The death of an unarmed black male, Michael Brown (18), being shot by Ferguson, Missouri police has caused a fury of protests, looting, and even burnings in the county of St. Louis. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Vine and Facebook have been inundated with videos of St. Louis county citizens voicing their anger over the soon-to-be college student’s death.
According to KSDK News, riots and protests began on Sunday at the intersection of West Florisant and Ferguson Street.
The riots and protesting in the streets of Ferguson made national and international news. With the various news coverage focusing on St. Louis county, one would think these citizens would find applicable ways of voicing their “police brutality” concerns, right?!……WRONG!
You see, the problem with this incident is that you have an ongoing investigation of Ferguson police using excessive force in which an unarmed 18 year old was killed. The emotions stemming from this tragic incident are enough to make any parent or human being mad for obvious reasons. However, it doesn’t justify creating crime and violence within one’s own neighborhood.
After years of Civil Rights movements and past riots, it should be noted that violent battles were never successful in creating positive change. In fact, videos of looting and rioting (in response to Mike Brown’s death) only perpetuate stereotypes that bigots may have about African Americans. Does that make a bigot’s notions right? Of course not, however, it makes their arguments a lot stronger.
So why does this matter?
Similarly in most states, cops have “search and seizure” policies where they are known to target minorities at a higher rate than non-miniorities. Because it’s human nature to match appearances with similar behaviors (i.e : pit bull- aggressive), the same assumptions are being applied to culture and races; especially black people. Contrary to belief, one’s race doesn’t determine how someone acts. However, if one thinks stereotypes lead to a higher result of “search and seizure” policies or unfair treatment, why are African Americans fueling these biases?!
If you want to truly stop another Mike Brown incident from happening, African Americans need to learn how to change policy from an analytical standpoint and not an irrational one. The videos and current crime stemming from rioting in Ferguson are causing more negative attention then the issue at hand. What type of example are you setting for the younger generations to come?
Below is a video of the QT Store burning after it had been looted. Please pray for St. Louis.
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