“IT’S SHOCKING, disturbing and outrageous,” says the Very Rev. Eddie Alleyne, a Bajan Episcopal priest in Brooklyn.
Alleyne was referring to a monstrous display of venality, racism, loathing and sheer ignorance on Facebook by hundreds of New York City police officers and their targets were the millions of West Indians who participate in the annual West Indian carnival, America’s largest ethnic festival.
“I have worked with many officers, and I never saw that kind of contemptuous behaviour,” said Alleyne, rector of St Gabriel’s Church, a predominantly Caribbean parish.
Although not surprising, the ranting and raving by the cops is quite dangerous. The use of such words as “animals” and “savages” reflects a mindset that’s crammed full of disdain for people of colour, especially West Indians; saturated with disrespect for their culture; and overloaded with the belief that the Internet offers a licence for free speech that in the end may have broken the law or police department regulations. Just as important, a cop involved is stationed in the heart of the West Indian community in Brooklyn.
Consider what the cops said about a West Indian festival that brings in at least $30 million.
– “Let them kill each other,” one wrote.
– “Filth,” stated another. “It’s not racist if it’s true.”
– “Why is everyone calling this a parade. It’s a scheduled riot.”
– The safety of officers comes “before the animals”.
– “I say have the parade one more year and when they gather drop a bomb and wipe them all out.”
On and on went the “filthy” remarks by police officers demanding “No more West Indian detail,” meaning that they don’t wish to work on Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway on Labour Day.
The venomous attacks have justifiably triggered outrage with public officials and church leaders, ranging from United States Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, New York State Assembly Majority Leader Nick Perry, and Bishop Cecil Riley to Brooklyn Borough president Marty Markowitz, the city’s public advocate Bill De Blasio, and city Council member Jumaane Williams.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and Mayor Michael Bloomberg owe the city an explanation. How could this scandalous incident happen on their watch? Governors, members of Congress, state-elected officials and corporate executives participate . . . without any fear.
They do so feeling secure that their lives will not be endangered.
Admittedly, this year’s parade was affected by a few violent incidents, most of which took place either before or after the festival.
Of course, none of this is to suggest that every police officer is racist. There are many conscientious cops who are decent and fair. But the Facebook matter raises our consciousness to the fact that too many bigots wear uniforms, carry guns and can be trigger-happy.