As our nation felt the searing pain of agony and loss over the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore, they also witnessed the chaotic and violent rebuttal from angry citizens.
The media highlighted the looting and anarchic acts of those who participated in criminal activity, but gave less attention to clergy and community activists who came together to help clean up the debris and bring some sense of calm and peace to a troubled situation.
Besides the normal and expected renouncing of the destroying of property, it would behoove conservatives to attempt to be human and show emotion.
Many conservatives are quick to defend law enforcement and point out the obvious fact they are present to protect our families and communities from harm and danger. Nothing is wrong with declaring this. There should be a respect and admiration for those who thrust themselves into harm’s way on a regular basis. But there should also be a sensitive acknowledgement of the anger of those who feel intimidated by law enforcement.
It’s human nature to mourn the loss of life, especially the life of someone young and innocent. Conservatives would do themselves good to show empathy. Acknowledging the feelings of those calling for justice and harsher scrutiny of police officers does not make one anti-law enforcement.
Constant referrals to a person’s criminal record and the defense mechanisms used by law enforcement, without the acknowledgment of the loss of life and how it affects that person’s family, will make many think conservatives are desensitized to other people’s reality — especially the reality of African-Americans, some of whom live in communities that exhibit a tense and strained relationship with law enforcement.
As an African-American male, I’ve had my share of encounters with law enforcement. While my personal experiences never resulted in an unfair arrest or a harsh confrontation, I realize that is not the case for everyone. I believe it’s important for me to advise others to have respect for those who don the blue uniform, but I’m also aware there are some who share with me the same color of skin who are not as fortunate.
I don’t perceive myself as a victim, nor do I think the police I encountered had a racial motive. Still, I’m not naive enough to think this doesn’t occur in some fashion. My passion and admiration for the human race allows me to have a listening ear to the woes and plight of my community, even if I haven’t experienced it. It’s through listening that change can be implemented.
The crisis in Baltimore can easily happen anywhere. People don’t want to just know facts. They are acutely aware violence is wrong and damaging property is criminal and lawless. They know race will be inserted into the dialogue, a division that causes a shift in focus.
What they want conservatives to understand is a life was lost and they desire to see justice. Yes, their emotions can blind them and cause them to take a position contrary to what may have actually happened. But it doesn’t take an act of Congress to embrace the brokenhearted and those hurting.
The message to conservatives is simple: Show you care.
Demetrius Minor, pastoral assistant at Calvary New Life Tabernacle, is the author of “Preservation and Purpose: The Making of a Young Millennial — A Manifesto for Faith, Family and Politics.”
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