Horrific.
Graphic.
Tragic.
These words don’t even begin to describe the events that unfolded last week. Each day awoke a new nightmare – Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, Dallas. The violence seemed to sweep the nation like wildfire.
Shaky videos captured footage that every news anchor admonished may be “too graphic for some viewers.”
It is heartbreaking that this is a world where such words even need to be uttered on air.
People have been broken and beaten down into movements based on race and political ideology, pitted against one another both mentally and physically.
The divide is evident and equally as devastating, and despite the differences in opinion, it seems the most important thing is being forgotten.
Everyone is looking for an answer to put an end to the violence and injustice.
It’s hard to pinpoint which is worse – the seemingly unstoppable bloodshed or the comments of people who use violence as a cry for political revolution.
Some people seem to know just how to phrase their words in a way to get their point across, whether it be a simple hashtag or a well-thought out argument to call out widespread ignorance or demand for legislation.
Some people seem to know just how to put their feet in their mouths.
There is a side that calls for peace. It is a side that acknowledges racial inequality, police brutality and criminal violence. It is a side that recognizes the value of human life, but also recognizes the need for more representation among certain demographics.
It is a side that knows when to shut up and be sensitive when the time calls for it because people are dying. Brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, people who are known and loved by other people – human lives are coming to an end, and all some individuals seem capable of doing is climbing on their high horses and preaching to the choir about why we need to believe or support what they believe and support.
I am terrified for my black friends. I am terrified for the parents of my friends who are in the police force. I am terrified for my friends who are training to be in the police force.
We don’t have time to gripe about which movement we are part of. We don’t have time to hash out the nitty-gritty details of where his hands or his weapon were, or whether the officer had the right to shoot.
Do not be ignorant. Racial inequality exists. Police brutality exists. Criminal violence exists. People are dying. The world needs peace.
Your petty Facebook comments that boil these events down into soapboxes that fit whatever shape you are bent out to be do not help in the slightest.
My heart breaks every day for the families and friends of those who lost their lives this past week.
To family and friends of the Sterlings, Castiles, Thompsons, Zamarripas, Krols, Ahrens and Smiths – from the bottom of my heart, I am sorry. I hope and pray that one day we live in a world where the tears will dry and the broken hearts will be mended and people will once again be in a frame of mind where sensitivity and understanding are common denominators.
It is not always wrong to believe a certain way. Keeping your mouth shut isn’t the best option either.
It is wrong when you don’t know the diplomatic way to present your opinions, or when you remain silent to injustice, and all too often, people fall victim to both.
Next time, please carefully consider the words you choose before you open your mouth or hit "Enter." Anger and violence will not lead to solutions.
