The Show Cops is Racist

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, America faced a significant crack cocaine epidemic. This period, often depicted in media and popular culture, left a lasting impression on those who lived through it, including the younger generation who are now adults.

One such individual, who wishes to remain anonymous, recalls watching an episode of the reality TV show “Cops” in 2004, when they were just 10 years old. The episode, originally aired in 1989, featured African-American children around the same age being arrested for possession of crack cocaine and firearms.

The viewer, now in their 30s, recently reached out to us to discuss the impact this episode had on them. They questioned why the children in the episode were African-American and whether there was a disparity in crack cocaine exposure among children of different races.

While these television shows were based on real events, they did not represent the experiences of all individuals or communities. The 1980s crack cocaine epidemic affected many communities across the United States, regardless of race or ethnicity. However, the portrayal of these events in the media often led to harmful stereotypes and misconceptions.