Mychal Denzel Smith argues that the system that allowed the murderers of Eric Garner and Michael Brown to walk free cant be reformed; that the language with use is a band aid to a bullet hole. Hes not wrong. Its a language that applies within the system, considering the instances exceptional as opposed to systemic, and reformable. Smith is right: its not a reform. But he ends on that fatality note, which I disagree with on another question of language: its not reform, its overhaul. But if your expectations for change have a time line, forget about it. The so... What isnt sustainable political rhetoric if your option is complete transformation, which is the only option. Either you put your foot in and start the process while accepting you might not see its end, or you have internalised violence to the extent of internalising its predestined endlessness. I come from a country which, upon realising the extent of the collusion between its police force and state oppression, dismantled its entire police force and created a new one from scratch. Hundreds and hundreds died for this. More still are dying. More will die. You dont have to go that far. But the question is how long will it take for a nationwide conversation on what policing should mean and imply that will radically alter a system to the point of making it obsolete and make room for change. Youll tell me its easy to preach from across the ocean. Im telling you a revolution can only happen once its happening. Take it from the bullet holes in the walls of our houses.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Dec 2014 12:31:07 +0000
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