Introducing: Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD
Aug 26, 2024
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Explore the unsettling origins of the NYPD and its complex relationship with marginalized communities. Discover how the force was initially shaped by a history tied to slavery and resistance. Hear captivating personal stories that challenge the narrative of police as protectors. This investigation reveals not just the past struggles between police gangs, but also everyday people's fight against injustices. Delve into the roots of authority and safety in a society grappling with the future of policing.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast explores how the NYPD's origins are steeped in control and systemic oppression rather than public safety.
It highlights the ongoing tension between community trust and police authority, urging a reevaluation of safety and justice concepts.
Deep dives
The Role of Police and Public Perception
The podcast delves into the complex relationship between the police and the communities they serve, starting with a personal anecdote that reflects societal perceptions of law enforcement. When a child expresses the belief that police keep people safe, it underscores a narrative that contrasts with the history of policing as a system of control. The speaker highlights a deep-rooted fear and skepticism towards the police, which is fueled by historical instances of violence and corruption, suggesting that the notion of safety often masks a more sinister reality. This highlights the importance of examining the true role of police within the context of societal structures and the tension between authority and community trust.
Historical Context of Policing in America
The conversation engages with the origins of the New York City Police Department and its evolution into a significant symbol of violence and corruption in American society. It suggests that the foundation of the police was rooted in protecting certain societal interests rather than ensuring public safety for all. By referencing the term 'organized crime,' the podcast draws a line connecting the misconduct within the police force to broader systemic issues, including the oppression of marginalized groups. The narrative emphasizes the need for communities to redefine their own concepts of safety and justice, often in direct opposition to traditional law enforcement.
The police tell us they are here to protect us. But what if their original purpose was something else altogether? Peabody Award-winning host Chenjerai Kumanyika takes listeners on a journey to uncover the hidden history of the largest police force in the world – from its roots in slavery, to rival police gangs battling across the city, to everyday people who resisted every step of the way. As our society debates where policing is going, Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD explores where the police came from.
From Wondery, Crooked Media and PushBlack.
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