Racism Rears Its Ugly Head

Law suites against Barney's Dpt. and NYPD

            After years of rigorous battles for equality, i find it humiliating to be a part of a world that continues to generate hate.  Some are locked in the mind set that race should define our power, that one race in particular is greater than the rest.  It is this type of ignorance, which keeps the unity of society from blossoming.  We've come so far as a human species to not let race classify our social status, but an incident like this has set us back.  Could it be time to go back to the drawing board?

            A civil rights organizations held a meeting with the CEO of Barney's New York, after two black customers were harassed by the police.  These customers, both having bought expensive purchases, were questioned and detained by NYPD for no apparent reason.  Trayon Christian, one of the discriminated, saved money from a part time job to buy a Salvator Ferragmo belt he had his eye on.  After buying said belt, police handcuffed him outside the store and asked "how a young black man such as himself could afford to purchase such an expensive belt."  This question implies that the police officer did not understand how someone  black (African American) could afford such a high-end fashion accessory. Would the police officers have done this to a white customer?  What I do not understand is how a police officer, someone who is supposed to protect all, can not comprehend that race is not a factor displaying someones financial position. The justice of the courts say everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty, however it is clear the NYPD's mentality was guilty until proven innocent.  

For more information: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/barneys-accused-stealing-black-teen-article-1.1493101