Darius D.

This blog is a reflection of me, forever growing and evolving. So, only expect one thing when you visit, TRUTH. Unless I post a short story, then it wouldn't quite be true, now would it?



Monday, July 15, 2013

Not Guilty...Now What?



As an African-American man that has spent his life just a few hours away from where Trayvon Martin was killed and George Zimmerman was subsequently acquitted, I am saddened by the verdict, but I am not surprised.  I am angry, but not amazed.

At age six, I was overtly shown that my value had limits in this society.  I was man-handled and handcuffed, thrown into the back of a police car, and told "shut your little black ass up."  That incident, along with countless others over my decades of living, leaves me cynical regarding the ideal notion of true equality in this country.

Yes, the klan isn't lynching black men for the egregious act of looking at a white woman, anymore?  And that's a good thing.  But how far is that practice of yesteryear from happenings surrounding Trayvon Martin's murder?  Not very far.  How far is that practice from the outrageous "stop and frisk" practice implemented by the NYPD?  Not very far, at all.

And while these overt, unconscionable incidents occur far too often, much of the country's racial problem is of the implicit, subconscious variety.  These implicit racial biases permeate America and result in countless incidents of horror.  Should we be ANGRY?  Yes.  Should we want to be HEARD?  Yes. But the real question is, "NOW WHAT?"

Whether Zimmerman's acquittal reinforced or shattered your belief in justice or the system, what are you going to do about it, now?  And tomorrow?  And next month, two years from now?

Are you going to become a informed voter?  Are you going to follow what's going on in your community, city, state, AND the nation?  Will you seek out information to make knowledgeable decisions?   Will you make wiser decisions with YOUR life to make sure your RIGHT to vote isn't taken away by doing some dumb shit?

YOU MUST!

That is where the change will take place.

Will you vow to be a father to your children?  Will you sign up to be a mentor to any of the young people who are in dire need of some direction?  Will you be an active member of the educational community to ensure the success of our children?  Will you put as much time into the possibility of your son becoming a Supreme Court Justice (Thurgood Marshall) as you put into the idea of him becoming the a supreme athlete (LeBron James/RGIII)?

YOU MUST!

That is where the change will take place.

And remember, this is a capitalist country.  Your money has a voice.  If you do not like the stereotypes many people have of your cultural group, then stop watching the shows that perpetuate those stereotypes. Stop watching those channels: they cannot survive without the advertising dollars. Stop supporting the artists that rap/sing these stereotypes into the ears of EVERYONE.

And what about the athletes, entertainers, moguls out there?  Will you use your voice to inspire a movement?  Will you use your dollars to demand a change?  Will you use your platform, influence, status and contribute more than an Instagram photo donning a hoodie?  Or are you more concerned about your brand or your bottom line?

You've tweeted about it; now what?

This is a deeply emotional time, but it is not a time for aggression.  However, it is a time for AGGRESSIVE ACTION. Be diligent in your work to make improvements.

So I ask you...NOW WHAT?