Blog #7

Recently in the news and all over social media we have seen certain groups be the target for their identities.  I personally believe that although it is not a minority or a specific ethnicity that police officers are targeted.  For instance, many social media services have portrayed police officers as harmful to many of those target identities we discussed in class.  When we participated in the activity I was one of the police officers and the way we were told to act was not right.  I believe that many police officers are targeted because of a few who did wrong or broke rules in which they were supposed to follow.  In my everyday life the police are there for our protection and help in case of an emergency.

When it comes to non-target identity I believe being a male fit perfectly.  There are many examples in which males are the non-target identity because of how society sees it.  For instance, men aren’t on the news fighting and protesting for their rights.  Men in majority do not have to worry about many of the things women will face during their life.  To clarify men are usually seen as “the big business owners” and not women.  Being a white male I do recognize that I am part of the non-target identity majority.  I realize that not all men have it easy and don’t fall into the non-target identity.  For example, homosexual males continue to face criticism and problems because of their sexual preference.  I do count myself lucky at times that in some cases I am considered the “majority” and aren’t harmed.

The identities that I discussed both target and non-target coexist in the everyday life we live in today.  I believe that as we grow as a society many will change their way of thinking.  This hopeful thinking could lead to less target identities and a more equal base for all.  One example that came to mind was how the police help with protection for women who are protesting for equal rights.  We also see this help when it comes to the pride parades that are held in NYC.