The Power of Media Should Be Used for Unity

Being treated as a second-class citizen and not having the ability to vote or go to school was the cold reality for black people during slavery. The pain and suffering did not end with restrictions on rights because black people were vilified and murdered in front of white bystanders. The thirteenth amendment abolished slavery; however, a greater focus was placed on police officers to target black communities. In the year 2020, what has changed? It is not legally accepted to be a slave but, brutal treatment by police officers wrongfully killing unarmed black people and lack of equality still exist.

The 13th film showed that public leaders like Bill Clinton, George Bush, Donald Trump, Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, and others were instrumental in creating a negative portrayal of black people. Through newspaper headlines, criticism, and false narratives on black people helped perpetuate the systemic anti- Black racism. Terms like a monster and a super predator addressed black leaders and people who were not guilty of heinous crimes. These messages from public figures made black people look dangerous to other people in the community, and that helped push for laws and acts that negatively impacted blacks.

Richard Nixon created a campaign that focused on eradicating drugs like marijuana and heroin from the communities. This campaign had more police out targeting black people who had possession of drugs in the area because of poverty and a lack of opportunity to make money. Ultimately, causing blacks to get…