Im pondering this whole Ferguson situation and what I try to do is approach every situation with a sober and objective mindset. I think when we go too far to either extreme we miss an opportunity to exact real change. There is always truth on many levels that many who dive into subjective vats of emotion will miss in discussing this topic. We should avoid that pitfall IF the goal of understanding and reform is in mind. Truth is Im a black man who has definitely been profiled by police. Ive been followed by security in department stores. Ive had non African-American middle to old aged women lock their doors as I pass by their cars and clutch their purses and hug the wall tighter when I enter an elevator. These are truths that no one can disagree with me about because theyve happened to me. Most of my family is from Oakland and theres a long history of confrontations by police and ending in tragedy. Fruitvale Station is one of many such incidents that just happened to garner national attention. Thats all true. I know many who live in the bay and L.A. areas where there has been a history who absolutely distrust law enforcement period. If you know me you know I dont play the race card at the slightest provocation. But even that term is interesting. I dont have a card to play. I AM black and those things I mentioned above have happened in part or in whole because of something I cant control, my skin. But does it then naturally follow because of those things that happened to me that all law enforcement should be distrusted? Logically, no. Oh sure, I definitely UNDERSTAND why some of my brothers and sisters have a deeply embedded distrust. Ferguson didnt start this. This was happening long before I walked this earth and the age of the mobile phone has just made it visually ubiquitous. But what is also true is that there are hundreds of men and women who are in law enforcement who are men and women of integrity who risk their lives every day and would risk and give their lives for someone who was in danger regardless of color. Thats why Im glad that the reality of those events that have happened to me, hasnt caused me to go to the other extreme and indict an entire profession because of the actions of individuals and even in some cases, whole departments. But despite the even keel I try to keep, that also does NOT mean that we shouldnt speak out and be outraged that people who take that oath to protect and serve abuse it and kill unnecessarily. In fact, if I were one of those who wear a badge with integrity, I would hope I would be the first to speak out and not defend negative actions. To be clear though, insight from those in that profession shouldnt be misconstrued or automatically assumed to be defense. There is a difference between defending and offering insight that couldnt be gained unless youve been in law enforcement. Didnt intend to ramble, but my point is if things are going to ever change, weve got to stop picking sides and ignoring the truths that are inconvenient and start being on the side of right no matter what destination that right leads us to. Police brutality is something that needs to be addressed no matter how you slice it and no matter what our race or experiences, we should ALL want change in this regard. #foodforthought
Posted on: Fri, 15 Aug 2014 03:17:22 +0000
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