Ferguson, Race, and Social Norms

Events in Ferguson, Missouri over the past couple of weeks have polarized America, or at least, that is what the media would have us believe.  Pundits, politicians, preachers, and police officers have all jumped on board both sides of the race train.  In reality, it is disappointing to see folks in positions of power place themselves in the limelight of a horrible event for personal agendas.  All of us can agree that we still have racial issues in the United States but, I believe that most of us can also sense there is a slight oxymoronic tinge surrounding the comments made by our President and Attorney General.  Maybe I've zoned out of late but the last time I checked, both of these fine gentlemen have African American blood coursing through their veins and the ominous cloud of racism covering our land has not prevented them from holding national positions of power.

I suggest, all of us can truly know only one thing for certain surrounding this event and that is the fact that, none of us really know what transpired on the evening that this young Black man was fatally shot.  To suggest that the police officer who shot this young man did it purely for racial reasons is to prejudge him and assume that he lacks any sense of social responsibility for his fellow man.  For myself, I would rather be quiet, watch, and listen to what happened before I sentence him.  I'd also like to know what impact the robbery had before the fatal shooting.  Was a heightened sense of fear involved?  Are the police officers in Ferguson under trained? Was this officer a relative rookie?  What is the background of the slain individual?  At the end of the day. I wonder if this is an issue best left to Ferguson or should it be the impetus for a larger national discussion?

I tend to believe that this event could serve as a social spark for self examination.  Personal freedom and liberty require a concomitant sense of social responsibility.  All of us have been taught "the Golden Rule" but, how many of us live it?  Do you spend any time thinking about your role in society?  Are you polite?  Are you selfish?  When you catch yourself being selfish (all of us are at times), do you stop and ask yourself why? Do you care about your neighbor, your family, your children's school, your co-workers, your community, your state, or your nation?  If not, why not?  Far too many of us scurry about taking care of ourselves with little thought of those around us.  Most of us could use a little time in front of the mirror.  As for me, I hope to treat my fellow man better tomorrow than I have done thus far today.  When I look at folks around me, I see fellow human beings.  On a human level, racial distinctions such as African American, Mexican American, Asian American, Native American, or Anglo American serve little purpose.  Those in power would serve us better if they strove to find national means for unification rather than highlight points of division.