Sobbing could be heard from my kitchen, and my mother’s cries soon enveloped the entirety of my house. The date was 9/11/2001. My father was an NYPD police officer, and was one of the first responders when the World Trade Center collapsed. Thankfully, my father made it home alive that day. However, other families of first responders weren't as lucky as mine. Sacrifice, integrity and bravery are some of the words that come to my mind when I hear the words “police officers,” “law enforcement” or “cops.” Recently, however, that seems to be the unpopular opinion.

The United States of America, although its name implies that we are united as a country, is instead one of the most divided and conflicted countries in the world today, especially when it comes to the topic of police brutality. Sadly, in this country, news sources and social media instill negative opinions regarding police officers on the general public, making generalizations that the majority of police officers are filled with malice, or abuse their power. Growing up as a family of an NYPD police officer, we have been a primary witness to the negativity that police officers receive on a daily basis, especially in society today. One particular personal experience that stands out to me occurred fairly recently, and truly showed me how inconsiderate some people can be when voicing their opinions and generalizing a group of people like police officers.

The personal experience that offended not only my father’s profession, but myself as well, happened on a regular day at work for me. I was working the counter at a local, family owned pizzeria in my town, wearing an NYPD hat that had once belonged to my father. A man walked in and looked at me, his eyes full of hate. “Good evening sir, what can I get for you?” I asked the man standing before me , trying to ignore his glare. After completely ignoring my question, the man abruptly asked “Oh who’s on the force?” Taking in his question, I began to get confused until I realized he was talking about the NYPD hat that sat upon my head. After realizing his question, I smiled and proudly said “Oh, my father!” It took the man less than a second to respond with “Oh, my condolences.” It took me another moment to process what this man had meant by that, considering I hadn't told him my father was ever injured, or worse, dead. Then it hit me.

Confusion and anger was written all over my face when I asked him what he meant by that. The man automatically went into a hate filled rant, cursing all police officers and calling them “pigs.” Being a respectful person, and at work, I had to act in a formal manner, I ignored his rant and went on again to ask him what he would like to order. It didn't end there for me, though. I remember after the man had left the pizzeria, my anger started to build, and tears began falling down my cheeks.

How could someone say such hurtful things about my father without even knowing the kind of man he is? I grew up in a household where making general assumptions about people one doesn't know, is looked down upon. This was my first experience as a young adult that really showed me how the world can truly be such an opinionated, hurtful place. I thought that would be one of the last times I would ever have to hear someone speaking negatively about my father’s choice of profession, I was obviously wrong. Shortly after this experience occurred, police brutality became one of the main topics in the media because of the events that were taking place all over the country.

This personal experience of mine taught me not only that some people have trouble with voicing their opinions rationally, but also that the media and the general public continue to shame and label the profession of law enforcement officers every chance they get. It is without question that in society today, because of several tragic occurrences with some bad police officers, all law enforcement officers are under constant scrutiny. The exact communities and cities that these officers are trying to protect and rid of crime are waiting for them to make a mistake or do wrong.

With this opinion I uphold about the profession of law enforcement, comes limited bias. I am not writing to try and persuade you that all police officers have good intentions and all are good people, because that would not be true. There are bad police officers with bad intentions, just as there are good police officers with good intentions. By labeling a specific group of people all the same, you are being prejudiced, and you are being hateful. I understand that police brutality does exist, to some extent. However, I do not agree with the “popular opinion” of all police officers being referred to as “power hungry, pigs.” The society we live in goes on to say that generalizations are bad when it comes to race, nationality, gender or even class. What I don't understand is the fact that society seems to pick and choose when generalizing a group of people is acceptable or not. That is hypocrisy at its finest.

When it comes to the majority of society, a police officer is often viewed in a negative light. General emotions that come over someone when they see a police officer on the street, or even pulling them over can include fear, panic, anger or vulnerability. All of the feelings I have listed can obviously be seen as negative. Unless you are in the wrong, have committed a crime or even a traffic violation, there is no reason for those negative feelings to be present. It is understandable as to why some people feel the need to classify police officers differently, because yes, they are of authority, but they are there to help you more than anything. The point of this is not to force a change of opinion, but to open the mind of people who may view police officers negatively.

For every person in this country who has hate in their heart towards police officer,s there are some things I would like you to know. Beneath that tough exterior and uniform, there is someone’s child, parent, sibling, or lover. There is a person, with a heart, a desire for justice, and a family that they go home and embrace. There is someone who went through numerous physical and mental tests to receive the honor to protect and defend their community. There is a person beneath that uniform, the person you request to see when you feel like you are in danger or you need assistance. Beneath all the labels and stereotypes, there is your lifeline. So, before people are so quick to make judgements on the person that is brave enough to wear that uniform almost every day, remember that person puts their life in danger to protect you. Although, some may be corrupt, not everyone who wears that uniform is the bad guy. As a matter of fact, most of them are the good guys.