Life Kit Code Switch: A Decade Of Watching Black People Die
Jun 2, 2020
Jamil Smith, a senior writer for Rolling Stone, explores the heartbreaking narratives surrounding police violence against Black individuals. He reflects on his poignant essay, examining the emotional toll and historical patterns of these injustices. Smith delves into the commodification of Black death, questioning societal indifference and disparities in media coverage. He emphasizes the urgent need for collective action and accountability to provoke real change. This thought-provoking conversation challenges listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about race and violence.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Video Recordings of Police Brutality
- Jamil Smith recounts the police killings of Oscar Grant, Walter Scott, and Eric Harris.
- These men's deaths, captured on video, became emblematic of police brutality against Black people.
Limited Impact of Video Evidence
- While videos of police brutality have spurred protests and media attention, they haven't significantly reduced killings or increased police accountability.
- The sheer volume of video evidence hasn't led to systemic change.
Continued Relevance of Past Observations
- Five years after writing his article, Jamil Smith finds its content remains relevant today.
- The issues raised in the article about police brutality and lack of accountability still persist.