so find a dictionary definition that supports your batshit crazy idea.

And this happens with every one of your fantasies. In your delusions racism is not about race and racial supremacy.

It is when a “Black” person disagrees with your batshit crazy politics and your batshit crazy racist ideals.

Racism is defined as;

a belief that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race

And I keep saying the same thing. If you believe that “Black” people are some weird batshit crazy concept of a pure genetic race and that genetics makes us acts a certain way or have certain beliefs, why on earth would you be mad at me over my own beliefs, when genetics determines what I will believe or how I behave?

[Asker]

Exactly, so how am I racist? You just gave me the definition

You proved yourself wrong again.

All I said was, black people aren’t the same as you.

They have different viewpoints than yourself.

How is that racist?

[RolandCuthbert]

Haha! So you don’t know how you are racist.

1. Who are “Black” people? How are they defined? Answer that one if you can.

And you are lying. You lectured me on how “Black” people behave. I am not like you. I have lived almost my entire life among African Americans, rich, poor, conservative, liberal, good, bad, etc.

I will keep my own counsel on what they are like.

I won’t be listening to some insane batshit racist troll.

[Asker]

How did I lecture you about how black people behave?

You’re a racist for thinking all black people are the same because of the color of their skin and cannot be different.

If they are, they are not “black” enough

Keep believing you’re not a racist.

Racist troll

[RolandCuthbert]

So now your feelings are hurt you batshit insane racist piece of drek?

Lol!!!

Find a dictionary definition that supports your assertion. Then prove that I believe in any notion or batshit concept of race.

There is one race and one only. It is called Human.

[Asker]

Finally!

We agree, only one race:human.

I don’t know why it took so long for you to say that.

A few more things for you to agree to and you won’t be a racist anymore

[RolandCuthbert]

You are lying. If there is only one race, who the fuck do you keep calling “Black” people? What is your definition of who we are?

Because I guarantee you, my definition of “Black” people is completely different than your definition.

[Asker]

How is your definition different?

What could you possibly mean by “black” people that’s different from mine

[RolandCuthbert]

So if that is the case you should be able to state what your definition of “Black” people is.

Seeing that you just lied about your belief in the human race.

[Asker]

I lied about the human race?

How so

[RolandCuthbert]

You don’t know how to read English now?

So if that is the case you should be able to state what your definition of “Black” people is.

Seeing that you just lied about your belief in the human race.

[Asker]

Stop being racist man.

Goodnight.

[RolandCuthbert]

Define racism.

[MindYourEyes]

We need the police. But I do think they need to be more strict on who they hire and properly train them, and really check on them to see if they do their jobs professionally and humanely.
cause I’m all for guns. And people have the right to protect themselves. But not everyone is comfortable or mentally stable to carry a weapon. So it’s a good balance to have good patrol folks. Just needs to change

[Rangers]

Well, what civilians can't do effectively is proactively intervene in crime and solve cases to find out who's guilty as well as keep everyone in check.

[MindYourEyes]

@Rangers exactly. Need people that can put there focus into that

[JosyJosy]

I'm on their side, but I wanted them to get punished harsher if they abuse their power, don't slap them on the hand, no, just fire them instantly

[OlderAndWiser]

This is an area in which the MSM is trying hard to manipulate public opinion because they don't like what the public currently thinks.

[Dragonpurple]

I am not a police fan by any means, especially with being arrested at work and it when I got to the jail, my prints didn't match who they were looking for.

However I do think the police need more funding not less. At the same time, perhaps there should be a different department created in cities to respond to issues that defund the police want... so rather than calling 911 for emergencies they can call a local number and have a unarmed shrink come out to solve your issues.

Basically its what defund the police want when they say, cut police spending, hire non officers to respond to these calls etc... I could support that if they don't raise taxes and don't cut police spending.

Cut city parks or something else for it, or better yet... just charge the people who call to use it, much like how if you call for a ambulance ride you still have to pay for it.

[jshm2]

You are aware most of those polls are bullshit, right?

You are STILL six times more likely to be killed by a US cop than a terrorist

https://eji.org/news/black-children-are-six-times-more-likely-to-be-shot-to-death-by-police/

[Asker]

How are those polls bullshit?

[MrOracle]

CRIMINALS (of any color) are the ones more likely to be shot to death by police. And nearly all of those deaths are justified. If a criminal was shooting at your family, and a cop killed that criminal, would you be protesting that death? I doubt it - but it would still be counted in the stat you posted, which is intentionally misleading.

It's unfortunate that so many teens - black teens especially, but they're certainly not the only ones - are involved in gang activity and drug trafficking (and even assault, murder, rape, human trafficking, and more), and if they're killed in the course of committing those crimes, I won't be shedding any tears, or blaming any cops.

Are there a few bad cops? Yes. There always will be, but some police departments could definitely do a better job of weeding them out. Of course, some of those officers have political connections and get protected DESPITE the department trying to oust them, so it's not always the department's fault.

But the vast majority of cops do an incredibly difficult and dangerous job for relatively low pay and face a constantly shifting environment and rules that are re-interpreted after the fact and used against them. You can't fix the police until you set a fixed standard and enforce it, and that means no after-action reinterpretations.

This is a complex, multi-layered problem that most people don't understand well at all, but want to make reactionary decisions about regardless of the greater consequences. THAT is the biggest problem of all.

[Avicenna]

Well, people have noticed what happens when there is an upsurge in violence because police don't have the support of local politicians and prosecutors let criminals slide.

It's a disgrace that the anti-Semitic BLM gets even that much approval.

[hellionthesagereborn]

Since when has public opinion ever affected public policy? So long as the media continues to openly lie and work against the American people in favor of the establishment (and overwhelmingly in favor of the left), we will never see public opinion actually impact anything.

[BeMuse]

Polls only really sample populations that trust the media so your poll is probably strongly bias.

[BeMuse]

So if you run the math that way you will probably find around 18.5% support for BLM and 63.2% of those people are Black.

[BeMuse]

If you look at random polls here on GaG about the BLM which has a very strong leaning young and female crowd that would be more likely to vote Democrat and support the BLM along side a lot of Chinese bot trolls that inflate the numbers you still only get 29% for example in this poll. Most people hate the BLM. The media just likes t shine shit to push a narrative...

Do you support BLM? ↗

[Smashingdoozy]

I think police need to be defunded.
I also think they need more training.
I also think they need to stop being immune to the law.

[Asker]

Why do you think police need to be refunded?

If you think they need more training, wouldn’t that require MORE funds?

[Smashingdoozy]

No, defund them, put that money into other organizations that help people in crisis. Rather than arresting and tazing mentally ill people. Give police the training that they should be getting in the first place not the pathetic 21 weeks which is a fraction of other developed countries.

Finland has one of the highest gun to people ratio in Europe 32 firearms to 100 people. Finland's police force go to an actual police university for 3 years. Police shooting civilians is incredibly rare.

The us police force spend too much time on firearms training (escalation) than training on how to deescalate. Also the decision of escalation is up to the officer, whereas elsewhere eg in Finland there are more rigorous rules when it comes to when they should escalate.

[Rangers]

Apparently you don't remember the 1990s, cause if you did, you'd know why gun training has gone up so much for police. Here's what was happening: Innocent bystanders were getting hurt, officers were getting killed, shots were missing and that gave time for the perpetrators to have their way with the victim, and it was extremely bad. With great power comes great responsibility and officers need firearms to defend themselves and others, proper training is a crucial element to prevent innocent people from getting hit as well as ensuring that officers are effective in their use of deadly force when needed. We're not going back to the 1990s with officers being hurt or killed and the perpetrator unscathed in the majority of cases as compared to now where less than 1% of deadly force encounters end with officers injured or killed while the perpetrators die 28% of the time, injured 52% of the time, and escape 0.021% of the time. Defunding the police and training them more is a hilarious assertion, do you know anything about how much things cost as officers? And are you aware that many departments are so underfunded that officers had to purchase vehicles, tasers, fix cars, buy bodycameras, and training ammo with their own money?

[Smashingdoozy]

Considering I'm 23 no I do not remember the 90s...

But missing the point there.

[Celtero]

The stupidity had some time to wear off. Just wait until the media reports on another black criminal killed by cops and we'll have another flare of BLM support.

[Rangers]

I'm surprised that anyone still supports BLM after 2020, but it's going down and police support is going up, just as it should and I'm glad it's heading in that direction.

[OddBeMe]

How questions are asked in polling matters, bud. I bet I could ask the same people:
1) Should police be netter trained in de-escalation?
2) If you found out the rioters weren’t BLM would you like them better?

[BCRanger10]

I'd think most sane people would prefer police over terrorists.

[anylolone]

It's way more pronounced than that. Even with a push poll they can't get the result they want.

[jimmy2]

Blm is a joke if they eas serious thet help not hurt the black community

[msc545]

Opinions are like assholes: Everybody has one.

[ManHater]

Give police military munitions.

[Pterodon]

Im 100% pro police and 100% con blm