Otto Janarian: Talking While Black

Otto Janarian: Talking While Black is a fictional account of the life experiences of Otto Janarian as told to Earl Martin and “you.” In chronicling some of Otto’s experiences, the author defines today’s racial animus as a continuation of the past. Despite the progress that has been made in that area, the author insists that police behavior has been one of the toughest to temper. Many racial issues, although not eliminated, have become subtle . . . less so with police interaction. Just as blacks are expected to condemn their own when guilty, the police must also rid their departments of the “bad apples.” The author emphasizes that not all people react to turmoil in the same manner. Even the mildest person may find the need to strike back.