First and foremost, I want to advise all readers the opinions in this piece are my own and not those of anyone else. The views expressed do not represent, or speak for, anyone else, or, any other organization I’m affiliated with.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
Black Lives Matter
Two things will be prevalent in this reflection: Black Lives Matter; and I Stand with Law Enforcement. I wish no harm to come to any human beings during these times of protest and outrage resulting from yet another wrongful death caused by a peace officer against an African American suspect in custody. What a unique era we’ve endured as a society, and across the globe as well, with the Me Too movement, COVID-19 Pandemic, and ongoing protests here as well as in the international community to stand against the ongoing inequality.
A little bit more about me, I grew up in the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, (White Sox fan) and I’m a son of a retired Chicago Police Officer, and brother to a current Chicago Policeman. I’m proud of both of them and have become the man I am today due to the values my parents instilled in me. I’ve seen racial inequality growing up, have personal experiences of fitting a description, and having to listen to ignorant misguided comments based on stereotypes against my own ethnic background as well. However, this post is not about me, it’s an effort to shape the future for my children, so they can learn to hold individuals accountable for their actions based on their character, and not stereotype an entire ethnicity based on misguided preconceptions. Respect everyone, and you will gain respect in return.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I Stand with Law Enforcement
Our law enforcement officials belong to a profession. The reason why I believe this is because they swore an oath to serve and protect and because they are bound by a values system which makes them more than mere guns for hire. Why is this important to understand? It’s significance is due to keep things such as manslaughter from occurring due to poor judgement.
The events which resulted in the loss of George Floyd’s life were appalling and unjust. In an already stressful circumstance imposed by the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), the Black Lives Matter movement has been re-energized due to yet another wrongful death on an African American by law enforcement. However, I choose not to condemn an entire institution because of the ignorant and misguided acts of the few.
Our civil servants are a reflection of society, same as our service members. There are brave and decent policemen and women on the job trying their best to make a difference in the communities in which they serve. This same sentiment goes for the peaceful protesters who are fed up with the chronic harassment, assaults, and wrongful deaths based on ignorance and prejudice.
Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” – Confucius
It’s Time to Listen
Growing up, I’ve seen the affects and even been in uncomfortable situations due to preconceived racial stereotypes on several occasions. I empathize and give my support to those who are peacefully gathering to show the establishment that it’s time for reform. It’s unfortunate that there are those who choose to take this time to riot, loot, and discredit the hard work many are doing to bring awareness to the inequality in our society. Furthermore, I applaud the military leaders who are doing what they can to reassure our service members that intolerance of others based on the color of their skin, creed, or diverse backgrounds is not okay.
The running phrase throughout my military service, which has resonated the most to me was the ability to “See Green” above all else. I’ve been in the military for more than 16 years and have served in over a dozen countries learning the beauty of the customs that exist in other cultures. No, the grass is not always greener on the other side, but I reference my experiences to show the value in my cultural immersion through lived experience being an ambassador in another country, good and bad.
During my most recent deployment to South Korea, we stood up a combatives club called the Bulldog Brawlers. It was an informal group of service members and civilians who came together for some martial arts training each day. The diversity in the combat sports culture is amazing. Folks from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds gather, beat each other up, and then hug it out like family.
Every time I step into a new gym, I know we are all searching for the same purpose – personal growth. We also know the best way to get there is to help one another. If you can’t embrace that lifestyle, you’ll eventually quit because egos are often checked, no matter who you are. It would be great to bring that camaraderie to everyday society, but to truly impact society and change the social contract we live by, it has to be done at the ballot box.
Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” – Mother Teresa
Call to Action
Social reform is a very complex issue to say the least. However, the best way to start the process is to vote. There has been a significant uptick in voting since the last election and we need to keep the momentum. The power to change the institution lies in getting people who value humanity over economic gain to vote for those who share like values and will organize to get there.
There is too much focus on improving the financial status of a few, while leaving the majority in circumstances which will never allow progress. Whatever your core values are, we can all agree being a decent human being and expressing good acts toward one another must outweigh viewing our society through the lens of bottom and top-line growth. The time to make informed decisions and to take action is now.
In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” – Mahatma Ghandi
Additional Resources:
Humanizing the Badge: https://www.humanizingthebadge.com/
Black Lives Matter: https://blacklivesmatter.com/
Breaking Barriers United: https://breakingbarriersunited.com/
References:
Barnes, Sophia, and Justin Finch. “DC Ceremonially Names Street to White House After Black Lives Matter; Emblazons Name on Road.” NBC4 Washington, NBC4 Washington, 5 June 2020, www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/dc-paints-black-lives-matter-on-street-near-lafayette-square-street-renamed-black-lives-matter-way/2323647/?fbclid=IwAR1fy11NZcCduhrOyjmpYU-75HkWJQRfJAGb30e4rv8fKhbTv77bGosjloY.
@bribriella_, Source: Twitter |. “’We Will March with Everybody,’ Houston Police Chief Tells George Floyd Protesters – Video.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 1 June 2020, www.theguardian.com/global/video/2020/jun/01/we-will-march-with-everybody-houston-police-chief-tells-george-floyd-protesters-video.
CONFUCIUS. Analects of Confucius (Wisehouse Classics). WISEHOUSE CLASSICS, 2017.
Gandhi. An Autobiography, or, The Story of My Experiments with Truth. Place of Publication Not Identified, 2013.
King, Martin Luther, and Clayborne Carson. The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. IPM in Association with Warner Books, 2001.
Mandela, Nelson, et al. Long Walk to Freedom: the Autobiography of Nelson Mandela. Little, Brown and Company, 2010.