On Justice, Jamar and Jenga, Part 1

I have been thinking a lot about about the events surrounding Jamar Clark's death, the protest at the 4th precinct, our men and women who serve and protect, and the ongoing system of justice, or lack thereof within our country, especially for those of us of color or economically disadvantaged.

It has been difficult determining what to say and share. And one I started to write, I found it was hard to stop. In fact, I'm still writing. But I've broken this up into three parts so as not to overwhelm. There is so much going on; emotions are running high, anger and polarization are at the forefront, and most of all there is pain, a lot of pain, all the way around. Layer has been stacked upon layer, like a Jenga tower, until we've reached the tipping point. As is often the case, it seems we are so blinded by our own pain, especially when it is true, that we cannot see that of those around us, especially when they are on the "opposite side". As human beings have a tendency to compartmentalize and categorize those we consider as "other" making it easier to dehumanize and dismiss them, to criticize them...to hate them. Doing this avoids the burden of having to consider alternative viewpoints, empathize with those making impossible decisions in difficult situations, and allows us to vilify with ease with no regard for the consequences... Because, if we have to think about it, and consider that "other" as the same, we worry that that somehow makes our own beliefs wrong, which is most assuredly not true. We do this in religion, politics and any issue not germane to our own way of thinking, and it is a very limited viewpoint. An element of disagreement in any discussion or situation is healthy and helps to ensure that all perspectives are being represented...it's just not easy to do. And, unfortunately, that's where much of our public dialogue and rhetoric have devolved to...the simple path, the unexamined path, the easy path...but that doesn't make it the right path. America is great at condemning other people and other countries, but when that lens turns inward to us, suddenly the conversation shuts down.

Now, what I'm writing is not for everyone. If you view the police and law enforcement SOLELY as a paramilitary organization with malice and wanton destruction as their goal, this post is not for you. You won't like it, and you should turn away now and find some Ziggy cartoons or something less thought provoking.

If you view Black Lives Matter and other groups SOLELY as whiny liberals and minorities, sucking up your tax dollars and creating issues where none exists just to cause trouble and unrest, this post is not for you. You won't like it, and you should turn away now and switch on FOX "News" or some other distortion of facts and information, it will bring you comfort along with your Ben Carson lawn sign.

If you view tragedy and tragic situations SOLELY as an opportunity to create a platform to elevate yourself, be interviewed for soundbites and video, and have "iconic" moments captured professionally to create your next campaign sign or promo spot, this post is not for you. I have no pithy comment to go along with this one because there can't be. In the course of doing good work, leaders WILL end up on camera or interviews and be quoted, that is par for the course and not my concern, but if that was your goal from the outset, if exploiting this tragedy was your main reason for being out there, or at any time it became more important then healing the people involved or the community, then you need help, serious, serious help, and you should seek that out immediately and step away from the limelight. Period.

BUT

If you can conceive that no one person or side is entirely and absolutely right, if you can understand that hearing another perspective does not mean that you agree or even accept that viewpoint, if you can understand that sometimes people have to make choices that they don't like or agree with, but are compelled to do because of whatever laws are being followed, then I encourage you to read on. I make no claim to have the absolute Truth or to even be right, just that I can share my thoughts and perspectives shaped by my experiences as a person of color, as a member of this community as someone who has walked the path I have and hopefully provides some insight.

~End Part 1~

On Justice, Jamar and Jenga, Part 2
On Justice, Jamar and Jenga, Part 3