The misery in Missouri and its promotion of racism has been broadcast via every media source as though it were a national problem. The funeral of the young man, attended by thousands of people in a venue of huge size, was more like a circus or concert performance.
There were dozens of stars seeking recognition as they addressed the masses. Mothers of others slain were interviewed along with Michael Brown’s mother. Their grief and sorrow exploited and put on display by carefully orchestrated show producers.
Racism may still exist in pockets across our country but it is apparent the many colors of America have begun to blend. As you travel from state to state, attending outings such as concerts, athletic events and visit theme parks you see the races mixing. In most areas, there is little evidence of any racism.
The media keeps fueling the current event by pouring black vs. white examples on it. I have a few questions. Why when a black man is shot by a white man does it becomes national news for weeks? If a white man is shot by a black man there is no such outcry. If a black man is shot by a black man, there are no news reports that include any mention of color.
In the small community of Ferguson, with its predominant white police force, why did problems not occur before this event? Why were there no prior protests about abuses? Where were the outsiders who so quickly came to the aid of the people?
As I watched news reports the past weeks, yes the event has been front and center since Aug. 9, some newscasters’ statements rang a bell. The National Guard had to be called in to assist in gaining control of the looting and destruction. It was noted the looters were not locals but from out of the area.
Why didn’t the Guard, with its big tank-like vehicles, block the roads to prevent outsiders from entering? How sad that those doing the damage to businesses didn’t realize they were creating joblessness and misery that will last for years.
As I see it, is racism really rampant throughout the country as we are led to believe? I wish the black leaders Jackson and Sharpton, who show up whenever a problem occurs, would make a strong statement against racism.
They could gain respect and accomplish so much more with no need to exploit a death to focus attention. Or, is inciting protests too profitable to give up?
Note: My column a few weeks ago quoted the declaration on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. There was a comment published that expressed a different opinion. I was thinking of that as I read my current Reader’s Digest magazine and came upon the following quote by Stephen Colbert, which I endorse.
“If our founding fathers wanted us to care about the rest of the world, they wouldn’t have declared their independence from it.”