Eric Garner

Definition

Eric Garner was an African American man who died in 2014 after a New York City police officer used a chokehold during his arrest for selling loose cigarettes. Garner's death became a pivotal moment in the national conversation about police brutality and systemic racism, highlighting issues of accountability and the use of excessive force by law enforcement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Garner's last words, 'I can't breathe,' became a rallying cry for activists protesting police violence against Black individuals.
2. The incident was captured on video, which played a significant role in mobilizing public outrage and drawing attention to police practices.
3. A grand jury declined to indict the officer involved in Garner's death, sparking protests and discussions about justice and accountability in law enforcement.
4. Garner's death occurred against the backdrop of several other high-profile cases of police violence, including the deaths of Michael Brown and Tamir Rice.
5. The aftermath of Garner's death led to increased scrutiny of policing practices and contributed to policy changes in some jurisdictions aimed at reducing instances of excessive force.

Review Questions

• How did Eric Garner's death influence public perceptions of police brutality in America?
  • Eric Garner's death significantly shifted public perceptions of police brutality by bringing national attention to the issue through both the graphic video evidence and his poignant last words. The incident sparked widespread protests and discussions about systemic racism within law enforcement, leading many people to question the accountability mechanisms in place for police officers. This heightened awareness contributed to the rise of movements like Black Lives Matter, which advocate for justice and reform.
• Analyze the impact of Eric Garner's case on subsequent policy changes regarding policing in the U.S.
  • The case of Eric Garner prompted numerous discussions and initiatives aimed at reforming policing policies across the United States. Following his death, several cities began re-evaluating their use-of-force policies, including restrictions on chokeholds and other controversial techniques. Additionally, there were calls for better training on de-escalation tactics and increased transparency in police operations, aiming to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
• Evaluate how Eric Garner's case reflects broader issues within American society related to race, law enforcement, and justice.
  • Eric Garner's case serves as a critical reflection of broader societal issues regarding race relations and systemic inequities in America. His death highlights the ongoing struggles faced by African Americans regarding policing practices that disproportionately affect their communities. The national discourse that emerged from this incident encapsulates deep-seated concerns about racial profiling, justice system biases, and the urgent need for reforms aimed at addressing these enduring challenges within American society.

Related terms

Black Lives Matter: A social movement advocating for the rights and lives of Black individuals, focusing on issues like police violence, systemic racism, and racial inequality.

Chokehold: A controversial police restraint technique that compresses the neck of a person, often criticized for its potential to cause serious injury or death.

Civil Rights Movement: A struggle for social justice in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial discrimination and promoting equal rights for African Americans.