A key theoretical framework for understanding disparities in the application of lethal force involves the concept of systemic racism. This concept posits that racial bias is embedded within societal structures, institutions, and policies, leading to differential outcomes for various racial groups. For instance, seemingly neutral policies in policing, housing, or education can perpetuate racial inequality through their application and impact, even without explicit discriminatory intent. Redlining practices, for example, historically limited housing opportunities for African Americans, contributing to concentrated poverty and disproportionate interactions with law enforcement in these communities.
The importance of recognizing this framework lies in its ability to move beyond individual acts of prejudice to analyze broader patterns of inequality. By focusing on the systemic nature of racism, the analysis can examine how historical legacies, contemporary policies, and institutional practices intersect to create and maintain racial disparities in criminal justice outcomes. This perspective highlights the cumulative effect of seemingly independent factors, demonstrating how they collectively contribute to the disproportionate vulnerability of African Americans to lethal force. Understanding this interplay allows for more effective strategies to address the root causes of racial injustice and promote equitable outcomes.
