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    Slavery, Mass Murder and the Birth of American Policing

    enJune 16, 2020

    Podcast Summary

    • Building strong community connectionsEmbrace neighbors for social bonds and disaster preparedness. Find distraction in entertainment. Understand different perspectives for better communication. Agree on important issues for progress.

      Building strong community connections is essential in uncertain times. Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteer network, emphasizes the importance of relying on neighbors for social bonds and disaster preparedness. Meanwhile, entertainment can provide a welcome distraction. Chumba Casino offers a variety of free casino games for a chance to win prizes. Additionally, understanding different perspectives, such as men's thoughts, can lead to better communication and connections. The How Men Think podcast offers insights into the male mind. Lastly, the world continues to present challenges, but unity and agreement on important issues, like the value of black lives, can lead to progress.

    • Protests against police brutality and systemic racism: A long-standing historyThe current protests against police brutality and systemic racism mark a historic moment with unprecedented participation and diversity, rooted in a long-standing history of injustice and a need for deeper understanding of policing's origins and impact on marginalized communities.

      The current wave of protests against police brutality and systemic racism in the United States has been driven by a long-standing history of injustice and a sense of collective frustration. The speaker, who has reported on protests in various cities, including Portland, Seattle, and Los Angeles, notes that the sheer volume and diversity of people participating in these protests is unprecedented. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding this context within a broader historical perspective, highlighting the ancient origins of policing and its role in protecting the interests of the powerful. The speaker's perspective underscores the need for a deep and nuanced understanding of the complex history of policing and its impact on marginalized communities.

    • Sparta's Secret Police: The KripteiaSparta's Kripteia, a secret policing force, is an early example of organized efforts to maintain control and order, dating back to ancient civilizations.

      The origins of organized policing can be traced back to ancient civilizations, specifically Sparta. The Spartans, known for their military prowess, had a secret policing force called the Kripteia, which was made up of young men tasked with maintaining order by eliminating potential slave rebellion leaders. This force, which existed from around the 5th century BC, shares striking similarities with modern-day police forces, particularly in their role to maintain order and suppress dissent. However, it's important to note that historical interpretations of the Kripteia's function vary, with some scholars viewing them as a secret police and others as a guerrilla military unit. Regardless, their existence marks an early example of organized efforts to maintain control and order, a practice that has continued throughout history.

    • Blurred Lines Between Wealthy and Criminal Groups in Ancient RomeIn ancient Rome, wealthy individuals and criminal gangs both relied on personal squads for protection, leading to a blurred line between the two. Victims sought revenge or mob help, while graffiti networks functioned like social media to incite mobs. The first recognized police force, the vigils, focused on fire prevention and law enforcement.

      In ancient Rome, the lack of a formal police force led to the wealthy relying on their personal squads for protection, while organized criminals did the same. This created a blurred line between the rich and their posse-like groups and criminal gangs. Victims of crimes were left to seek revenge or rally mobs for help. The use of graffiti networks acted similarly to social media, allowing influential figures to get a following and potentially incite a mob. The first recognized police force, the vigils, functioned more like a fire department, focusing on preventing fires and enforcing laws when necessary. In Europe during the middle ages, community members took on the role of law enforcement, with the franc pledge system relying on small groups of men to enforce the law within their communities. Overall, the responsibility for maintaining order was decentralized and community-driven.

    • The origins of modern policing date back to medieval EuropeMedieval Europe's Sheriff and tithing groups laid the foundation for modern law enforcement, evolving into watch and big stick systems in the American colonies.

      The origins of modern policing can be traced back to medieval Europe, specifically the role of the Sheriff and the community protection groups known as tithings. These systems, which evolved into the watch and big stick systems in the American colonies, laid the foundation for modern law enforcement. The watch system relied on community volunteers to maintain order, while the big stick system was the first example of for-profit policing, with constables acting as hired muscle for merchants and business owners. These historical systems provide context for understanding the evolution of policing and its role in society.

    • Resistance to Identifying as a Law Enforcement Officer in Early North America and EnglandHistorically, law enforcement officers in North America and England faced negative perceptions, leading to resistance to wearing badges and forming a formal police force. Sir Robert Peel's reforms in England emphasized prevention through patrols and uniformed officers, but the first US modern police force was established in response to capitalist needs.

      The early history of law enforcement in colonial North America and England was marked by a resistance to identifying as a law enforcement officer due to negative perceptions. Historian Gary Potter noted that constables and night watch officers didn't want to wear badges because of their bad reputations. Some towns made service in the watch compulsory, and substitutes were often criminals or community thugs. In 1829, Sir Robert Peel in England aimed to formalize watchmen into a real police force, emphasizing prevention of crime through regular patrols and uniformed officers. Peel believed that only calm, even-tempered citizens should be police officers. Some of Peel's ideas, like uniforms with visible badge numbers and no carrying of firearms, were adopted in English policing. The first US modern police force was established in Boston in 1838, driven by capitalist necessity to protect business property. The resistance to identifying as a law enforcement officer due to negative perceptions continued in the northern United States, and the roots of many US police departments go back much further than 1838.

    • From Slave Patrols to Community BuildingExplore history or modern life for opportunities of discovery and connection, from learning about the origins of American policing to joining volunteer networks or trying out free casinos.

      The origins of American policing can be traced back to slave patrols in the American South. This historical fact has been widely discussed in recent weeks, and while there may be ongoing debates about various aspects of this history, the evidence supporting this connection is substantial. Meanwhile, in a different vein, there are various ways to find excitement and connection in today's world. For instance, people can join Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteer network, to build stronger community bonds. Alternatively, they can try their luck at Chumba Casino for free and potentially win some prizes. And for those who enjoy music, the upcoming film "Back to Black" about Amy Winehouse promises an immersive experience. In summary, whether we look at history or modern life, there are always opportunities for discovery and connection. Whether it's learning about the past or finding enjoyment in the present, there's always something new to explore.

    • Fear of slave revolts led to the formation of slave patrolsSlave patrols were established to apprehend escaped slaves, discipline laborers, and instill fear to prevent rebellions, with the memory of successful slave revolts like the Haitian Revolution deeply influencing their creation and function.

      The fear of slave revolts played a significant role in the establishment and functions of slave patrols in the American South. These patrols were formed as early as 1704 in the Carolina colonies, with their primary objectives being to apprehend escaped slaves, discipline laborers, and instill terror to prevent uprisings. The memory of the successful Haitian Revolution, which saw enslaved people rise against their masters, deeply influenced the psyche of white southerners and heightened their fear of rebellion. This fear was reflected in the oaths taken by slave patrollers, who were tasked with searching for weapons and maintaining control through violence. Overall, the history of slave patrols serves as a stark reminder of the brutal realities of chattel slavery and the lengths to which those in power went to maintain control.

    • White people's communal duty to enforce slaveryPoor whites served in slave patrols to maintain order, creating a false sense of importance, but ultimately oppressing enslaved people for their wealthier counterparts, impacting white psyches with detrimental effects.

      During the era of slavery in the United States, the slave patrols were a complex institution that involved not just the wealthy but also poor white people. These patrols, which enforced slavery and maintained order among enslaved people, were seen as a communal duty for white people. While the wealthy could pay fines to avoid serving, they often hired poorer whites to take their place. The practice of having poor whites serve in slave patrols could create a false sense of importance for them, but ultimately, they were being used to oppress enslaved people on behalf of their wealthier counterparts. This system, rooted in white supremacy, had detrimental psychological effects on white people, as it required them to oppress others to feel superior. Historian Sally Hayden's book, "Slave Patrols," provides a comprehensive understanding of these organizations, which varied in formality and structure from state to state. In most cases, white people were united in their obligation to suppress the black population, ensuring the continuation of slavery and white supremacy.

    • The origins of US policing rooted in controlling enslaved AfricansHistorically, US policing began as white patrols monitoring and punishing enslaved Africans, setting a precedent for targeting marginalized communities and use of force

      The origins of policing in the United States, particularly in the South, are rooted in the control and surveillance of enslaved African Americans. Historian Sally Hayden explains that early law enforcement was primarily white patrolmen tasked with monitoring and punishing slaves, which set a precedent for the use of force and the targeting of marginalized communities. This "white gaze" or fascination with the actions of those being policed persisted throughout history, leading to the implementation of policies like civil asset forfeiture and the use of violent tactics against communities of color. It's important to note that this history is not limited to the South or to the enslavement of Africans, as similar patterns of violence and control were also used against Native American populations in other parts of the country.

    • Origins of US policing rooted in controlling enslaved peopleUS policing's origins stem from slave patrols, which targeted enslaved people and perpetuated a mindset of control and criminalization of Black people

      The origins of US policing can be traced back to the institution of slave patrols, whose primary purpose was to control and suppress enslaved people, particularly those who resisted their oppression. These patrols were established in Missouri as early as 1825, and their members were tasked with ensuring the submission of enslaved Africans by using violence and harsh punishment. Enslaved people resisted in various ways, leading to counterinsurgency efforts by the patrols. The fear of insurrection and the belief that blackness identified a dangerous class required relentless supervision and policing. This mindset, rooted in slavery, has persisted and contributed to the disproportionate targeting and criminalization of Black people in the United States, as evidenced by historical and contemporary instances of police brutality and racial profiling.

    • Maintaining Order and Preventing InsurrectionSlave patrols, consisting of local white men, patrolled towns, required passes for enslaved individuals after sunset, used force and dogs, and ensured the return of escaped slaves under the Fugitive Slave Act.

      The institution of slave patrols served not only to control the enslaved population but also to reassure anxious white people. Slave patrols, often consisting of local white men, were presented as necessary for maintaining order and preventing insurrection. They patrolled towns and required enslaved individuals to carry written passes after sunset. These patrols used force and even dogs to apprehend those who disobeyed. Slave bounty hunters, who could cross state lines, were responsible for tracking down escaped slaves. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 mandated the return of escaped slaves to their masters, even in free states. The use of dogs and violence against enslaved individuals during these patrols was common. This system of control was designed to instill fear in the enslaved population and provide a sense of security to anxious white people. The discussion also highlights the brutality and violence inherent in the institution of slavery.

    • Historical Use of Terror Tactics by Law EnforcementLearning from history, acknowledge past oppression, and inform present actions to prevent heavy-handed law enforcement and protect savings.

      Throughout history, there have been instances of oppression and violence towards marginalized communities, including the use of terror tactics by law enforcement. This discussion highlighted the historical use of slave patrols and their use of dogs to capture runaway slaves, which involved severe punishment and even death. Fast forward to the present day, there are parallels drawn between historical and current events, with concerns over heavy-handed law enforcement and curfews during protests. The conversation also touched upon the importance of being informed and taking steps to protect one's savings, such as investing in precious metals through companies like Goldco. The historical accounts shared in the discussion serve as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and learning from the past to inform the present.

    • Dogs as Tools of Oppression in American HistoryHistorically, dogs were used to instill fear and control enslaved people, but black soldiers showed courage and resilience during the Civil War.

      Throughout history, power dynamics have been enforced in various ways, including the use of dogs to instill fear and oppression, particularly in the context of the American South during slavery times. These dogs served as a reminder of white supremacy and a tool to identify and arrest enslaved people. The use of dogs as a means of control was so effective that they were even deployed in the Civil War against black Union soldiers. Despite the fear and intimidation these dogs instilled, the black soldiers faced them with courage, using bayonets to kill some of their old tormentors. Today, we can learn from this history and strive to challenge and dismantle oppressive power structures in our own lives. The Earn Your Leisure podcast and Time Out podcast offer valuable insights and discussions on various topics, from business and finance to gender equality and mental health. Listen to these podcasts to expand your knowledge and understanding of the world.

    • From Slave Patrols to Police DepartmentsFormer Confederate states transformed slave patrols into formal police departments to maintain control over the newly freed population, revealing the persistence of white supremacy post-Civil War.

      The end of the Civil War marked the death of the Confederacy and slavery, but not of white supremacy. Former Confederate states quickly transformed their slave patrols into formal police departments to maintain control over the newly freed population. This history was vividly depicted in a poem by a black Union soldier, who celebrated the defeat of the bloodhounds used by Confederate units. However, the poem also reveals the harsh reality of the post-Civil War era, where the freedmen faced new challenges and dangers. The complexities of this era are exemplified in modern-day Portland, where coexistence of progressive values and remnants of the past create a "tale of two cities." Despite the progress made since then, it's important to remember and learn from this history.

    • From Slave Patrols to Modern Police Departments: The Evolution of Law Enforcement in the SouthThe history of law enforcement in the southern US reveals a troubling connection to the slave patrol system, with continued use of violent tactics against black individuals persisting into modern times, underscoring the need for ongoing police reform.

      The history of law enforcement in the United States, particularly in the southern region, has deep roots in the slave patrol system. Slave patrollers continued their functions into the post-Civil War era, transitioning into publicly funded police agencies. These departments were responsible for regulating the movements of freed blacks, enforcing codes, and suppressing revolts. The use of violent tactics, such as the use of dogs to intimidate and harm black individuals, continued into the modern era. This was evident in the case of the Ferguson Police Department in Saint Louis, where a report by the Department of Justice revealed that black individuals were disproportionately subjected to dog attacks, despite committing non-violent offenses. The persistence of these practices, despite their troubling history, highlights the need for ongoing efforts to address systemic racism and promote police reform.

    • Ferguson's violent past with police dogsFerguson's history of violence against the black community, rooted in its slave patrol past, continues to manifest in disproportionate harm inflicted on black individuals by the police force, with little accountability or reform.

      The history of law enforcement in Ferguson, Missouri, is deeply rooted in violence against the black community, with the use of police dogs being a disturbing reminder of this past. Despite evidence of disproportionate harm inflicted on black individuals, little action has been taken to address this issue. The historical context of Ferguson's police force, which originated from a slave patrol, has set a pattern for police behavior and attitudes towards minority communities that continues to this day. The lack of accountability and the normalization of violence against black citizens is a persistent issue that demands attention and reform.

    • Exploring the Complexity of Policing and Racial DynamicsUnderstanding the nuances of racial dynamics and policing requires ongoing dialogue and education, recognizing the complex roles of various groups like Antifa, and acknowledging historical contexts.

      The discussion highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of policing and racial dynamics in society. The speaker shares personal observations of protests in Portland and the role of various groups, including Antifa, in these events. They also touch upon the historical context of racism and the construction of racial identities. The speaker expresses frustration with simplistic labels and the need for nuanced understanding. Additionally, they mention their own efforts to support local businesses owned by people of color. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the complexity of social issues and the need for ongoing dialogue and education.

    • Reimagining societal institutionsWe can challenge and change bad ideas in societal institutions, such as the police, and create effective systems for maintaining order without violence or infringing rights.

      Our societal institutions, including the police, are human creations that can be reimagined and improved. The speaker emphasizes that we have the power to challenge and change bad ideas, such as the use of excessive force by law enforcement. He suggests that we can have effective systems for maintaining order without resorting to violence or infringing on individual rights. The speaker also encourages listeners to question the status quo and consider alternative solutions to complex issues. Additionally, he recommends checking out his YouTube channel for further discussions on this topic.

    • Finding joy in unexpected places: Art, community, mental health, and new passionsExploring art, connecting with neighbors, seeking mental health support, and discovering new passions can lead to personal growth and happiness

      Finding meaningful connections and personal growth can come from unexpected places. Goldie, a renowned artist, found joy and happiness by connecting with nature and expressing emotions freely. Neighbor to Neighbor encourages building stronger communities by connecting with neighbors and helping each other out. Mental health support, like BetterHelp, provides access to professional help when and where it's needed. Discovering new passions, like Judy did with jumbacasino.com, can bring excitement and joy to one's life. Zen nicotine pouches offer a discreet and hassle-free nicotine alternative for those seeking satisfaction on their own terms. Overall, embracing new experiences, connecting with others, and prioritizing personal well-being can lead to significant growth and happiness.

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