I have been hesitant to write anything regarding the fallout from the death of George Floyd. Emotions are high, restraint is low, and our country is vulnerable and in danger. There is a need to signal who’s team you are on and much of social media and the news are fueling this fire with posts and responses that don’t lead to conversation, but to illicit an emotional response clouding out logic. It’s dangerous to scan the headlines and allow memes to form your views on the subject. It’s enough to make your head spin.
I think of the parable of the blind men all told to feel a part of an elephant (an animal they’ve never known) and yet describe and explain the beast. The point is, we’re all getting a small snapshot of the issue at large. I applaud those that are taking this time to slow down, reflect, read through multiple news sources across the political spectrum, and as they develop opinions and conclusions, know that their mind must remain open to change as additional information is available and learned. The people that are taking the time to understand this problem from all angles, even those they disagree with, are doing their civic duty. I’ve shared this quote before and I’ll share it again.
“I never allow myself to have an opinion on anything that I don’t know the other side’s argument better than they do.”
Charlie Munger
I have yet to speak to anyone black, white, blue, red, yellow that thinks what happened to George Floyd is okay. It’s not. Let’s be clear. It’s not.
I can understand the people saying that riots are the result of voices unheard; however, I don’t condone this. We can do better. I don’t disagree that problems exist within our system; however, this doesn’t mean that everybody who doesn’t look or think like you is the enemy. Our country is in turmoil and I get that many are reaching their breaking points.
Let’s use this to fuel change, not destruct. To learn, not harm.
It has been hard for me to narrow down my focus on this subject. At first, I thought people were outraged that the police officer abused his power in the killing of George Floyd. Then, I thought people were outraged because George Floyd was black. Then, people seemed outraged that there is a pattern to be found in how police officers zero-in on the black community. Then, people seemed to think that everyone is racist and we have not made strides in equality here in America. Then, people seemed to think that white people owe the black community…and any other minority I’ve seen pop up as being upset with how the US has treated them.
I have seen people of all race and color be attacked, killed, and robbed in the midst of this mayhem. The lines are becoming blurred on protesters vs. rioters vs. opportunists; police officers vs. racists vs. abusers of power. The human race is simply not this simple. We have complex brains, emotions, and responses.
A snapshot in time does not provide context. It’s up to us to look for it. If police officers are disproportionately harming the black community, is this because they are often called to black neighborhoods? Is there more crime in a black neighborhood? Why would this be? What leads to crime? Crime and impoverished areas often go hand in hand. Is there disparity to be found among the number of blacks living in poverty? Why? Do we need to change how things are run in the police force? What exactly? Do the actions of some bad actors represent the group as a whole? For which groups does this hold true if we think so? Do you belong to a group that has experienced bad actors? How do we address this problem? Let’s start talking. Let’s dive in.
Equal rights are front and center. Anything seems to be on the table. What do we want to see happen? What lies under the surface of this iceberg and how are we going to get at it? If the system is flawed, let’s analyze the system. Let’s study it. Let’s discuss the specifics on how we intend to fix it. As we develop these plans to create equality for all, a common humanity must be found. Love will conquer hate.
“Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
Diversity is what makes us America. We are the melting pot. This brings its challenges (we’re currently eating ourselves alive) and we must stand up to them. In a colorful nation such as ours, our differences must be celebrated and used to build our super power of seeing the world through a variety of lenses. We have the potential to be the greatest nation on earth, a model community, where everyone has something of value to bring to the table. Love, acceptance, and advocacy gets us there. A perfect society is not realistic, but equality is. We can get there.
This means we all do the work. Regardless of sex, race, or income; we all have a responsibility to work towards a solution.
Our nation needs strong leadership to pull us out of this hell that has been created. I’m tired of seeing the blame, violence, and looting as the means to better the world. It’s time to stop acting out and start stepping up. Be a positive leader of change others can stand behind. Think before you act. Listen before you speak.
Stay safe. Be the change you want to see.