What Comes Next
“I can’t breathe.”
When I heard George Floyd say those words while he was being murdered, I was chilled by the echo of Eric Garner - as though I was seeing a ghost. I didn’t, and still don’t, know what to say about the callous way this man was executed in the street. Perhaps my voice isn’t necessary or wanted. This is quite likely. I’m certain that there are others more qualified than me to discuss the matter.
But I want to express my thoughts and hope others will share theirs.
For centuries, the image of a boot to one’s throat has represented - clearly - tyranny. What happened to George Floyd was no abstraction of this concept.
For nearly nine minutes Officers Derek Chauvin, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane sat on Mr. Floyd. Officer Tou Thao watched and engaged with bystanders observing the officers’ actions. Onlookers expressed concern for the health of Mr. Floyd, imploring officers to “get off him,” exclaiming, “You’re killing him!” to which the officers gave little heed.
George Floyd died with his throat under the knee of Officer Derek Chauvin.
So many others have died beneath the heel of a system of oppression that forges disenfranchisement and unequal treatment.
At the time of this writing, protests emerge around the world and, in some areas, violent riots erupt in the streets. Critics are quick to pass judgment on riots and praise on peaceful protests. I feel unable to speak. Peaceful protest seems right, the riots are not right - but can I go so far as to say they are wrong? I do not support the destruction of individual places of business or the property of specific persons.
I can appreciate the anger of those who don’t feel like peaceful protests have worked.
I can appreciate the fear and wisdom of those who don’t feel that riots will help.
I am convinced that, in the United States at least, the only way to make real change is through legislation and social reforms and that involves the long, hard work of democracy. We must educate ourselves on the struggles of our neighbors.
If you aren’t sure what you should do or say at this time, let me make a suggestion: listen.
Listen to the stories of your neighbors who have lived a different reality than you. Read, watch, and talk about their experiences. Hear the voices you disagree with.
The goal isn’t and shouldn’t be to get things back to normal. That old normal put the knee to George Floyd’s throat. That old normal keeps finding new and creative ways to disenfranchise black and brown persons. The goal is to build a new normal, hopefully, together.
