This famous quote from President Barack Obama once stirred Americans and gave us a sense of unity and hope. The first African American president has been faced with delicate issues dealing with race, discrimination, and public criticism from both sides of the spectrum. Lately, there has been more controversy over whether national harmony is a pipedream and many fear that the nation will forever be divided because of the color of one's skin.
For months, Ferguson, Missouri has been in the spotlight because a white police officer shot and killed Michael Brown, an African American youth. There is too much inconsistency in the case reports and the "expert" commentary I see on my social media, so I will refrain from my opinion on the events - that's not my right, anyways. I wasn't there.
People get very consumed with right and wrong, and rightfully so. They want to know that the criminal justice system that represents their best interest is doing what is correct, morally and legally. It is no secret that racism exists in America. But we have to be open-minded, all of us. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
To those who think the Supreme Court ruling was fair: Perhaps you are right. Perhaps Michael Brown was threatening Darren Wilson. If that was the case, which I do not know, then I would agree justice was served. But it is still very sad that a loved one, a friend, and a human being lost their life, but if it was due to threat, and only threat, that should be taken into consideration.
However, do not publicly celebrate the fact that a man lost his life. More importantly, do not highlight your excitement that a man of color "deserved what was coming for him" or any of the other absolutely repulsive comments I have seen on social media.
To those who think the Supreme Court ruling was unjust: Perhaps you are right. If Michael Brown was not threatening Darren Wilson and he was shot because of his skin color, which I do not know, then I would agree justice was not served. There are many aspects to this case that make it very complex and more intense than what the public has access to.
However, there is a lot we do not know. And you, too, need to be careful what you post, out of consideration and respect for yourself, your country, the police force, and the victim in this case.
We must understand that there is a lot we do not know. One side does not have the right to call Darren Wilson and the Supreme Court racist anymore than the other side has a right to say that Michael Brown was causing a serious threat. This a lesson for America, and the world, to be careful, cautious, and considerate of everyone. "There is not a Black America and White America"
United we stand, divided we fall.
