i think if the media started framing it as an everyone problem, it would get more traction. but framing it as a race issue is more comfortable for all parties involved. the news media creates more buzz. it becomes a more polar issue. and the cops can keep getting away with it because most of the viewing audience just wants to be "on the right side of history" rather than actually doing anything to ameliorate the problem.

that said, it's hard to talk about this in a serious and accurate manner while ignoring the racial component. cops kill out of fear and out of disregard for human life. they fear black people more and value their lives less. those are just fucking facts and i don't encourage people to ignore them.