My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Mending of Our Bodies and Hearts

by Resmaa Menakem

Too many Americans reflexively support their police officers, seeing them as noble protectors who can do no wrong. Too many other Americans reflexively oppose the police, seeing them as enemies—members of an occupying force. Meanwhile, too many public safety professionals reflexively distrust some of their fellow officers. A cop who gets close to people in the community may be looked on with suspicion by his or her peers. The thinking goes: It’s us cops against the world. We’re the line of protection against chaos. If you hang out with community members—and if those community members like and appreciate you—you must be untrustworthy and possibly a snitch. You won’t have other cops’ backs when the chips are down. We don’t want you hanging out with those community people. You need to make a choice—either us or them. Whose side are you on? Each of these views is simplistic and unrealistic. Each can also be a trauma response.