'Self Defense' Course Says Don't Call Cops — They May Shoot the Black Victim

As racism evolves, it seems, so does safety.

St. Edward’s University in Texas has offered a course called Basic Self Defense. According to a screenshot reportedly obtained by Campus Reform, learning materials include the video “Don’t be a Bystander: 6 Tips for Responding to Racist Attacks.”

The how-to — produced by the Barnard Center for Research on Women (interesting wording) — lays out America’s startling state:

In our current political moment, white supremacists and white nationalists have been emboldened. And as a result, public attacks are on the rise.

Do you sometimes imagine a transphobic attack, followed by your inability to adequately react? The video’s got you covered.

Many people aren’t sure what to do if they witness a racist or transphobic attack.

Six steps are provided for proper response.

Step One: Be More Than a Bystander

It might be tempting to look away out of fear or because you aren’t sure of what to do. But not getting involved communicates approval and leaves the victim high and dry.

Eye contact is a part of not standing by:

If you can, talk with the victim. This is about supporting them. Look them in the eyes, check in with them. Try not to escalate or provoke the perpetrator. Simply sitting or standing next to someone is better than nothing at all.

You’ll likely have lost your breath.

Try to breathe and stay present.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the video is its admonishment to not involve cops:

Step Four: Avoid the Police

Armed police presence often escalates rather than reduces the risk of violence in a situation.

Those of you in law enforcement may recall the part of your training that dealt specifically with nonwhites, those who subscribe to Islam, and women in men’s pants:

Because police have been trained to see people of color, gender-nonconforming folks and Muslims as criminals, they often treat victims as perpetrators of violence. So if the victim has not asked you to call the police, do not.

The video repeats:

Do not call the police.

Step Six offers preventative measures — Call Out the Everyday Culture of White Supremacy

If you’ve been wondering what in the world is whipping up our overwhelming white supremacy, consider the fact that Facebook, Twitter, and the media are anti-black:

The culture of white supremacy and anti-blackness is perpetrated by our media, political system and social media. You can contribute to making these attitudes unacceptable by challenging white supremacy even when you’re not in a crisis.

Lead the conversation:

If you’re white yourself, talk to your family and friends about anti-blackness and white supremacy.

It’s a Sunday-through-Saturday job:

Do it every day, especially when you’re in an all-white space. By doing this, you confront the culture without putting anyone in danger of an immediate backlash.

As relayed by Campus Reform, an anonymous student said the video came with a quiz. Among the questions:

What are the six tips outlined in the “Responding to Racist Attacks” video?

Which tip seems the most difficult to follow, and why?

The pupil didn’t appreciate it:

“I felt uncomfortable about having my name next to an answer I did not agree with, regardless of whether it was right. I do not believe this was an appropriate video to be presented as academic content. I feel for the students who view this curriculum as correct information and do not understand their ability [or] free will to think for themselves outside of it.”

America — like all things in life, goes through phases. This present one isn’t the Trust Police phase.

Professor Corrects Student Who Labels Cops 'Heroes,' Says She Wouldn't Call Them if She Were in Trouble https://t.co/2HcDUtR2gu

— RedState (@RedState) April 30, 2021

As for white supremacy and those bold enough to fight it, here are the video’s six ways of countering the KKK:

Be More Than a Bystander

Document the Incident

Support the Victim by Sticking Around

Avoid the Police

Call Out the Everyday Culture of White Supremacy

Organize & Protest for Justice