°µºÚ±¬ÁÏ

© 2025
NPR °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ, Colorado Stories
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

The Trauma Of Being Black In America

A protestor stands in front of a police line in Times Square, during a "Black Lives Matter" protest.
A protestor stands in front of a police line in Times Square, during a "Black Lives Matter" protest.

The video of George Floyd’s death is hard to watch. It  It’s also one of many such viral videos in the past decade that depict the deaths of Black Americans.

But while many think it’s important to witness and understand police brutality, This is particularly true for Black men. Medical authorities say these videos can traumatize those who view them, even causing physical symptoms.

The widespread sharing of the video has also sparked a conversation about the use and imbalance of media that .

What does the constant viewing of videos of police brutality do to members of the Black community in America?

If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Referral Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. And the National Suicide Prevention Hotline number is 1-800-273-8255.

Copyright 2020

Kathryn Fink
Kathryn Fink is a producer with NPR's All Things Considered.
Related Content