The Vergecast Recording police brutality: how technology is driving the new civil rights movement
Sep 1, 2020
Bijan Stephen, a Verge reporter involved in the Capturing the Police project, and Mariya Abdulkaf, a video producer leading the initiative, discuss how technology amplifies the fight against police brutality. They explore the vital role of smartphones and social media in documenting these incidents, highlighting personal accounts that reveal the risks faced by witnesses. The conversation delves into the complexities of public perception, the empowerment of marginalized voices, and the transformative power of viral videos on local communities and societal narratives.
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Rodney King Beating
- George Holliday filmed the Rodney King beating with a large, uncommon Sony 8mm Handycam.
- Now, ubiquitous smartphone cameras make recording police incidents easier, yet consequences remain significant.
Cameras and Accountability
- The decision to record police incidents seems simple due to widespread camera access but carries unforeseen consequences.
- This changes our relationship with police and government, a topic smartphone designers never envisioned.
Fear of Retaliation
- Many people filming police violence fear retaliation after posting videos online.
- They become identifiable targets by documenting these events.