Thursday, April 12, 2012

THANKS FOR YOUR CONCERN

One of the more disturbing ironies surrounding the aggressively senseless killing of 17 year-old Trayvon Martin is how vocal a large portion of white conservative ideologues are about the senseless killing of blacks in America by other blacks. The very crowd who used their First Amendment right to jump to a conclusion before the OJ Simpson case, the Long Island Railroad murder trial of Colin Ferguson, and the Central Park rape case are upset because another group of Americans used their First Amendment right to jump to a conclusion in George Zimmerman's shooting of the unarmed Trayvon Martin.

Those in the former crowd have been asking why the protesting supporters of the Martin family do not protest the black on black violence resulting in death. Although, on the surface, that may seem like a legitimate talking point, it clearly points out an amazing lack of concern for a segment of the population whom they have deliberately chosen to isolate themselves from. They clearly do not listen to, consume or digest any black-issues media whatsoever. If they did, they would know that the issue of black on black murders and gang violence has been a constant topic of concern. They would know that community organizers, church leaders and local black politicians are repeatedly coming together to address those very issues. And they would know, if they bothered to cover it, that the glaring light of the major media have been totally negligent in helping these communities solve this plague that threatens their fellow citizens.

When a young white child shoots up a school we are inundated with news coverage of his life, family and surroundings. We are told of how teams of psychiatrists and counselors have been assigned to talk to the children to help them cope and assuage their fears. And, through the miracle of broadcasting, the rest of us become privy to that particular tragedy by a host of doctors, lawyers, families of victims and anyone else the media think will make good and informative television. However, when it comes to our dire need to have counselors and psychiatrists talk to black and Latino adolescents and preteens about the negative effect that joining a gang, selling drugs and quitting school will have on their lives and their families, it becomes hindered by budget constraints.

One of the more insulting ironies is how these same media cameras and TV personalities always seem to find their way to the meetings, organizations and congregations "in the hood" when they are following a white politician who is looking to get elected or re-elected. When it comes to people of color in America, black people's problems are black people's problems. But when it comes to white folk's problems, they are America's problems.

For those of you who have used the killing of an unarmed young black man, who merely left the store to spend the evening with his dad, to tell us about the high rate of blacks murdered by other blacks, we appreciate your newfound concern. But please do not direct your comments to those black folks who were angered and protested about the killing of Trayvon Martin. They already know.

4 comments:

Keith said...

Thank you Calvin for this capsule of clarity to stay in our lane and not give in to rubbernecking. Again Right On!

Maquita said...

Great Article, Calvin. As usual, you areRight On!

Maquita said...

Great Article, Calvin. As usual, you areRight On!

Mama Sola said...

Hi Calvin,

Interestingly, the media was initially not focused on this event. It was not until Trayvon's parents, divorced yet united in their love for their son, who forced the press to pay attention to this case in which the police originally found no crime.

Thanks for a great post. Yes, blacks know all too well the level of violence they endure in silence.