In the aftermath of the tragic death of an African-American man, George Floyd, during a police encounter in Minneapolis, I reached out to a couple I know who live just two blocks from the scene. They had attended graduate school with me and were understandably shaken after their local Target had been looted. While they were safe, they expressed a sense of foreboding, acknowledging that the tensions between law enforcement and the black community had been escalating for some time. They loved their city and recognized that the situation might worsen before it improved; they felt this upheaval was necessary.
They did not hold the black community accountable for the destruction, recognizing that many involved in the unrest were outsiders, often linked to extremist groups. This perspective starkly contrasted with the outrage I observed online. Initially, there was shock at the footage of Floyd’s murder, but that quickly shifted to indignation over property damage and looting. The typical questions arose: “What does this accomplish?” and “Why would they harm their own community?”
As I watched a man collect shattered glass from storefronts in Boston on June 1, 2020, I couldn’t help but reflect on the disconnect between those who lived through the turmoil and those who reacted from afar. The crux of the issue seemed to be a lack of empathy among many observers.
People sought to rationalize the chaos without considering the underlying emotions driving it—rage, frustration, and a feeling of being unheard. Riots often erupt when communities feel neglected and oppressed, a sentiment that becomes amplified when peaceful appeals for justice go ignored. This phenomenon is distinct from the occasions when sports fans riot over a loss; social unrest stems from deep-rooted grievances.
In college, I explored works that emerged after the 1992 Los Angeles riots, particularly Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992, a powerful one-woman play by Anna Deavere Smith. Through interviews with over 300 individuals, she captured a kaleidoscope of experiences from that tumultuous time. The work remains profoundly relevant today, reminding us that riots arise when people have exhausted all peaceful means of expressing their need for safety and justice.
Those questioning why a city is ablaze should pause to consider the level of desperation that leads to such actions. Many of those criticizing the destruction feel secure and have much to lose, while countless others perceive that they have nothing left to risk. This is a dangerous mindset for any society.
It’s crucial to clarify that my intention is not to justify violence or property destruction. Rather, it’s essential to understand why these events transpire, especially when some prioritize shattered glass over the systemic injustices that fuel such outrage. We cannot ignore the countless instances where athletes, artists, and activists have sought to raise awareness about racial inequality, only to see their pleas ignored. This cycle must end.
The tragic deaths of individuals like George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, and Eric Garner represent profound injustices, compounded by a societal failure to listen and act. The issue at hand extends beyond looting or vandalism; it is about the urgent need for systemic change—a need recognized decades ago yet still unaddressed.
As history continues to repeat itself, it’s evident that riots serve as a language for the unheard. To prevent future unrest, we must truly listen, engage, and act decisively to bring about real change. For more insights into this pressing issue, you can read another related post here and explore valuable resources on family building at Resolve.
Summary:
The article highlights the importance of understanding the motivations behind riots, emphasizing that they often arise from a community’s feeling of neglect and systemic oppression. It calls for empathy and active listening to address the root causes of social unrest, rather than merely focusing on property damage. The need for change is urgent and must be recognized to prevent future upheaval.