MASSACHUSETTS
Cops spew racist diatribe
By
Teresa Gutierrez
The Associated Press reported on Aug. 13 that police in
Cambridge, Mass., are being "taught that pepper spray is less
effective against Mexican-Americans and other ethnic groups
because of their long exposure to spicy foods."
The police are being told that people exposed to hot peppers
when they are young develop a tolerance to pepper spray.
Despite the fact that they offer no scientific data, this view
is being taught in police classrooms throughout the area.
But racist ideology has never needed scientific proof to
become a truth in capitalist society.
In fact, there is not a shred to scientific evidence that
can support any of the racist diatribes that have spewed forth
from the capitalist class for centuries--because this is an
ideology that is meant to oppress, not to enlighten. It has
nothing to do with truth or science, but has everything to do
with domination and exploitation.
Pepper spray is a repressive weapon used by the powers that
be to intimidate and debilitate. A mixture of cayenne pepper
and oils, it causes a severe burning sensation and is very
harmful to the eyes and respiratory system.
Its effects can last for hours and for many can have even
longer-term effects as well.
It has been used against labor strikes and rebellions of the
oppressed. It is frequently used in jails as a way to beat
prisoners down into submission.
And every day in countless instances pepper spray is used
against people of color by the terrorist occupying force
commonly known as the police.
Whether explicit or not, the racist message taught in these
Massachusetts cop classes is along the lines of those put out
centuries ago by colonial masters. It is meant to portray
oppressed nationalities as something less than human, with
unusual characteristics that merit special treatment.
Furthermore, this racism is an unabashed green light to
increase the dosage of this repressive tool against workers of
color.
But the time will come when there is a monumental mass
movement that will put the cops on trial, along with their
masters on Wall Street and the White House. Perhaps freed
political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal will be one of their
judges.
That would be sweet pepper justice.
This article is copyright under a Creative Commons License.
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