I Can't Breathe

2014 has been an eye opening year for people around the world when it comes to civil rights in the United States. Many believe that because the United States has its own constitution specifying freedoms that citizens have and because of the United States’ emphasis on freedom, all its citizens enjoy these freedoms. After this year I think the world now sees clearly that civil rights in the United States has a long way to go before things are just and equal. North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un called the United States a burial ground for human rights. With the killings of a plethora of unarmed black men this year by police officers, followed by no indictments for these officers; law enforcement is bearing the brunt of protests globally. The fact that those sworn in to protect and serve United States citizens are the ones killing them is concerning to say the least. Whats even more disturbing is the fact that black men, and sometimes women, seem to be the only target. Racial profiling has gotten far out of hand and needs to be stopped; even when officers are tried for the murders of these innocent people, the law seems to protect them more than it does those black people who were slain. As far back as I can remember racial profiling and harassment by police officers was a frequent obstacle I dealt with as a young black man. Whether I was stopped on my bike and harassed about how I acquired it or stopped in front of my house while unloading groceries from my fathers car, the common denominator was the fact that I was suspicious, because I was black. As sad as this may sound, it was no surprise to me to hear that a cop had shot, choked or beaten a black men to death because of suspicion.  What is sadder is the fact that when, and if, the cops were tried then got off scott free, I was still not shocked. While my white peers began to realize the injustices black people faced in America, its upsetting to think that only now, after a myriad of deaths, is this travesty being recognized in the United States. In an episode of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air Jazzy, Will Smiths best friend, is testifying in court and keeps his hands up the entire time. When Uncle Phil tells him he can put his hands down Jazzy promptly responds “No way. Dudes got a gun. Next thing you know I got six warning shots in my back.” This is the reality black men must face every day and it is frustrating and exhausting. Racism and inequality is here and it is real, to those who are tired of hearing about it, try living it.  Black people in this country have put up with struggles insurmountable by most since the founding of this nation. The protests going around all over the globe is a refreshing and hopeful sight. Finally, people are beginning to realize the injustice we go through and are ready to make a change, not just for the betterment of black people but of all people. The world has finally had enough of racism, ignorance, and intolerance. Its sad that the killing of these unarmed men had to inspire the change but its incredible that a change is on its way. These protesters, not looters, are for the most part: thoughtful and inspired individuals who are ready to take the world and its “leaders” into the next phase of humanity. There has never been forward moving progress without change, there has never been change without the compassion and love to do something. Each protest is a microcosm for the bigger war, the war for equality and peace for all people; not just those who decided hundreds of years ago that this was how the world would work. So when asked how I feel about the protests I have but one response: finally.