+sigh+ Guys. Do you really need an enemy?
Police officers are not your enemy. In fact, NOBODY is your enemy. Everyone who you think of an enemy is a human, with feelings, needs, They don´t want you the worst, they want themselves the best, for themselves, their families, the people they love (yes, even cops love, and even cops are loved by others).
But cops are also human. And that means that they have failures, make mistakes, have memes in their thinking which say them, that they need to do a bad thing to obtain a goal (”I must show the world, that I am a big man by putting down others! I´m better!”). That´s a thought many people have. They think, they need to do things to be better. They don´t know that they are worthy. And many other people don´t know that as well.
Sidenote: The first article of the human rights charta says: “ All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” So if you lift yourself over the lives of cops you contravene with the human rights. Same counts for cops who do this. Same counts for every human in existence.
The goal of this girl? To end the violence. To make a sign to stop the riots. And she does that in a non-violent way. You don´t know, what she has seen. Maybe she saw black people (btw, “PoC” is complete bullshit) rioting and harassing the police. You don´t know that. All you have is a picture of her standing before the police, between them and the riot.
She did this nearly suicidal thing to deliver a massage. The risk her own help, god, maybe her life to show you guys: “Violence isn´t needed. I don´t want more war. Please stop fighting and talk to each other.”
That is true courage. Okay, yes, it´s also stupid as heck to risk her own life, but to deliver the message in such an environment is just brave. I applaud to her for that. I wouldn´t be brave enough to do that.
Cops aren´t the enemy. The rioters aren´t the enemy. They are all humans, all with wishes, feelings, people who love them. Hell, maybe there two friends, one the cop-side and one in the riots, who didn´t recognize each other. Outside of the riots they may be best friends, laughing, joking, doing stuff together. And then they meet in the riots, not recognizing each other and beating the other. Think about it: What would you do if you were on one side, beat the shit out someone and find out later that it was a friend, maybe your best friend, who got in the hospital because of your doing? Doesn´t feel that great, right?
Again: Cops aren´t the enemy. The rioters aren´t the enemy. No human in existence is your enemy. Everything can be done in peace if we talk about it. Ýeah, I hear some of you saying: “But that doesn´t improve anything! We must show them that we are stronger/ greater/ bigger/ better!” Really? Are you? Does rioting, destroying things and beating other people make you better than others, who do the same? Really?
Violence produces more violence. The never-ending circle of revenge is a tale of pain and death. The only way out is to set an end to violence, once and for all. You remember what Ghandi said?
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
You want to change how black people are treated? Treat other like you want to be treated.
You want the same rights as others? Respect that they have these rights to.
Again: Cops aren´t the enemy. The rioters aren´t the enemy.
Do you want to destroy? To set cars on fire? To knock in the windows of shop owners? Do you want war? Then fine, go ahead. Destroy everything. But don´t whine about how black people don´t get any respect.
Or do you want to build something that last? Create peace? Have every human in existence be a part of a greater community, where everyone is free to go and free in his mind and feelings? Then go the talkative way. Show the “evil evil cops” and those “evil evil white male patriarchalic (or so) racist politicians” that you are strong, That you aren´t weak. That you want rights and peace and that you aren´t dumb enough to use force and violence to reach them. Because things obtained with blood and force won´t last long.
Just because you don´t like or even hate someone doesn´t mean you can decide whether they should live or die. You aren´t (a) god (okay, yes, you are, like every human). You don´t stand above other people. You aren´t here to judge others or decide what to happen with them (unless you ARE in fact a judge). You are here to be part of the wonderful community named mankind.
So, I applaud to this girl brave enough to risk her life to deliver this message. She is braver than anyone I know. There is not a single reason to belittle her like that. Follow her example and protest peacefully. If you see someone rioting, ask them why. Mostly they just want to have fun, let out the pressure of daily life. Or they knew the dead kids. Then ask them, if rioting brings them back or if they want to stand by your side while obtaining the rights and getting rid of memes of any kind - peacefully.
Remember: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”
annaxmalina
2087
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tangentwithtanner
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