Is Saying ACAB, Hypocritical?

We’ve all observed the glaring hypocrisy within certain factions of right-wing politics. While claiming to champion the cause of children’s welfare, a slew of pedophiles have revealed themselves within their circles, albeit at the fringes. It raises the question: If we argue against judging an entire community based on the actions of a few individuals, can we then turn around and say “All Cops Are Bastards” without being hypocritical?

In short, the answer is no. The reason it’s not hypocritical is rather straightforward. Law enforcement is an inherently rigid and hierarchical structure created by society. You can choose to become a police officer or an artist, but these are fundamentally different positions. Policing comes with a system of authority, where there’s always someone in charge, and personal autonomy is limited. In contrast, being an artist means you are the ultimate authority, delving deeper into your own creative journey.

Policing operates within a strict authoritarian and hierarchical framework. There is no separation between those who serve; it’s about obedience and accountability to the chain of command. When an individual officer makes a mistake, it’s not solely their responsibility; the entire system bears the brunt. The principle of collective accountability prevails; if one falls, all fall. Even their uniforms are uniform, emphasizing this unity.

Hence, it’s entirely valid to assert that one should avoid making sweeping judgments about an entire community based on the actions of a single person, while still saying “All Cops Are Bastards.” This isn’t a contradiction; it’s a recognition of the systemic nature of policing, where the actions of one officer can reflect on the entire force.