I want to focus on one aspect of the Cambridge Police vs. Professor Gates. To me, what makes this case interesting is the shift in traditional power roles.

Lately, we’ve heard many African Americans comment on the unwritten law in the Black community regarding how to respond to a police officer. This includes, raising your hands to show you’re not armed; being silent; and speak when spoken to. In this model, the police officer is always in charge, and the black person is subordinate. This model works when the black person or his family hold little or no power in society.

In Professor Gates situation, he is extremely well educated. He holds a position of respect and authority within Harvard University. Additionally he has gained a following for his programs on PBS. And unlike the lost African American hanging out on a street corner, or in prison, he has access to Oprah. And with  her, he has access to an international audience that will listen and think about a black man’s perspective.

I can hear the cynic say, “who cares? he was still rude to the cop!” While that is debatable,  there is no doubt it is time for the unwritten rules between African Americans and of cops to be re-examined. As you will see Michael Moore also offers some solutions.