Professor Henry Louis Gates Versus the Police

On July 16^th, 2009, Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. was arrested following an incident during which a passer-by reported a black man breaking into the house next door. It turns out that Gates (the suspected burglar) was merely trying to gain entry into his own home. Since then, controversy has sparked all throughout the media, even eliciting a highly criticized response from President Obama himself. Underlying this conflict is a profound degree of racial tension between Black Americans and police officers. Many argue that Professor Gates was 'treated unfairly' due to the color of his skin. I entirely refute these allegations.

I'm an avid fan of "Cops" and "Street Patrol." And I've noticed that as soon as a suspect begins to act belligerent and disrespectful, the police swiftly take him or her down. Therefore, if Professor Gates really did act out, yelling (as is claimed), "Do you know who I am?"... then I am honestly compelled to side with the police. On many occasions, I have witnessed similarly-dressed Caucasian, Hispanic, and Chinese men and women be arrested-regardless of whether they were innocent or guilty of the accused crime. It was due to their inappropriate behavior; they hurled insults, made threats, and maintained a 'Holier Than Thou' demeanor. Such (apparently) was the case with Professor Henry Gates.

Consider also my own past experiences with the police. As an unruly adolescent, I would whirl through town in my Chevy, practically dressed like a Crip-blue jeans, blue shirt, blue bandanna, blue cuffs, etc. Suffice it to say, I was a gangster-wannabe. And as can readily be expected, I had frequent confrontations with local police officers. The irony is that despite my garb, my outrageous window decals (e.g. "Screw the Pigs", "Marijuana is God", "Cop Killer"), and my tiny stashes of dope, I was always immediately released with either just a warning or a ticket. It wasn't simply dumb luck; although I dressed like a gangster, I acted like a gentleman. During questioning, I offered honest answers-including detailing the exact location of my dope stash-in a kind, respectful, and passive manner. Worst-case scenario, I was warned that the next time I was caught with such-and-such, I would be arrested.

Once, I returned to my parked car only to discover that I had accidentally locked the keys in it. As I was in a hurry to return home, I tried to stuff my bulky arms through the slightly opened right window. Needless to say, this caught the attention of a bystander, who right away dialed up the Po-Po. Upon their arrival, I backed away from my car, lifted my hands over my head, and awaited the cops' instructions. After calmly explaining my side of the story, the police ran a background check on my car and me. Having acquired proof that I was indeed the owner, they assisted me in securing entry into the vehicle.

In both instances, I maintained a calm demeanor without losing my temper. I realize the risks cops face patrolling the streets-many have lost their lives in the line of duty. Therefore, I understand that protocol requires them to assess every potential threat they face, whether from a jaywalker crossing a busy street, a bike-rider hurling down a sidewalk, a driver speeding through traffic, or a guy just trying to get into his house or car. The bottom line is that I possess a deep-found respect for quality police officers. Granted, there are 'pigs' snorkeling about in the mud here and there, but most police officers are in fact noble men and women just trying to uphold the law to the best of their ability.

For some reason though, many are quick to cite the Professor's esteemed credentials. Does it really matter though? In fact, my Father is a Professor and believe me, he would never dare act obnoxious with the police-he knows better. And the bottom line is that resisting a law-enforcement investigation and/or arrest is illegal. And so taking everything into consideration, I must side with the police. Henry Gates may be a Harvard professor, but as far as the police are concerned, he's just another Joe Schmoe unwilling to listen to and follow their directions. Nobody is greater than the law, including Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates.

That's how I feel about this situation. How about you? What do you think?