“Riots are the language of the unheard.” Martin Luther King, Jr. I’m not trying to argue the verdict of former officer Darren Wilson. There are conflicting testimonies and ambiguities for sure. But whether you believe this was justified or not, the daily reality is that there is a deep systemic, institutional injustice that those who are black in America routinely face. While I’ve experienced racial slurs as an Asian-American, prejudice and racism, I still know that it pales in comparison to what my African-American friends intensely deal with regularly. We can act like we understand but it’s difficult to live in this type of culture of regular suspicion and racism. Of course, there are good people who are glad officer Darren Wilson is free, not indicted but to many of my friends it’s another confirmation that if you’re white and in authority you get away with things others don’t. Just look at what happened in NYC with Eric Garner. How can one say we live in a post-racist society? There doesn’t seem to be any ambiguity here. It was videotaped. You hear Eric Garner saying he can’t breathe. While things are changing things are still the same. It’s one thing to write about it, what are we going to do? Ferguson and Eric Garner in Stanton Island provides an opportunity to assess ourselves and our allegiances. Are we perpetuating a divided America? What are we doing to stand up for those who are the victims of injustice and racism? Am I just talking about justice or am I living a life of justice? The bottom line for me has to deal with relationships. If you know and love someone, you would love without any strings. You would seek justice, peace and defend their rights. You would be willing to die for them. The culture of violence and racism is still prevalent in our communities. It’s time we don’t simply talk about love but be love especially to those who are experiencing injustice, intolerance and prejudice. It’s time not only talk about racism and prejudice in America. It’s time to do something. Perhaps start with putting your ear to the street Listen to, build relationships with those you fear or feel uncomfortable around. Go to the places that are culturally different to you. Learn. Live with others beyond a Sunday service or a luncheon on racism. You may actually see a light that is brighter than you could have imagined. You’ll find beauty, hope and joy. You may discover the suspicion some of our friend’s deal with every day is embedded into the fabric of our society. At the end of your journey you’ll probably be changed more than anyone you encounter. Sure go ahead. . . Start a riot. I’m not talking about a loud, public display of wildness but a “riot” defined as: an unbridled outbreak, as of emotions, passions. Let’s start a riot of love especially with those culturally different than us. Lets take a stand. Lets act upon what we know is right. DG
Posted on: Fri, 05 Dec 2014 05:15:25 +0000
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