In the documentary, I noticed that people responded very differently to the news of a teenage life being lost. In class, Professor Sean Tierney explained that the United States has a class problem, not a race problem. However, the events shown in the documentary challenge that idea. For example, around the community where the incident occurred, reactions varied greatly depending on race and social position, showing that race plays just as important a role in intersectionality as class.

There was a stark difference in how many people responded, and this polarizing event created anything but unity. Some teachers even justified the death and instances of police brutality. This shows that teachers are not just educators. They can shape a child’s life through their words and influence. In some cases, it also reflects white savior mentalities or a lack of genuine care for teaching. Apathy plays a major role as well. It suggests that some teachers unconsciously distance themselves from students because of cultural differences, which leads to emotional detachment. Also the message of the body laying in the street for 4-hours creates this dehumanizing effect to people that saw that teenager. His body just lay there lifeless without help sent a message and a bad taste in peoples mouths.

Additionally, reactions to police brutality differed greatly between those living in the neighborhood and those watching from a distance on television. For some, it was a personal loss within their community. For others, it became just another headline. Similar to the mans saying where he said the news story was a spectacle and a very public matter.  This contrast highlights how proximity, race, and lived experience shape empathy and understanding.  But also reveals the worst traits out of human beings as it shows that class and race can divide our opinions on things that should appear to be wrong.