Some people think victims of police brutality “probably had it coming,” especially those with arrest records.

For instance, how sympathetic would you be if the man who was killed in police custody had a record that included:

- Arrested with heroin, cocaine, and a .357 Magnum
- Arrested breaking into a house under the influence of drugs
- Missed two court-ordered drug tests
- Arrested with cocaine and valium
- Arrested under the influence of cocaine

If the man with the above record died in police custody, would you be tempted to think to yourself, “this guy probably deserved it?”

Because the record is that of actor Robert Downey, Jr.

I have a sneaking suspicion that if Robert Downey, Jr. had his voice box crushed, his spine nearly severed, and died in a coma, very few people would think he had it coming, and nearly everyone would demand an investigation.

Is a rich, white movie star more important than a black, 25-year-old Baltimorean from a shitty neighborhood?

Think about it.

(HT: Logan Hicks)

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