photo credit: Peg Hunter
"I realize this kind of thing has happened hundreds of times before," the Sgt. said, "but somehow I never thought that if I posted something racist it would be perceived in the only way it could possibly be perceived."
photo credit: Peg Hunter
MINNESOTA police sergeant has been suspended following the community's reaction to his racist Facebook post encouraging drivers to run over marchers on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The officer admitted he "was taken by surprise" to learn that his racist post was visible to the naked eye, and would therefore reach the brains of readers, thus prompting an appropriate reaction.
"I had no idea that my racist thoughts appearing as text for all to see would have any effect," said the suspended officer. "Especially since, as a cop, I am sworn to protect and serve the entire community, not just white people. Who would ever have thought my racist words would make me look like a racist?" he said.
Recalling other, similar incidents where racist language was met with appropriate reactions, the Sergeant said, "I realize this kind of thing has happened hundreds of times before, but somehow I never thought that if I posted something racist it would be perceived in the only way it could possibly be perceived."
The officer has now posted an apology on Facebook indicating that he is "extremely sorry" for the content of his original post. His words once again appear in text format, and, like the original racist text, are not invisible and can therefore be read by anyone with an Internet connection and a pair of eyes.
© 1.21.16 Kate Heidel
