By: Ariella Hellman
In Prof. Rosenbaum’s Law and Literature class we have been discussing the artist’s view of the law and the way in which the law can at times be unfair and suffocating. I would like to share some of my own distrust for the law or more accurately, my distrust for law enforcement officers.
Growing up, I always had an image of police officers as strong, helpful people. I’m not sure exactly where this image came from—perhaps it was just the classic story tale image of a police officer helping a lost child find his mom. Whatever the case, this image was dashed as I became older and steadily more and more afraid of police officers.
I learned that police officers were far more interested in asserting their power over others than in protecting people. They could be nasty and were generally just the opposite of helpful.
I would just like to share an anecdote which I feel is representative of my experiences. My last encounter with a police officer was a couple of weeks before I gave birth to my son, the joy of my life. I was getting out of cab a block away from Fordham when suddenly a police officer appeared at the door of the cab and started bellowing at me. He then asked me for my license and told me he was going to write me ticket and give me points for getting out of a cab when he had told me not to. I was really confused because I wasn’t even driving and I hadn’t even seen him until he was at my door. Eventually, he decided not to write me a ticket but nevertheless the experience has left a really bitter taste in my mouth.
I don’t think my experience is unique. I think many people would agree that when they see a police officer they feel a bit fearful when in reality they should feel more secure. It is really sad that this is the way things are.
