Many Sobering Lessons From Ferguson


What has emerged from the current unrest in Ferguson Missouri is tragic for those who recognize it, and just as tragic for those who do not. The St. Louis suburb of Ferguson has been under siege for the past ten days after unarmed 18 year old teen Michael Brown was fatally shot by police officer Darren Wilson after he and a friend were walking in the street. A video surveillance tape later surfaced which allegedly shows Brown committing a strong arm robbery at a local corner store minutes before his shooting. Protestors have clashed with police who have used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. Unfortunately rouge elements have exploited Browns death to engage in criminal activity. This counterproductive behavior also has another deleterious effect, it affirms stereotypes.

Hundreds of black youths descended upon convenience stores, gas stations and other establishments stealing items such as shoes, clothes, cigarettes and car rims. The breakdown of basic morality and respect is at the core of the much talked about high incarceration rates amongst black men. The irony as always fascinating in that it goes unnoticed. The violent responses to these incidents fuels the racial profiling, stereotyping and economic conditions that blacks often lament. The looting and vandalism leaves a devastated community in its aftermath, lands more black youth in jail, and destroys local small business which are vital in such modest communities like Ferguson. Insurance rates will no doubt skyrocket which results in increased risk and cost for business investment.

The aggressive policing which has been an enduring source of tension in black communities for decades only increases which produces further conflict, and around we go. Putting the Brown incident aside, the highly disproportionate criminal activity amongst black males in particular continues to be conveniently ignored the feckless black "leadership". As long as this fact remains, black men will continue to be suspects and have frequent confrontations with police.

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