In the midst of conflicting and ongoing debates surrounding the battle against police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement, a divide has been drawn. That divide between pro-police advocates and pro-black activists, fuels an idea that the two concepts can’t work in tandem with each other but, instead are conflicting ideas.
In his opening monologue on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, Trevor Noah took the time to address that divide and propose the idea that in fact one can be both pro-black and pro-police.
Compelled by the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, Noah emphatically calls attention to the fact that although digital media has allowed us to watch these senseless acts of violence be committed, there are still people who choose to neglect that there is a problem between the conditions of police enforcement and contact with black communities.
His juxtaposed example between Bigfoot sightings and the video graphic evidence of police shootings acted as a strong reflection a painful reality. Violence against black people at the hands of police is easily and all too often consistently met with ignorance and injustice.
Noah’s comments, though premiered prior to the shooting in Dallas, Texas, Thursday night, proved to be all the more relevant as news revealed the police officers who lost their lives in that tragic incident. The overall plea for unity ignites the idea that instead of pivoting groups against each other, their must be a united front. As Noah stated, “this American problem” is an issue that’s rooted in systemic issues and its perpetuating ideas being practiced within the police force of this country. Accountability must be met with demands and actions to change the system that is hurting both sides of this issue.
As Trevor Noah put it, “This is an American problem and everyone is involved.”
One step forward, ten steps back. The point is to save lives not trade places. 💔 https://t.co/46Nfg4VyUm
— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) July 8, 2016
What do you think of Trevor Noah’s comments? Please discuss in the comments below.
