I'm black, grew up in KC and Chicago. Had a number of run ins with police, so I think I have a pretty good handle on the whole cop bashing situation here. There are some cops that are asses, yes, but they make up a minority of the force. I've seen them do bullshit...sure...but I've also seen them genuinely concerned for a friend of mine on the edge of an overdose. I've spoken to several that feel beat down and put upon because "cop bashing" is such a popular thing in parts of our society.

I've been arrested more than a few times, and I've always treated the officers like people (my size makes me look intimidating even when I"m not trying to be so) and they, for the most part, have treated me the same. I've found that a number of officers DON'T think some of the reasons they have to persecute/arrest people are good reasons...but they've taken a pledge to follow the law as it is, not make it up as they see fit.

That in itself is a cause for respect.

I now own a house and have been out of trouble for a long time. I get pulled over every now and then for speeding or having a light out. I'm still nice as hell, but don't have any qualms calling them on bullshit if they are just gonna be overly assholish to me for no reason. Usually, they will tell me "I could cite you for this, but I'll just give you a warning this time, ok?" as we laugh about something or other and go our separate ways.

They are people. They do a job and they take it seriously. They are used to being hated and work in a system they have no ability to change from their perspective. They are reacting to the stimuli given them in the boundaries we have set up ourselves, by voting or not voting lawmakers into office.

Give them a break and treat them as human. Call them on bullshit if it really is bullshit. Don't trust them, like you shouldn't blindly trust anyone, but realize that these people care enough to put themselves in the line of fire for your ass. But most of all: Grow up and take responsibility for your own actions.