Some Things Are Not Black and White

We want things to be simple. We want things to be… black and white. What we have seen over the last week or so is that “black and white” does not have to mean, either/or. Those marching in the streets for justice are black and white. Those police officers are black and white.

At a time when too many in America have taken sides, many more have recognized that outrage is the only response to George Floyd’s death. And Breonna Taylor’s death. And… That outrage does not justify looting and burning the businesses of hard-working people who are doing the best they can to take care of their families. The actions of some officers have been nothing short of reprehensible and unacceptable. When officers fuel the protests, with what can reasonably be called violence, we fall far short of who we think we are as a nation. That does not justify shooting, stabbing, or running down police officers. And some officers have been nothing short of heroic and all have put themselves at risk.

We have seen people marching with tears in their eyes. Tears of anger and outrage. We heard, hopefully listened, to the pleas for understanding. We must understand the fear felt by the parents of young black men. Maybe that son will do something stupid. Maybe he won’t. Maybe the result will be the same. Fear has its limits. Anger will follow. We have seen the news focus on the violence and looting as they ignored peaceful marches and vigils. They know we will tune in. They are invested in revenue target achievement, not your community. However, as we remember lives lost, we must include Captain David Dorn. He served St. Louis as an officer for 38 years. Looters shot him as he was checking on a friend’s business. His wife is also an officer. Their lives have, quite literally, been dedicated to the people of their city. The protesting is understandable. The violence can never be.

We have seen officers march with communities and kneel in solidarity. We have seen the best. And when a feeble, old man gets shoved to the ground, only to have officers pass by as he bleeds, we have seen the worst. The truth is that most of us have no idea what it means to strap on a gun as we get ready for work. Most of us have no idea the fear that spouses must feel. Daily. It takes a four-year degree and licensing to become a schoolteacher. It takes less than six months training to become an officer. We demand higher pay for teachers. But officers? Don’t think I’ve ever seen that. And some misguided suggest defunding police departments. Until, of course, they have an emergency of their own. The frustration is understandable. The violence can never be.

Your role here is to understand that all involved are human beings. Humans with hopes and dreams and flaws. None are perfect and all would benefit from an effort to understand. Push back against what is wrong and lift up those who need you. And yes, I recognize that those protesting and those officers and those business owners and those huddled in basements are not only black and white. But, like it or not, we have a unique and, at times, very ugly history in America. A history that is not simple. Not black and white…


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