Sunday, August 17, 2014

The unravelling of the Ferguson narrative

As usual, people jumping to conclusions about what "must" have happened based on their predispositions are wrong.

Narrative 1: Racist cop shoots innocent black youth leading to mass "peaceful" protest, shortly followed by rioting and looting

Narrative 2: Pictures of IBY flashing Bloods gang signs

Narrative 2: Video showing IBY robbing a convenience store ten minutes prior to shooting. 

Narrative 3: Video and audio suggesting that at least one witness (contrary to statements made by bystanders to the police) saw Brown turning back towards the cop just before he was shot.

I'm not suggesting that the police were blameless in this situation, I'm not suggesting that the police response to the protests (sniper rifles and tanks?  Really?) was wise or measured, in fact I am disgusted with the militarization of our police forces.  What I am getting tired of, however, is the almost instinctive reaction to any shooting of a minority to scream racism and start the protest/riot game.  What I would like to see is a measured response that calls for a full investigation by someone outside the department so that the authorities are not covering for their own, followed by a calm discussion of the issues at hand.  If young black men are going to rob convenience stores and the assault police officers (one possible scenario of what happened in Ferguson) then it is perfectly justifiable for said police officer to use lethal force, especially given that Michael Brown was no hundred pound weakling, but a very large and intimidating looking man. 

I am sick of the racism card being played very few days by a minority that refused to address their own problems, constantly claiming that everything negative that happens is due to racism rather than their own actions.  Need a couple more example?  Trayvon Martin, Duke rape case.  Enough, already.  To play on Samuel Johnson, in this day and age, "racism is the last refuge of the scoundrel".

2 comments:

Elusive Wapiti said...

May be time to start writing narrative #4...Bike Mike allegedly charged at the cop who eventually shot him.

EYEWITNESS: MICHAEL BROWN RAN FROM COP CAR, 'DOUBLED BACK' AND CHARGED AT OFFICERS

If true, open. Shut. But it'll be a job getting the race-baiters to STFU.

heresolong said...

I had that under Narrative 3 but didn't mention "charging", just turning back. Not looking good for this particular pillar of the community but, as you say, I doubt that will satisfy the race baiters.