Our hearts go out to everyone who has lost family members and loved ones in the Ferguson and NYC tragedies. While we do not believe that it is our place to weigh in on the court’s decision about the shooting and choking incidents themselves, we do want to comment on the aftermath of the verdicts and the responses they elicited from both the white and black communities.
We think it is important for Ferguson and NYC not to be thought of in isolation, but rather as two of many occurrences over the past several hundred years. We understand that the emotions triggered and demonstrated as a result of the legal findings in these two cases were a result of a long history of oppression towards black men in this country. We would urge White America to listen and ask questions of our African-American colleagues, family members and friends rather than to judge or criticize the behavior of a few.
We do not condone violence of any sort. However, we appreciate that built up feelings of frustration, powerlessness, and hopelessness can lead to violent behaviors. Our Relationship Dynamics TM Model clearly demonstrates that when individuals or groups are subordinated over time, they bury their anger and do whatever is needed to survive. When these feelings become overwhelming, they may see no other course of action than to lash out against those closest to them. All too often those “closest to them” are the people in their own community. We are not excusing this behavior, but we do believe that it needs to be understood in order to make it change.
It is time for White America to stop denying the reality of racism. Systemic racism must be addressed if it is ever to be eradicated. Years of oppression have never been directly resolved. The pain carried by the African American community is like an infected wound—its scab yanked off every time another racially charged incident occurs. Then, when African Americans demonstrate their pain over this reality, they are often met with criticism, condemnation and misunderstanding. This creates further pain and mistrust, and the wound never heals.
At Inclusity, we believe that truth telling, safe places for open dialogue, and commitment from all people to work together to end discrimination is the only solution. It is time for us to treat this wound with the care it deserves rather than allowing it to scab over until the next “Ferguson incident” occurs, and the same cycle begins again. Please join with us at Inclusity to create safe places for conversation, trust-building, and hope for a truly equal America.
