Category: Policy

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

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.

SB 902

SB 902

SB 902

05/31/20

“What would Senator Scott Wiener’s SB 902 bill accomplish?”

 

With the defeat of SB 50 in the California state senate and the advent of the COVID pandemic earlier this year, solutions to the state’s record housing crisis seem ever more out of reach. However, Senator Scott Wiener is back at it again with SB 902. In essence, SB 902 would authorize for local governments to enact “missing middle” zoning or rezoning for upwards of 10-plexes in designated neighborhoods, at a height specified by the local government in the ordinance, if the parcel is located in a transit-rich area, a jobs-rich area, or an urban infill site. Site. This bill would also provide CEQA exemption for such projects. In addition, the bill would allow for upwards of a fourplex to be approved in a low-density zone with by right ministerial approval of the city.

How Data Analytics Can Help Track Police Brutality

How Data Analytics Can Help Track Police Brutality

How Data Analytics Can Help Track Police Brutality

05/29/20

“How could data analytics be used to help track police brutality?”

 

Data analytics allows for users and institutions to track a whole range of variables. One of these could be police misconduct. By keeping tabs on which police officers have been committing human rights violations, public officials can determine whether or not to fire and reprimand them. This is  How Data Analytics Can Help Track Police Brutality.

Why Police Body Cameras Can Increase Law Enforcement Accountability

Why Police Body Cameras Can Increase Law Enforcement Accountability

Why Police Body Cameras Can Increase Law Enforcement Accountability

05/28/20

“Why is implementing body cameras on police a good idea?”

 

Like any state agency, police forces hold the potential to misuse their authority, culminating in horrific outbreaks such as what was recently seen in Minneapolis. In the past, these forces were able to get away with such events. However, with the advent of body cameras, footage can be automatically recorded to show any human rights violations taking place, allowing for proper evidence for prosecution. This is Why Police Body Cameras Can Increase Accountability.

Image credit urban.org

Food Supply and Societal Resilience

Food Supply and Societal Resilience

Food Supply and Societal Resilience

05/27/20

“What is the connection between food supply and societal resilience?”

 

Food is one of the foundational elements of human biology. Without sufficient supplies, humans will be cathartic and even die. Because of this, communities will need adequate food supplies to maintain their social cohesion. This is the connection between Food Supply and Societal Resilience.