Tracy Wysock

Mr. Hackney
English 101: Rhetoric
19 September 2014
Statement of Scope for Annotated Bibliography
Police Brutality has become a prominent issue of American Society. With frequent news
stories of police misconduct against innocent minority youth, the United States is no longer blind
to the discrimination in law enforcement. While Americas usual first step to mending any
malpractice is immediate action, officers unwarranted actions are an increasing problem.
Although experts affirm that police racism is what causes brutality against minority groups, I
believe the lasting prejudice in the minds of the American people is maintaining the wrongful
force.
This essay will explore the recent history of violent police action against African
Americans and other minority races. I will go into detail on various tactics and reforms
implemented on law enforcement and the effect of these policies on police brutality.
Furthermore, using studies, surveys and testimonials, I will explore the many points of blame
into why no substantial change has been made.
This selected bibliography will include detailed sources that incorporate factual studies,
historical data, and educated opinions on all aspects of racism in the police department. All
sources agree on the clear evidence of police wrongdoing. Robinson and Bornsteins articles cite
numerous cases of this corruption against minority races. Bornstein criticizes the officers
themselves; on the other hand, Jackson proposes that the American people havent made a strong
enough effort into change this wrongdoing. Hall and the All Africa article focuses on the lack of
action by Obama and the government. Together these sources will provide evidence of the police
brutality against minorities and why such callousness continues into the future.

Annotated Bibliography

Bornstein, Avram. Anti Terrorist Policing in New York City after 9/11: Comparing
Perspectives on a Complex Process. Human Organization1(2005):52. eLibrary. Web. 17
Sep. 2014. Bornsteins thorough article details the mistreatment of muslims and other
minorities by the NYPD after 9/11. Bornstein starts by going into the recollection and
expansion of the nations police force following the attacks on the world trade center. He
then leaps into the mindset of the muslim and arabs of New York at the time, and uses
testimonials to show their mistreatment by the public and the police force. This carries
over into Bornsteins explanation on the various rules and reforms placed on these
officers to prevent racial profiling. He finishes with a study revealing that although
efforts were put into equal treatment, police brutality against the minority races
continued.
Hall, Anthony. OPINION: Why are they still protesting in Ferguson? And who are
they? McClatchy- Tribune Business News [Grand Caymon] 22 Aug. 2014: n. pag.
elibrary. Web. 17 Sept. 2014. Halls questioning article goes in depth on the protesters in
Ferguson and the lack of attempt the stop the exploitation of the police force in the city.
Hall begins by explaining that the protesters have the right to fight, but present an issue
low on government's current priorities. Hall follows this with opinions on how the
national government have not and will not make it a head priority to end all racism in the
police, evenly though it is clearly evident. Hall ends with commentary on how the police
are needed, but not when they are doing it unlawfully and unfairly of race.
Jackson, Derrick. White Americas Racial Blinders. The Boston Globe 20 Aug. 2014,
Opinion Editorial: n. pag. elibrary. Web. 17 Sept. 2014. Jacksons article explores how
stereotypes have continued to push racist police brutality and how America has yet to

stand up against it. Jackson introduces his argument by citing instances of racist police
brutality, especially that of Ferguson, Missouri. Jackson then talks about how America
has, numerous times, addressed the wrongdoing of police against minorities, but no
physically action is being made. Jackson explores many reasons why no change is being
made and ends with the claim that no true progression in racial attitudes has happened in
the past decade.
Robinson, Mark. Does Race Drive Police Brutality? ; The claim. Reno Gazette 24 Aug.
2014, sec. A: n. pag. elibrary. Web. 17 Sept. 2014. Robinsons insightful article
challenges the claim that police brutality cases are evenly divided amongst race. To
begin, Robinson presents the rival argument of how racism within the police force is no
longer existent. As a rebuttal, Robinson sites over 15 prominent instances and statistics
of police brutality against innocent, unarmed black males. To finish, Robinson compares
his examples to police cases involving white males and the grave difference in treatment
and trial.
Time Obama Acted Liked a Black President. All Africa Global Media 14 Aug. 2014: n.
pag. elibrary. Web. 17 Sept. 2014. This savvy article calls out Obama and the
governments lack of action against evident racism in the United States. The article
quickly goes into many of the racial injustices of the United States and claims that the
national government has the most power to make an actual difference. The article then
claims that Obama is aware of the police forces prejudice, but is not implementing any
plan to change things. The article ends ends stating Obama needs to step up soon in order
to represent himself as a black president.