In the last couple of years, whenever I have seen a struggle spring forth violence, a recurring message is one of image. I hear many talk about how image plays a large role into how a society and the powers that be will treat a community. Furthermore, some will say that if the community cleaned up its image, things would change for the better. But is this really true? Think of any minority community from the Black American community, to the European Muslim community, or the Palestinian Gaza community.
Two things come to mind when I think of image; there is the appearance portion and the behavior portion. When it comes to looks and appearance...why should beards, hoodies, traditional clothing, hijab, burqa, dreadlocks, beard, shaved heads, or anything like that be scrutinized by the powers that be? Why have we become influenced into believing clothing and hair are such a big part of it? Also...when it comes to behavior...why have so many become influenced into believing that peaceful reaction solves all...and that the dominating powers accept peace? Peace would be great if the government understood peace.
Dr Martin Luther King Jr was peaceful and clean cut...he wore a suit...he turned the other cheek, and had many others just like him followed his example. This did not stop him from being attacked by our government with harassment, spying, and jail time. King's family family was threatened by thugs in white hoods as well. Men like Martin Luther King and Medgar Evers were murdered regardless of any peaceful demeanor and clean cut appearance. (let's also not forget the riots these murders led too)
Juxtaposed is a man like Malcolm X, who was militant through many of his years, and spoke of freedom "by any means necessary". Men like him were not afraid of speaking of their oppressors with contempt...nor were they afraid to support violence against the powers that be. Though he turned a new leaf in his finals years, Malcolm built a leadership career on promoting force. The government and the dominant culture was very threatened by this man. He was murdered too...by his own people...and the government knew about it. Some even said our government was in on it.
So what are Africans Americans supposed to do? When we don't protest nothing changes. And when we peacefully protest, nothing changes. History is repeating itself...and many Americans expect people in poor communities not to lash out. But violence begets violence, don't you see? History has shown us that change comes through force, and that this is all a corrupt government will understand. I can not think of a single large revolution that was without its violent moments on both sides.
Heck, Ghandi was the epitome of non-violence, and he was still assassinated. Think about it people. Really think about it. I bring up all this because the people in Baltimore have aired their grievances to the city government and police for years. They have asked for ways to increase employment and rejuvenate the city. They have asked for body cameras in order to decrease police violence, and after being denied for a long time only just this month was a pilot program mentioned following the Freddie Gray killing. All this while taxpayers in a poor area continually foot the bill for millions upon millions of dollars in brutality settlements.
I liken this to what has happened in Gaza over the years. The Palestinian people continually ask for concessions in order to better their lives...but are denied...all upon excuses that would paint them all as terrorists. Am I saying there are no bad guys within Gaza? No I am not saying this. What I am saying is that most of those people are just trying to get by and live life...and that stifling supplies, electricity and water leads is terrible to see happen. And when conflict breaks out and they decide to fight back, some of the media spin it around as Israel's existence being in danger.
When people in poor communities try to come to the table, are ignored, and then continually met with inequality and violence...what response do people expect? When killings of innocents occur and no one is held responsible...how do people domestically and internationally expect these people to react.
Wouldn't we love to say that peace is the answer? I know I would very much love that. But sadly, those with the power, and those with control do not understand peace. They ignore it, and will kill you regardless of your appearance or peaceful behavior.
Think about it. A mere semblance of equal accountability would go a long way.
