Year: 2020

Why COVID Is a Race Issue

Why COVID Is a Race Issue

Why COVID Is a Race Issue

06/10/20

“Why is COVID a Race Issue?”

 

Communities around the world are being affected by the (as of writing) ongoing COVID epidemic. However, communities from oppressed communities are being exposed to and dying from COVID at much higher rates. This results from being forced into lower-paying jobs where being in-person is mandatory and from living in segregated neighborhoods that expose the individuals to more health risks. Since this is drawn across mostly racial lines,  this is Why COVID Is a Race Issue.

 

And don’t forget, #BlackLivesMatter

Defunding Police and Refunding Into Climate Adaptation

Defunding Police and Refunding Into Climate Adaptation

Defunding Police and Refunding Into Climate Adaptation

06/09/20

“How can we fund climate adaptation programs by defunding the police?”

 

The advent of the COVID epidemic has brought about a major budget shortfall in municipal governments. Given that these are one of the primary methods of funding adaptation work, preparing for the new climate paradigm has just become a lot more difficult. Unless of course, we can tap into another source of funding. Namely, the police. Police (particularly in the US) take up a disproportionate amount of the city budget. By redistributing some of the funds to climate adaptation, we can invest in a just, resilient, and sustainable future instead of locking people up. This is why Defunding Police and Refunding Into Climate Adaptation may be a good idea.

And don’t forget, #BlackLivesMatter

How Racial Profiling Can Hinder Job Performance

How Racial Profiling Can Hinder Job Performance

How Racial Profiling Can Hinder Job Performance

06/06/20

“How can job performance be hindered by racial profiling?”

 

Racial profiling adds to stress. Individuals who are affected have to constantly be aware of how they may be watched and possibly pursued. This stress adds an extra psychological burden when performing at a job, leading to counterproductive effects on focus. This is How Racial Profiling Can Hinder Job Performance. To counter this, organizations and governments must actively invest resources into not only supporting affected communities but the institutions and systems that cause this pain. The productivity increases will go a long way to creating a truly just, resilient, and sustainable society.

And don’t forget, #BlackLivesMatter

Police Militarization

Police Militarization

Police Militarization

06/07/20

“How are the police becoming militarized?”

 

Since the 1970s, Police around the world and particularly in the United States have started undergoing militarization. This means that they have started purchasing military-grade equipment such as assault rifles, grenade launchers, and armored personnel carriers as well as military tactical training such as information gathering on activists. Furthermore, research has shown that militarized police are more often deployed in communities of color even when controlled for crime rates. Police Militarization is a definite issue and must be stopped so we can all live in a resilient and sustainable future.

And don’t forget, #BlackLivesMatter

Why Hovering a Helicopter at Low Altitudes for Crowd Control Is Dangerous

Why Hovering a Helicopter at Low Altitudes for Crowd Control Is Dangerous

Why Hovering a Helicopter at Low Altitudes for Crowd Control Is Dangerous

06/06/20

“Why is hovering a helicopter at low altitudes incredibly dangerous?”

 

Helicopters are commonly used by law enforcement agencies for tactical missions. However, flying them at low-altitudes for crowd control can be incredibly dangerous. The dust and gravel that they kick out can hurt protesters and even cause long-term damage. Furthermore, in case of an engine failure, the helicopter will have no room to maneuver and will likely crash. This is Why Hovering a Helicopter at Low Altitudes for Crowd Control Is Dangerous.

 

Image credit i2.wp.com/images.onwardstate.com

How Tear Gas Canisters Hurt People

How Tear Gas Canisters Hurt People

How Tear Gas Canisters Hurt People

06/05/20

“How do tear gas canisters fall and hurt people?”

 

One of the most common and ethically-debated means of crowd control during protests is tear gas attacks. Although the effects of tear gas upon the lungs are widely discussed, the falling canisters can hurt and fracture individual bystanders. This is How Tear Gas Canisters Hurt People.

Image credit frieze.com

How Tear Gas Damages Lungs

How Tear Gas Damages Lungs

How Tear Gas Damages Lungs

06/04/20

“How can tear gas damage lungs?”

 

Although it’s ethicality is contested, tear gas is often used in crowd control situations to break up protests. Being composed of noxious compounds, inhalation of the smoke can irritate the linings of the lungs and lead to health complications such as wheezing, coughing, and choking, and even diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Individuals with Asthma or other respiratory complications are especially at risk and may need to seek immediate medical attention. This is How Tear Gas Damages Lungs.

 

Image credit ichef.bbci.co.uk

Social Media Surveillance

Social Media Surveillance

Social Media Surveillance

06/03/20

“How can social media be used for surveillance?”

 

Social media is usually thought of as an innocuous way to connect with friends. However, it can also be used as a surveillance mechanism by malevolent institutions due to the fact that you are posting your data for free. For example, social media sites might be able to use facial data to hunt down activists. This is why one must take Social Media Surveillance seriously.

Social Media Networks and Facial Recognition

Social Media Networks and Facial Recognition

Social Media Networks and Facial Recognition

06/02/20

“How can social media networks use your pictures to aid authoritarian institutions?”

 

Uploading your profile picture to social media is a common medium of expression nowadays, whether it’s showing off your new look, most recent achievement, or unbelievable vacation. However, this all comes with a price. These social media sites will own data about your face, and can share it with authoritarian institutions to keep track of you and take action if you become a “threat”. For this reason, you must always be aware of the link between Social Media Networks and Facial Recognition. If you don’t act properly online then hiding your face from observation cameras may not always cut it.