Social media has been filled with some strong rhetoric and images the last 24 hours. I've read things that I wish I hadn't read. I've seen things that I wish I didn't see. Living in Australia, I don't see all American news stories covered in the same way. But, I read American news daily. I believe that our news' sources can shape our thoughts about certain stories, so I try to read several different sources and points of view when stories of interest surface.
From what I've read and seen, I think the
death of Michael Brown could've been prevented by both Brown and Officer
Wilson. Brown acted aggressively towards
the officer. He definitely shouldn't have done that. When an officer
gives instruction, you do what he/she says, whether you agree or not.
And, you definitely don't act in a way that can be interpreted as
reaching for the officer's weapon.
Did the officer over-react? I think there's argument that he did. I think six shots were unnecessary.
But
it doesn't matter what I think. It was up to the grand jury. They made
a decision. If the citizens of Ferguson want to protest that decision,
that is their right, and I support it. However, I do not support
looting, vandalism, setting fires, or further violence. I know we don't
live in an ideal world, but I'd like to see us learn, grow, and evolve
when such incidents take place. I don't think further destruction helps
that cause.
Those are my thoughts, but I'd like to share the thoughts of someone else. I had the pleasure of working with Danny
for a few years. He is a hard-working, easy-going, father, husband,
and friend. He is a black man who grew up in Houston, Texas, the fourth
largest city in the USA. Danny posted these words on facebook a few hours after the Ferguson announcement.
His words were thoughtful, heartfelt, and eloquent. They are worth sharing and thoughtfully reading. Read, and think. (But,
please, do not use my space as a place to disrespectfully debate).
From Danny: "Today, we as a culture are dealing with centuries of
negative mental programming and a culture of lack and inferiority that
we are just now beginning to shed. We need to work toward the ultimate
goal of unity and growth (spiritual,mental, and economic) if we ever
want to move past where we've been. We got close during the civil rights
movement, but were derailed by the efforts of those who hated us for no
plausible reason other than heritage.
We have to do better and
teach our children better if we want better. We cant loot liquor stores
in our community because of civil injustice. If we're not happy with
what's going on, we need to be effective not only.with our words, but
with our actions. I just can't deal with some of these images I see. It
makes it hard for those who can articulate the real problems to maintain
any credibility when it's a stark contrast to the actions some display.
Looting is not protesting. It's just that simple."
