The protests that have broken out across our nation in response to the Ferguson decision give me and many others pause. Communities of color have expressed a hopelessness over not simply the August murder of Mike Brown (18 years old), but over the pattern of murder and harassment experienced at the hands of police officials. We cannot forget Eric Garner's suffocation in New York after being stopped in accordance with the state's "Stop and Frisk" law only a month before Brown's death. The murder of Traayvon Martin (16 years old) in Florida has also been invoked as a critical event in the pattern protesters claim they are responding to. A Florida court found George Zimmerman not guilty of any wrong doing based on Florida's "Stand your Ground" law.
Our reflection and class discussion of the New York Times article was not meant to change your mind about how you respond to the reaction to Ferguson. It was meant to challenge you to engage your historical heart (Historical Empathy) making sense of human reaction and interaction. For instance, Why were protesters in Ferguson angered to violent action while gatherings in Philadelphia, Washington DC, Los Angeles, and New York remained "peaceful?" Riots after all are relatively predictable sociological actions. What frustrations caused citizens to invoke their 1st amendment right to speak out in opposition to the legal system.
In this space, let's consider the motivation of the protestors. What frustrations do they express? Be clear about where you are getting your information from. This blog is not a space evaluating the RIGHT or WRONG of the actions that have been taken, but instead a constructive space building a sense of what motivated the protests. My twitter feed and this article: Reaction to Ferguson Decision Shows Racial Divide Remains Over Views of Justice might be useful places to continue your thinking.
After you have offered some reasons. Personally reflect...What now? In the wake of such tension what do we do as individuals and/or as a nation to heal the wounding that has occurred.?
50 comments:
Frustration is a word that comes to mind when seeing the violent protests in Ferguson. It's that feeling of pure anger, where you just want to put your fist through a wall. Seeing cases like these, a white on black altercations, it can be consider a "race thing." It doesn't necessarily have to be. That might sound naive and a very "white" thing to say but it's the truth.
I've heard so many sides and stories of this case which makes it confusing. I want to side with the protesters because I know Michael Brown did NOT deserve to die at such a young age, but this could just be another case in police files if it wasn't made about race. This quote from The Wall Street Journal supports the theory that it was not about race, "The black teen in Ferguson, Mo., robbed a store, attacked a white police officer and was shot dead while resisting arrest." (http://online.wsj.com/articles/jason-riley-the-other-ferguson-tragedy-1416961287)
I was not at the scene of the crime. I cannot describe to you exactly what happened. But if the St. Louis County grand jury has decided that it was out of self-defense, it wouldn't be to hide the officer's racist disposition. He would surely have been charged for killing someone because of their race. That is unacceptable.
I know that racism still exists. I see it everyday. I honestly don't know how to move forward from these ways of thinking. All I know is that Michael Brown did not deserve to die, who knows what potential he had.
What we need to do as a society is to accept color, accept race, and accept all different cultures. The world doesn't need to be colorblind as some people say. It needs to be full of color and full of people that respect that.
I believe that the people of Ferguson are very frustrated, as well as many others in different states. They are frustrated because they do not think that Darren Wilson got the consequences that he deserved. The grand jury found Darren Wilson innocent, whereas many others (that were not on the jury) found him guilty. The family of Michael Brown was devastated when they heard the verdict, and they said that it would be a hard Thanksgiving without him.
As stated in an article from reuters.com, over 400 people from all over the country were arrested because of riots. They were protesting to fight for the rights of Michael Brown, as well as many other African American citizens. Most people are sad because it was an African American victim, instead of a white victim. I feel as though most people care more about the outcome of a case when there is an African American Victim. I think people should be saddened either way, but the situation is still very devastating.
I wonder how the members of the grand jury feel. Do they feel they made the right decision? Do they regret the decision? What is their reaction to all of the riots and the protests?
Now, I feel as though the jury should consider both sides of the case. Some people think that the decision was rushed and that the outcome is unfair. In the future I hope that things are done differently and that people get the consequences that they deserve.
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/26/us-usa-missouri-shooting-idUSKCN0J80PR20141126
The protesters of the Ferguson case have so much anger and hatred built upon this case. They do not think it is fair that the officer who shot Michael Brown, (Darren Wilson), was not punished for his actions. Even so, I believe that their anger does not necessarily stir from Michael Brown’s case at all. I believe their anger stirs from their personal beliefs upon racism and how it should be completely abolished. I personally believe that Michael Brown was a “symbol” in the eyes of the protesters. I say this because in the “New York Times” article that described this case, it was stated that Brown’s family was extremely upset but they did not want the situation to ever get out of hand (like it has). They never wanted to have protesters looting buildings and burning down police cars. Even though Brown’s family said this, protesters still took the situation into their own hands and are following through on their horrible and violent actions. Another example to support the thought that the protesters’ are reflecting on personal situations rather than Brown’s actual shooting is because of how people of other cities, such as our own city, have gotten involved. There were riots that started right here in Philadelphia! This tells me that everyone has their own motivation for protesting against this case.
Even though the protesters’ have many different motivations for their riots, I do not believe it was right that Michael Brown died. I feel this way because not only was he shot at such a young age, a document from “Boston Globe” stated that Brown was left dead on the street for four hours. This makes me question myself and say “if that was a young, white man, would he have been left there for four hours?” I see where the protesters are coming from in that sense. The fact that Brown was left in the street for four hours angers me and I’m not even a part of the protest! Having a dead body just being left in the street is cruel and unnecessary.
I do not believe that the protesters are wrong for the way they feel. Everyone has their own thoughts and beliefs and they are entitled to them. Even so, the acts of violence that have been taken is just completely out of hand. So many buildings and other properties are being burnt to the ground and looted because of this protest. These people who are doing this are destroying their surroundings because of their anger. Because of this, I do not agree with how the protest has been going. There is a difference between a thoughtful protest to get a point across and a violent protest trying to make others forcefully understand your own opinions.
(Continued)
As we move forward, the question of “what do we do now?” comes into play. Personally, I think we can start right in this school to try and make a difference. There is no doubt that racism is a part of this protest. Since it was a young, black man being shot by a white officer, people are thinking of how that can be racist. I say we can start right here in school because if we take the time to look around at the people in our classes, we will notice how diverse we actually are. Our school is a place that accepts every race, religion, gender, sexuality, etc. We also have a club named the “Diversity Club,” that touches upon this subject of race and diversity in general. We all have a goal and that is to make our environment as accepting as possible but I believe in order to do that, we need to have a starting point. I believe this starting point can be found in school. As a nation, I believe our starting point is to realize our faults and what is wrong with these types of situations. After we have peacefully accepted our faults, I think we should move towards opening people’s eyes to see that these acts of violence, such as Brown’s shooting, have consequences. Michael Brown did not deserve to die, no matter what he did or was doing. Overall, I believe our country just needs to take a step back and reflect upon itself.
Sources that I used:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/25/us/ferguson-darren-wilson-shooting-michael-brown-grand-jury.html?_r=0
http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2014/11/24/ferguson-shows-america-two-systems-justice/dOIhQ0W6XW7dTflPw1EsDK/story.html?event=event25
I believe that the protestors feel like the police have it out for them. As I was reading a New York Times timeline article the protestors in Ferguson have been most upset when the police have used violent force. The police have only used violent force when the protest have gotten violent. The frustration is somewhat understandable but it should never result in the violence and horrible things that we have seen in Ferguson. When the decision came down it set off a wave of emotions hatred and sadness from the people in Ferguson and the United States. I do not condone the violence that happened but the people in Ferguson where very upset because they believe that a police officer got away with murder. Lets not forget through this craziness a young man died and we should all be sad for that. As a nation I don't no how we heal the wounds that have happened over the pass 3 months. As a nation I feel that we our a divided nation. It will take time but I do feel that we will heal and hopefully come together and become a stronger nation.
I believe that the protestors feel like the police have it out for them. As I was reading a New York Times timeline article the protestors in Ferguson have been most upset when the police have used violent force. The police have only used violent force when the protest have gotten violent. The frustration is somewhat understandable but it should never result in the violence and horrible things that we have seen in Ferguson. When the decision came down it set off a wave of emotions hatred and sadness from the people in Ferguson and the United States. I do not condone the violence that happened but the people in Ferguson where very upset because they believe that a police officer got away with murder. Lets not forget through this craziness a young man died and we should all be sad for that. As a nation I don't no how we heal the wounds that have happened over the pass 3 months. As a nation I feel that we our a divided nation. It will take time but I do feel that we will heal and hopefully come together and become a stronger nation. By James Nicholson
TIANNA BOCCUTI
Anger and the verdict not going the way they thought it would. However there are other cases that the verdict doesn't go the way people want and nothing is done about it. I think this case has been out of control since the day it happened and when the verdict was read after a long wait they thought the officer was going to be punished and he wasn't so these protesters are trying to get a point across that says they need their voices heard and this is the way they are doing it. However, I get that they are angry but the violence isn't changing anything and it is also hurting some of their own people's businesses and the way they live. If the protesters are peaceful about doing it I feel like they are trying to make a change but the anger and frustration is hurting other people along the way.
I believe the people of Ferguson’s protest became violent because the incident itself occurred close to home and heart. Since the murder happened in their town, they were more affected by the fact that the police officer didn’t get in any kind of trouble. On twitter, I saw pictures of the protesters burning cop cars and buildings down in Ferguson. Through these pictures, I could sense the anger of the protesters. I think they were really involved in the moment and they began to see nothing but red. Their anger took over because I personally think they are fed up with all of these situations where people are killed by cops and then the cops get away with it.
I think protesting is stupid. I mean, I understand their motives about how NO ONE should be shot 9 times no matter what race, but still. Protesting wont bring the victim back to life. and social media plays a big part in this. If it was the other way around no one would care by the way. but that's not the point. Protestors want to talk about protesting against violence when all they are doing is promoting it and its under control now but it shouldnt have happened. What now?
I don't know I guess we should stop being dumb and shooting people.
Claire Miller
On November 25th, 2014 a peaceful protest was held here in Philadelphia. When I got off of the train at Broad and Girard there were at least five airplanes and a bunch of cop cars. I thought the worst, I was so scared until I looked around only to see that Broad Street was packed with people. They all walked with Mike's mom as she spoke and said she has not a thought about "rioting" or causing any problems, that she just wants to be heard and for there to be justice for her son. People have a RIGHT to protest right as in a Constitutional right. People protest in Philadelphia to be heard daily and that is the point of the protests in Ferguson. Although, I think that the rioting in Ferguson isn't doing anything but giving the police and government more of a reason to feel anger towards the people who are rioting. That's what make the protests great although the same thing happened in 2012. George Zimmerman killed a seventeen year old African American boy named Trayvon Martin. George was found not guilty of manslaughter or second degree murder. Even though he did in fact kill Trayvon Martin and within the eighteen months after killing Trayvon was still in the media for being arrested. The point i'm making here is it was very predictable that no justice was going to be served for Mike. For the fact that a person name George Zimmerman who wasn't even real authority but a neighborhood watch. No George isn't white but BOTH of his parents are lawyers and can easily have had an influence on the judge. So, yes the Mike Brown situation and Trayvon Martin situation are one in the same. Both deaths led to peaceful protests and pain with the black community.
I believe that the outcome of this situation is definitely out of frustration and anger. "Wave of Anger After Ferguson Decision This feelings a normal one, going back to our discussion in class about Historical Empathy and what it means to have a "soul". This Historical Empathy is viewing a person in a different way, questioning how and why? Why do people do the things they do? This is what takes us to the outcome of the Ferguson decision. But I do not believe all this anger that built up by protesters was because of the actual decision that Officer Wilson was not quilty, but I highly believe this had a lot to do with race. The decision that was made is one thing but how the people reacted is another. It's just a disgrace seeing people burning buildings and cars and damaging peoples property all out of anger to a decision that would not be changed. I understand that feelings build up but I really don't think that was all necessary. They want to be heard and that's what happened, They were on every news station, the radio, Facebook, twitter, and even Instagram. I found this quote on Twitter tweeted by a news reporter and its says..."Let's not just make noise, let's make a difference."-Michael Brown's Family. Violence is not the answer no matter what the situation is. We have to think of ways to prevent these things from happening. Peace. Positive actions. But the way people reacted to this just made everything worse.
I believe that protesters have the frustration of not being heard.I feel this way because of the protest that went on in New York city on black Friday. The hashtag "blackoutfriday" was all over twitter because they are being ignored. Protesters were lookibg for people to protest instaed of shop. Lives are much more important than shopping. The protesters understood that.
In my opinion, I feel sorry for the officers that abuse their power. These officers feel like they need to use their gun every day just to feel like their jobs are done for the day are useless. Innocent people with families and futures, just like Michael Brown can never succeed now. Their lives are over. This is why I get where these protesters are coming from. It isn't just about race. It is about the future. Police officers are killing the future by shooting innocence.
Source:http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/michael-brown-shooting/michael-brown-protesters-urge-shoppers-boycott-black-friday-n257881
Jackie Avery
I think that the people of Ferguson are tired mentally and are sick of the injustice. This case wasn't just about black and white problem or a race thing, but more so a woman losing her child and the officer who did the slaying wasn't held responsible for his actions.
Social media and so many other newspaper articles have expressed what they felt about this tragedy. I remember reading from the New York times newspaper that Michael Brown's family didn't were displeased with the verdict of "No indictment". The family still asked that there would be a peaceful protest, but the people of Ferguson were outraged and wanted to tear their community up and, burn policeman cars. That was something I saw on CNN, but there was no good outcome from the rioting.
I believe that rioting won't ever solve anything, as I watched the news I was upset with the actions of Ferguson. I think we have to do a better job of the message we are sending to our justice system. If you want justice and righteousness, you must practice justice and righteousness; we have to continue to fight for what we believe in and never compromise our freedom as people.
I think the whole town of Ferguson was full of anger and outrage about the Grand Jury finding Officer Darren Wilson innocent in the killing of an 18 year old young black man, Michael Brown. Officer Darren Wilson may have been doing his job that day but Michael Brown did not deserve to be gunned down and killed in the street.
http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/bestoftv/2014/09/09/cnn-tonight-pharrell-williams-ferguson-disappointed.cnn&video_referrer= I had mentioned this link to the class at the beginning of the school year, when our class was talking about Ferguson. I do agree with Pharrell's views about this because the officer could have done something else to stop Michael Brown besides shooting him in the first place. Darren Wilson may have been doing his job but he should have received a harsh punishment for his actions in this case. Ferguson shouldn't respond with violent rioting. Instead they should protest peacefully and let the world hear their voices loudly. Justice has not been served but more violence is not the answer to about meaningful change. The President has offered a lot of talk but has not gone to Ferguson. He has not done anything to stop the violence. The whole town thinks it is because of race or color but it is about the death of this person and many more like him. None of us ever met Michael Brown but he could have easily been any number of our friends.
We need to start accepting people of different races, religions, cultures, and color because we need to get along with each other no matter what before it is too late. The case of Michael Brown and Trayvon Martin have a similar story of person being killed because of the color of their skin. We shouldn't be killing people in the first place it is morally wrong. Their deaths were unwarranted and unjustified. People need to respect one another.
Anthony Grillo
11/30/14
10th grade
Frustration is a huge part of any debate on at least one side of the argument because there are always lies being put cross with enough evidence for it to seem true. Sometimes it's just not being able to say your story like it is in your head; it just won't come out right. The people in Ferguson are frustrated though because of Michael Brown being shot by a police officer and the officer wasn't indicted for it. The non-indictment I believe only stirred up a miniscule percentage of their anger. The blunt of the anger I believe was formed through racism and the fact that a white person would not have been shot under the same circumstances.“The threshold to decide to shoot is set lower for African-Americans than for whites, noted Dr. Bernadette Park, author of a 2002 study revealing that participants viewing video simulations were more likely to shoot unarmed blacks than armed whites" (bostonglobe.com). This quote proves that officers are more likely to shoot a black person instead of a white person in shoot-outs. I agree that the frustrations that the people of Ferguson have should be let out, but not this violent. “We are profoundly disappointed that the killer of our child will not face the consequence of his actions,” the statement said. “While we understand that many others share our pain, we ask that you channel your frustration in ways that will make a positive change. We need to work together to fix the system that allowed this to happen" (nytimes.com). This quote explains that Brown's is greatly disgouraged that the officer will not be punished, but that gives people no reason to riot like this. This isn't the kind of frustration that she wants people to remember her son by. I agree with Bobby in stating that she wants her son to be remembered as a symbol no that racism will never be involved in any court case or shoot out again. The death of Michael Brown should be used as positive motivation for people to delete racism for good.
"He was left by the police to lie like that for four hours." "No amount of justifications or rationalizations by the Ferguson Police Department about procedures or protocols will ever convince me that they would have allowed a white body to linger on the street like that" (bostonglobe.com). These quotes explain that racism had a lot to do with this social conflict/rioting. This quote also makes me question the caring of police officers and makes me wonder if I would be left on the street dead for hours if god forbid this ever happen to me. The shooting itself will always have a justification conflict, but there is no justification for leaving the dead body of a teenage boy on the street for hours! Not minutes, HOURS!!!
"Wilson is 6 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs about 210 pounds. Brown was an inch taller and weighed about 290 pounds. Wilson said he called for backup and tried open the door of his police car. Brown, he said, slammed the door shut. They struggled and Brown hit him in the face twice, Wilson said (npr.org). These quotes prove that there is always another side to the story defending both the police officer and Michael Brown. The allegations that Mr. Wilson makes prove to be true based off of the evidence. Sometimes I believe that people will just set themselves off without thinking about what the consequences will be.
In conclusion, I don't know what should happen next. I don't know if Mr. Wilson is in fact a racist person and contributes to the study of what I earlier mentioned or whether it was a fair shooting because Mr. Wilson was actually in danger based on Brown's size and weight. I agree with Brown's family in stating that his death should be used as a symbol to positively stop racism from ever occurring ever again. I also agree with Mr. Wilson's story because all the evidence from it adds up. Sometimes police officers look bad because of the tough immediate decisions they have to make, but that is why I give them the most credit because I don't know what I would do if I was in Mr. Wilson's shoes. There is always a justification to the decisions you make, but what should take place is following your heart and trying to do the right thing. The right thing is never going to be consistent among all people, but you must stay true to you. Racism shouldn't occur in any trial or be in any police officers mind when it comes to a shoot-out. Citizens should think before they act because all they are causing is the memory of Michael Brown to turn sour and will be eventually look down upon as a horrific scene when it should be looked at as a symbol for inspiration to abolish racism and make the world a whole lot better/safer.
Sources: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/11/25/366507379/ferguson-docs-how-the-grand-jury-reached-a-decision?utm_campaign=storyshare&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/25/us/ferguson-darren-wilson-shooting-michael-brown-grand-jury.html?_r=1
http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2014/11/24/ferguson-shows-america-two-systems-justice/dOIhQ0W6XW7dTflPw1EsDK/story.html?event=event25
I believe the protestors are frustrated becuase they feel as though one of their own didn't get the justice he deserved. They're angry because they're not being heard. A innocent life was taken, taken from a boy who was unarmed. The fact that he was killed, and his killer wasn't put behind bars angries his community. Other cities such as Philly didn't react the way Ferguson did becuase we dont have the same connection to Micheal Brown as Ferguson did;becuase that's where his home was. The people of ferguson reacted with anger and hurt. They have a right to feel that way, one of their own had his life ripped away from him, and gained no justice.
There's a controversy going around about the fires in ferguson. Caught on tape are law enforcement dressed in war attire seen in the area the majority of the fires were, so maybe it wasn't the people of ferguson but the police themselves. ps://www.popularresistance.org/did-police-set-autos-on-fire-during-ferguson-protests/
The frustration of the protesters in Ferguson can be understandable. I know that there are others cases in which a white officer shot an African American, and the officer was free from punishment. I feel the anger was necessary just not the total destruction and chaos. I can easily see racism as a part of these shootings. Officers shoot African Americans who are unarmed and did no threat to the officer. Wilson definitely should have received justice for his the shoot, Michael Brown did not deserve to be shot. The people who we depend on for safety and protection are killing innocent people because of race, makes the police seem more corrupt to me. While watching the news on Channel 6 about the riots in Ferguson they say its complete destruction to vehicles and building in their neighborhood. The rioting isn’t going to help the protesters in any way it may make matters worse. There probably will be more cases like this in the future, and perhaps it will make racism corrupt this whole country.
The protesters in Ferguson are frustrated about Darren Wilson (the police officer who murdered unarmed black teenager Michael Brown) not being indicted for his crime. However, it is not just this murder that has people outraged, it is the pattern that seems to be happening in this country: the pattern showing that white law enforcement can seemingly get away with killing African American people without serious consequence. The reason protests in Ferguson have turned violent and have stayed peaceful in most other places is because of agitation by law enforcement in Ferguson. Ever since the Ferguson protests started over the summer, police have been turning peaceful protests violent by using tear gas and rubber bullets on protesters. The reason police have reacted so violently to these protests is unknown to me. However, I do know that the motivation of protesters all over the country is to make law enforcement responsible for their heinous and unnecessary brutality.
The protestors of the Ferguson tragedy are frustrated because they think that it is unfair that an unarmed person was shot by a police and not only that did happen once but it happened multiple times before. More frustrations arise after hearing that the person shooting is innocent in this case. I sympathize with Michael Brown's family because it is hard to lose someone you love. Maybe Michael Brown shouldn't have given the police a reason to feel like he is harmed or maybe Mr. Wilson should not have shot someone unarmed. It is a complicated case because we could think that the policeman was trying to defend himself or this can be a racist situation. Either way, I think that it is reasonable to get angry and frustrated over such an unfortunate situation but what the protestors in Ferguson did only caused more chaos and more frustrations. There are other ways they could have done to be heard. It is hard to say what we should do next or what is going to happen after this but this case will be referred to many times in the future if more cases like this happen again.
The idea of protests and riots is something that is easy to jump to because it is a chance for people to take action assuming that there will be a justified outcome in the end. So should we protest? Yes, we should because it is a chance for people to let their voices be heard for an outcome that people have waited for, for so long to ease their anger and frustration. It is a chance for our voices to finally become heard and acknowledged. But is it right for us to cause harm and chaos in our own city? To vandalize cars and to set fire on buildings? Also, is it right for us to jump to conclusions without even taking into consideration of the officer's side of the story?
It is possible to say that the officer's actions were justifiable. The man shot was almost 300 pounds. If someone that size charges at you, then you're not going to fire a warning shot, you're going to shoot as many times as possible before he crashes into you because you only get one chance against someone that size. Even after it was found he had a criminal record people were quick to assume that Brown was just purely a saint. People were quick to believe that this was just simply an act of racism and abuse of power. And of course it is reasonable for people to assume that it was an act of racism but it has happened many times before and for it to happen repeatedly once again would definitely cause people to reach a breaking point of frustration and anger.
I believe that the violence caused in Ferguson was all due to a mass psychology in which people reacted and responded to things in order to feel that they are a part of a larger group. Who wouldn't feel proud to say that they were an active part of the many voices shouting out for justice during those protests? But it is unlikely for someone to go out alone in the streets and start shouting and protesting for the justice that they believe in.
It definitely is really hard for us to move on from this topic of racism and come to a conclusion of what we can do in our everyday lives as individuals. We all have been witnesses of a racist act before whether it was directed towards you or someone close. To stop racism completely is something I believe is more of an unrealistic goal. History is something that we cannot change and there are people that continue to dwell on it which affects the actions of their everyday lives.
-Neary Narom
For the Ferguson case, the violent protesters are very frustrated. They have the feeling of so much anger that it escalated to the point where they took physical action. But as far as I know I don't have much more to comment on this case.
As individuals we need to prevent this from happening to the people that surrounds us. We need to start settle things without violence. If the police does some thing wrong we don't start a war. Does a war make that person come to life? Does war make it equal? Your better off praying or giving your child tips so they won't be in a hard situation. Alot of other cities didn't react the way Ferguson didn't like philadelphia, it was peaceful. Help your friends and family on what to do when you get stopped by a cop. If you follow these rules you shouldn't run into trouble.by gloria harley
Frustration is a term describe the feeling of being upset.I could just feel that the people of Ferguson are extremely upset with the decision. I believe that the protester are frustrated because not being heard and the injustice decision.In this situation i believe it more about a mother losing her own child and Darren Wilson didn't get the consequences that he deserved. People were protesting because there are so many case in which victims unarmed was shooted for no reason.
I think protest for this situation is right,nothing wrong if you want to protest.Mike Brown’s family want a peaceful protest,but the problem is people start destroyed the properties.
According to The New York Time “Several police cars were burned; buildings, including a Walgreens, a meat market and a storage facility, were on fire, and looting was reported in several businesses”.I don’t get what is the point of destroying the community and probably cause harm for other people.
I do think that a lot of protester consider this situation as a "race thing”.Maybe that is the reason People exaggerate things. I’ve heard so many sides of this story before,I believe that Michael Brown did not deserve to die at such a young age.I think this protest is right because doesn’t matter if Mike is black or white or asian or any race,the fact that he got killed for no reason is really unfair. There are so many cases when officer shooted unarmed victims and this should be protest. But one negative side of this protest is a burned down all the buildings. Citizens should really think before acts because this could cause people have negative view or thought in this story and also for Brown’s family.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/25/us/ferguson-darren-wilson-shooting-michael-brown-grand-jury.html
Frustration is the main contribution as to why riots become so violent. Everyone in the crowd eventually begins to influence each other's actions, so if someone theows rocks at the police officers, everyone else will join in it also. The crowd takes on a "mob mentality".
I do believe that reverse racism exists. For example : a group of black children are encouraging another black child to beat up a white kid. Reverse racism whether or not people take it seriously, does exist in my opinion in some way,shape, or form. Reverse racism is taken as a joke because, of how history happened. Whites enslaved, dehumanized, and mistreated blacks.
Now?Now,we work TOGETHER to fix the justice system that allows victims and everyone around them to not receive the justice they should for a lost loved one.
I believe that frustration in the justice system is why the protests have become violent. The officer that shot and killed Mike Brown did not face any consequences and the people are outraged because of this. The frustration is understandable. The protests have become violent because nothing is being done about it. We need to find a way to fix our justice system that is not providing the justice that is promised. We need to unite and fix this problem so in the future events like this won't happen again.
I believe the protestors are frustrated by the fact that despite their voices being heard all around (social media, national television, etc.) nothing is being changed. This has been going on since August; that is more than 3 months. And this isn't the only situation. There was Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, and many more and /counting/. They are frustrated because it seems like it will never stop. A lot of those officers and/or people are free. There's no justice for the victims. Racism has been around for a long time and yes, it has gotten a lot better throughout the years.
"We are profoundly disappointed that the killer of our child will not face the consequence of his actions. While we understand that many others share our pain, we ask that you channel your frustration in ways that will make a positive change. We need to work together to fix the system that allowed this to happen. Join with us in our campaign to ensure that every police officer working the streets in this country wears a body camera. We respectfully ask that you please keep your protests peaceful. Answering violence with violence is not the appropriate reaction. Let's not just make noise, let's make a difference"(Michael Brown's family. We should never forget Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, and many others whose lives have been taken away from them unjustly. We should keep fighting for justice until it is given. Nothing else can be done, but to fight and to remember those who was lost.
Mr. Jobs, I have been working on this article for several days now, and I have came to the conclusion that; I have no idea what side I feel is correct. I have hour long discussions with both my mom and dad about what happened, and why we feel it happened. We have also talked to my uncle over the phone for an hour on his opinion, because he is a police officer, so he would be able to speak from the position of Darren Wilson. I have written my blog about three times, but every time I have finished it and read over it, I would change my mind and write about the other side.
My opinion in the Ferguson case is; Mike Brown was told by Wilson just to walk on the side walk, and to get out of the street. Wilson was just looking out for the safety of Brown. Brown then told Wilson to fuck off. Wilson then drove his vehicle next to Brown and told him once again to walk on the side walk. Brown then reached in the car and started punching Wilson and they struggle for Wilson gun, which then randomly fired and hit Brown in the stomach. Brown then ran 30-40 then turned around and started to run with his hands up at Wilson. Wilson the shot Brown 3 or 4 times as Brown was running at him. I do not think Brown was right to assault Wilson, disobey officer’s directions, or run away from him. I do not think Wilson was right to shoot Brown three times when he started running at him. If I were to be in Wilson’s place, I would have shot Brown once to see if he went down. If Brown did not go down and continued to run at me then I would have shot Brown until he went down, just like Wilson did. For the most part I think Wilson was right, except for shooting Brown three times immediately after he starting running at him.
The only thing that frustrated people can do to get their point across is protest and others revolt. I understand where people were coming from in class where they said why damage the place you live in, but most of the people are sick of things not being equal/fair. Because of the way I see it, if it was the other way around, a black cop shot a white boy, the black cop would be going to jail no questions asked. What I don't understand is that a black boy not too far from our age shot a white police officers dog and got sentenced years in prison.. But here it is a white cop shot and killed an innocent man and is free. It's a shame that racism still exist today and some people don't even pay it any mind. They just think "oh why does everything always have to be a race thing", they just don't understand what slaves went through to things to where they are today. If my great grandma was alive she would be thrilled to hear that we have an African American president, and people these days can't wait until his time is up. It's such a cruel world that we're growing up in and we're the future.
After seeing how the protesters reacted, you can see the anger and frustration built up in them. They are tired of injustice and race crimes and how the system is failing them. People want to see a man put away for killing another human being but to them it seems time after time someone walks. After expecting this officer to be put behind bars, seeing a different outcome outraged them and caused a riot.
What now ? In the wake of such tension what do we do as individuals and/or as a nation to heal the wounding that has occurred? I think it is time people began to educate themselves. Stop with the bias stop with the one sided stories. I'm white, does that mean all white people are right? All black people are wrong? NO. I researched this case, i looked at forensic reports and I see evidence pointing in favor of the officer being innocent. It shows a cop defending himself. Is this what really happened? Was it planted? You will never know but in the court of law there is no way this man was guilty. A kid is dead and people lose sight of that. We need to come together as a nation, we need to come together as humans, and we need to stop the hate. We need to love each other again and value each other as we value our own lives. This is what now. Instead of growing in hate and anger towards each other because of skin color we need to do the opposite because things will only get worse and i don't want that. I don't think anyone wants that.. Grow. Prosper. Love.
I am saddened for the fact of the officer that killed Michael Brown named Darren Wilson, a white person will not be charged for murder against a proclaimed unarmed African American. What the jury doesn't know but the people do know is that all races including African, White, Asian, Hispanic, and many other races get killed everyday.White kills White, Black kills Black, White kills Black, Black kills White, Black kills Asian, Asian kills White, White kills Hispanic. Every murder ever known occurs because of the murdering having either hate for the opposing race or for some dumb reason. The Grand Jury have caused a major crisis to not just the people of Ferguson but to the United States and several countries and I have a feeling that Barack Obama would lie about this crisis like he always lies about everything. It is time for equality of race, religion, nationality, and beliefs to be established in the United States the true and meaningful way. Washington D.C.'s Capitalist Regime needs to step down from office and install a new smarter government to have everyone realize the true things about everything, including crimes like in Ferguson, Missouri. Remember Trayvon Martin for the same reason as Ferguson as well as our comrade from Philadelphia named Zeem ???. Everyone should have the right to protest against something they disagree on. Today it isn't and now the police are killing and arresting people just because the people disagreed. As if I see that protest is nothing but trouble to Capitalist America, protesting would have caused a 2nd American Civil War between races because of a dumb act of murder in the somewhat degree. Is this what America calls a "Democracy?" It isn't really one at all. I agree with North Korea calling America a human rights graveyard because all that the law of the United States does is to prevent people from protesting against what the Government and it's assistance says. They are forcing people to believe what they say. These protests have been a destruction to society as people loot from stores and exchange of sides. I will not handle these lies of the Capitalist Regime no more. I am disappointed in those who support Obama's America. His America is death, destroyer of world peace. Protests the way they are in the United States are disasterous then other countries. Michael Brown did not deserve to be killed, neither did any of our comrades from around the globe unless they are working for a terrorist organization.
I believe the protesters in Ferguson had a right to protest although, they did take it too far. The idea of protesting is perfectly fine for them to get their point through but to use violence while protesting against violent crimes is uncalled for. I have come to think that since the crime happened in their area that is why only in Ferguson the protests were violent and not in Philly, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and New York. The protestors in for example Philadelphia are using other methods to protest. At the tree lighting at City Hall they protested and from a news source I got a quote from one protestor saying, “We’re out here because we want justice. We see people of color being killed on a daily basis, and the cops that killed them are getting off". They are chanting and protesting for justice. Now not all protestors are focusing on that second part about color but the justice of people and the police brutality is definitely what they want to focus on. The reoccurence of police brutality is causing more and more protesting and gatherings. I believe they are trying to shine a light on these things to get the attention of people in higher positions.
What now? I wonder the same thing honestly. Are the people of higher position going to listen and take a look into police brutality and the justice of these people? I personally don't think so. I think as a society and as a nation we need to step up and grow up because racism should not even be an issue anymore and should have never been an issue. I hope our leaders of the nation and of our societies open their eyes to the fact that police are abusing their positions and using their position in the wrong ways. But all in all we need to all stick together during times like this because that's really all we have is each other and by sticking together we can get more done.
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/12/04/protesters-seeking-justice-crash-tree-lighting-ceremony-at-city-hall/
As many believe, the protestors are full of rage, anger, and frustration. Events and riots broke out after Police Officer, Darren Wilson, was not held guilty and held accountable for his actions. The riots first began in Ferguson where Michael Brown was shot. These riots/protests became so out of hand, that they even spread across the United States.
As many believe, the protestors are full of rage, anger, and frustration. Events and riots broke out after Police Officer, Darren Wilson, was not held guilty and held accountable for his actions. The riots first began in Ferguson where Michael Brown was shot. These riots/protests became so out of hand, that they even spread across the United States.
I have and own many social media websites. One particular post stood out to me the most. On terms of racism, we usually hear stories along the terms of a white man not being charged with a crime in which a black man would. We rarely hear this vice verse. Two men of the same town, go to the same job every day,follow the same law, breathe the same hair, and wear the same uniform. They both have and own the same rights, and stand their duties as a police officer. As of now, these two men can be best friends or worst enemies. What if I told you one man was black? What if I told you one man got held for a crime in which he meant no harm in? Most of us, would take a guess that this was the black man. A white police officer shoots and black teenager: no charges. A black man hits a white man with a baton: charged with felony. In criminal law, a felony is a category of crimes that are often classified as the most serious types of offenses. Do you agree that this is reasonable? Hitting someone with a baton is not the worst type of crime. if this is the case, then a murder must be flying of the charts. Reasons and cases like this is why riots are surrounding our streets. The fact that we already know the black man over a white man committed a crime is what the frustration and range and anger is about.
I live very close to all the stadiums such as the Wachovia, citizens bank part, and Lincoln Financial Field. So close I can hear crowds screaming from my house. There was a game last night, but the crowd screaming were not the screams I hear most nights from a game. It was a Ferguson riot right outside my front door. Seeing police wagons and watching people get taken away in handcuffs while they try and fight for their freedom makes me feel like we are almost at war. The police cars are like the tanks rolling down the street. The rioters are what the tanks are after. The rioters are the prey. The prey tries hard to escape from the predator, but nothing can compare to what a huge predator with more authority can do. This is why the rioters feel the need to expand their ground to different states and expand their crowd, a.k.a. their battlefield. Eventually, the tanks, a.k.a. the predator might fall down. However, what is done has been done. There verdict has been decided and nothing can be changed.
As of now, although the rioters are protesting for their freedom, they are trying to win for a game they can not. You can not undo what has already occurred.
What happened in Ferguson was a true tragedy. The way people reacted to the situation to me was reasonable. People are upset about the unfair treatment to Mike Brown and many other black men who were murdered by police. What should be down now is giving justice. The officer who murdered Mike Brown should have been arrested with no question. There is no justice being made and that's what I think should be worked on that we as a people can work on. Fair treatment needs to be expresses, because the Ferguson case isn't the first case of unfair treatment. The protesters have every right to be angry and to be raging on about the case. Even though rioting obviously isn't working because there still hasn't been a change. We need to work on making a change in this before more innocent lives are lost.
What happened in Ferguson should have never happened. There was no reason that Micheal Brown have been shot, and he wasn't even armed. I heard that he stole something from a corner store,I don't know is that's true or not, but that's still not a reasonable excuse to kill someone. IF he had a gun out on the cop, then that would be a different story, but he didn't. Every one thinks all white cops are bad, but that's not true. Those that are bad or racist are just waiting for you to become that stereotype they see you as. They want you to give them a reason to shot. All the riots and burning places down and what not isn't doing anything though. I think its making things worse. Protesting is a different thing.
When I first seen Ferguson on TV I was confused and angry. I believe that's how the people are feeling. Anger makes people express their feelings in violent ways. They are protesting for a reason and a cause, but why does violence have to get a point across? I don't believe that race was the reason for him being killed. Many black people think it was because of race because of the white on black killing. It shouldn't matter if your black, white, or what ever race you are. If you kill its another good person gone.
I've been on twitter looking nonstop at videos from protests and its just crazy to me. These people think that being violent will change something. Violence only makes things worse. They were flipping a cop car in the video I watched and there is no point to lite businesses on fire. The one vine I watch really gave me pause. The black girl in the front of the protest said to the black cop, "That was your brother. Take care of your people." By saying "your" and "your people" she was making this into race. This situation is a very sensitive subject, but honestly people are people. It makes me so angry when people do this because were all his brother and sisters, not just a black guy.
Michael Brown died. We weren't there. We don't know who's right and who's wrong. People point their fingers to try to get their point across when really its none of their business. It makes me saddened to see that protests had to go that far... I agree with Bobby when he said "The protesters of the Ferguson case have so much anger and hatred built upon this case. They do not think it is fair that the officer who shot Michael Brown, (Darren Wilson), was not punished for his actions. Even so, I believe that their anger does not necessarily stir from Michael Brown’s case at all. I believe their anger stirs from their personal beliefs upon racism and how it should be completely abolished." I agree because people take things way too far. Something like this will light a fire in them and they go crazy. I think that this event will forever change the way I view people. Their actions because of the way a kid died fascinates me.
I have read the articles, watched the news, discussed the situation with friends, family, and neighbors and each time, it comes down to one thing: a life was taken again, way too soon. As I watched the protesters in Ferguson, and witnessed the riots, the fires, the looting, I realized quickly that I was witnessing people in deep pain. They are angry, they are hurt, they are frustrated and they are living in fear. It made me reflect to when I was younger and my parents would tell me if I ever got lost or was in trouble when my parents weren't there to go to a cop or a police officer, that I can trust them. It's their job to protect and serve their community, not to harm and kill their community. Even if he did steal something, and he was guilty of that crime, was it worth taking his life over? This isn't the first life that was lost too soon by the hands of the police, it has happened three or four times in just a few short months. This is a problem that is nationwide and needs to be handled as such. The protesting that is going on across the U.S. is a release for the people of this country to let the officials know that we are not happy with the actions of the police and that changes need to be made immediately. Their response to this was to say that they were going to place cameras on each officers' hat. We already have the incident that took place in N.Y. on camera. Every time they show that video, my mother cries, she can't take seeing it and hearing his last words over and over: I CANT BREATHE, I CANT BREATHE!! What did cameras do to help this man who died over selling some cigarettes for extra money. His life was taken over CIGARETTES! So, the protesters gather together, some wild and illegal, others quiet and peaceful, all making a statement, the same one: Taking lives is not okay and needs to stop. Then, I thought of the parents of young African Americans and how they must feel, knowing that the police are more likely to kill their child than help, support and guide them. They are scared, angry, frustrated and don't know what else they can do. What now? What do we do now? Where do we go from here? How do we stop the insanity? I don't know, I don't have the answers, but I do know that it begins with unity and remaining together. By: Mark Hoochuk
I believe that the outcome of this is 100% frustration and anger. This huge situation goes back to what we were saying in class about why people do the things that they do. Why are these people protesting in the horrific way that they are? Instead of peacefully trying to negotiate? I think that so many African Americans all around the world are so fed up with being discriminated about their race, that this is how they feel is the right way to take their anger out. Maybe they believe that doing these things will give them satisfaction. So many Caucasian men have gotten away with killing African American people, such as Michael Brown, Traayvon Martin and Eric Garner. However, I do not that think burning down innocent people's properties is the right way to release anger. What we need is peace and positive negotiation, not anger and violence.
Seeing the protests in Ferguson you can see the frustration in everybody there. There frustration is made purely out of anger, stress, and disappointments. They are disappointed that Mike Brown was shot to death, and they are disappointed that his MURDERER didn't get indicted. None of it should have happened and it's upsetting to see so. They are also stressed because it's so dumb that Mike Brown's killer didn't get indicted, but was let go when he really should have been sent to jail to serve a life sentence. They are angry because what should have happened didn't happen. I would be frustrated too if this happened to one of my relatives or siblings, and the killer was let go.
I don't know why exactly in Ferguson the protests are violent, and the ones in Philadelphia, Washington DC, Los Angeles, and New York remained "peaceful", but I feel as if it's because the people over in Ferguson knew Mike Brown, and that bond with him strengthened their hatred and caused these violent actions.
Personally, I think we should look at America at a deeper perspective and look at where we are headed. Some police are killing people and not protecting them at all, and we need to get those guys out of here and not let them go with an okay, and a pat on the back. I think that we need to really get things done instead of just giving the killers a sanction. In times like these I always think about that one line from that video we watched where they were reading a poem that was so powerful I got the chills, and it is also from Kendrick Lamar's song "Money Trees" as well: "Everybody gon' respect the shooter, but the one in front of the gun lives forever."
I believe that the deaths of these men, Mike Brown, Trayvon and Eric Gardner was a true tragedy. When I first heard about each of these murders by different forms of communication and technology, I was terrified not only for myself but for my family, friends, and just other African Americans in this world today. I find it completely unacceptable that we cant walk around without fearing that it be our last breath at any minute and the craziest part of it all is that we are being targeted by authority figures to now. We are now afraid of people we looked up to that were supposed to help us and keep us safe but we cant even do that anymore. Later on when I heard about the decisions by the jury, which was by the news or by spoken language, it just completely blew my mind. The fact that these families have to go on living in grief and agony with justice for their family or even friend is truly devastating. I find it absolutely unfair how these police officers or just someone that is looked up to as an authority figure is getting away with MURDER because of their authority power, race, or just the simple fact that police officers have a code of not snitching on each other because they are coworkers. I recently found out about this code in an article that was read in class the other day. Because of this evidence and the decisions on these situations, I do believe that these people have a right to protest. Now even though I believe they have a right to protest I believe there is a certain way to protest and getting a message across. I don't think using violence is the right way because it can be dangerous not only for them but for yourself and others as well. these people do have a reason and right to fight for what they believe in though and they should get the justice they deserve. I wish I could protest because these men deserve justice and I don't blame everyone for being frustrated. I honestly don't know what is to come of the future. If these police officers and authority figures keep getting away with murder, literally, I don't think the reactions from people are going to be oh so positive at all. I wish I could do more and I will try to but really hope these men and families and even friends receive justice because everyone has rights and the right to safety and to be alive and that should never be taken from anyone.
The only words i have to say is "painful" because when Michael Brown was gunned down by a white police officer, african americans were very angry and upset about this crisis. Michael brown was an faithful and honorable teenager that had potential and pride. So i believe that rasicm is a big issue for furgeson, missuori.
Clear;y what frustrates the rioters is frustration, feeling powerless, and bitterness.This brings everyone to jump on every little thing that happens to seem racist even in the slightest! what now you ask? violent protests will not get anyone anywhere because it simply wont give you respect and do you any good even if you have a good cause. peaceful protests are the right way to go. gives respect and makes you not look like a crazy rioter.
After the Florida court’s decision of finding George Zimmerman not guilty of any wrong doings based on Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, many people have reacted with protesting. Protests only happen when a group of people disagree with something, and attempt to make their voices heard in some way. After the news of Zimmerman being found not guilty, the protesters are clearly against it, and enraged at the court’s decision.
It is extremely unclear what exactly happened the night Zimmerman shot Michael Brown, for many different witnesses presented different evidence. However, I believe the most common heard report on the shooting is “Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager, was shot and killed on Aug. 9, by Darren Wilson, a white police officer, in Ferguson, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis.” This report explains greatly why protesters are angered. Just that one word “unarmed” would immediately make people believe that Michael Brown was innocent. Therefore, if he was unarmed, he would not have posed as a threat, and should not have been fired and killed.
The most commonly heard words about the people involved in the shooting, Darren Wilson and Michael Brown, are probably “white police officer” and “unarmed black teenager”. With the fact from the report, it is also why race is believed to be a part of this protest. The fact that a police officer kills a black man raises racial tension.
Another reason why protesters are protesting is because of police brutality. Shortly before the death of Michael Brown, Eric Gardner, another victim, was killed by the suffocation of a police officer. One thing in common between both cases is that it involved a police officer killing a victim. Also, of course, there are many other similar cases that involve police officers showing police brutality. The case of Michael Brown and Eric Gardner only make protesters against police brutality even more enraged.
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/08/13/us/ferguson-missouri-town-under-siege-after-police-shooting.html?module=Search&mabReward=relbias%3Ar%2C%7B%222%22%3A%22RI%3A12%22%7D
I believe that psychological factors such as mob mentality, peer pressure, and as silly as it may sound, boredom, also contribute to why people protest. Often times when crowds get so large, many people feel the want to fit in and take part in the larger crowd so that they do not feel left out. They want to gain a feeling of acceptance. This easily makes protesters vulnerable to believing any given fact they hear and supporting it. In this case, if many people are against the court’s decision, then others will settle on the same opinion. This could be dangerous, for many people can support one idea without knowing the whole story or reason behind it. And, of course, there are always people who just have nothing else better to do.
Source: http://www.2knowmyself.com/Why_do_people_protest_and_start_revolutions
Surprisingly, with all the anger and rage, protests remain peaceful. In a up close look at how protesters are protesting against the death of Michael Brown in New York City in a NY Times article, we are told that thousands of protesters react by chanting and marching through the streets, blocking off traffic. The protesters chanted and held up signs saying phrases such as “Hands up, don’t shoot” and “Black Lives Matter.” According to the report, a group of protesters in Time Square marched peacefully with their hands up in the air intentionally with police officers nearby. “I’m here because I don’t understand why the police always have their guns out. I’m tired of police shootings.” stated Gwen Taylor, a protester of Bronx. From this protest, we can clearly see the protesters’ motives. They are tired of police brutality and the death of black victims.
Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/26/nyregion/hundreds-protesting-ferguson-decision-block-traffic-in-new-york-city.html?module=Search&mabReward=relbias%3Ar%2C%7B%222%22%3A%22RI%3A12%22%7D
As a result of all this protesting, what do we do now? I believe that the protesting will end soon, as do all protests eventually. However, we should not stop supporting against police brutality and the fact that black lives matter. Often after protests, people learn nothing from them and go back to living their normal lifestyle. However, I believe that if protesters continue to believe in the ideas they fight for even after the protests end, then we can truly have a greater voice and a chance in reducing the problem. Protests do not always happen either. Most of the time, protests require large groups. In order to help minimize the problem, we can also help spread our ideas individually. That way, more voices can join in on the fight.
I understand that they might be angered about what happened but they don't have to take their frustration out to violently. But I definitely understand how they are frustrated. How could someone take a innocent persons' life and i think they feel like it's unfair and they want the to be heard.These shooting probably happened before but no one probaly paid as much as attention. Since now that the people can't take it anymore and took matter in their own hands and protest, it's a big thing. It got everyone talking about it. Some people say how it wouldn't get as much as attention if it was the other way around, as in african police shooting white folks, but it was known and made a big deal because family of victims, supporter of victims protest and tries justice and tried to be heard. Norna Liu
Personally I believe that the motivation of the protesters is in the right place. Unfortunately, the aftermath of some of these protests have ended in fatality. I feel like the people from Ferguson and other protesters from other organizations
feel threatened by the cops, like the cops have it out for them. As everyone said the protesters must have been frustrated. They must of felt very targeted. It's a shame because it seems to be only black people are being treated so poorly. Not all protests end in chaos and I think it's ridiculous that these innocent people are being judged because of the color of their skin. When all these people are trying to do are fight for the wrong they see in the world. They're fighting to break the barrier of race!
The protesters of Ferguson have a right to feel this way due to the injustice of the officers. The officer that had shot Mike Brown didn't receive the correct judgement but Mike Brown wasn't any saint. If you look at it from both sides, they both are heavily supported with facts. The bare minimum of it is a white man shot and killed a black man, but the officer was "doing his duty". No one will ever win the argument and a decision was hard to make.
When it comes to the case of Michael Brown, a lot of words come to mind. Anger, frustration, grief, heartache, betrayal, unfairness, neglect, and so many others. When these protests went on, I feel as though the people were feeling all sorts of mixed emotions. They weren't sure if they should cry, get angry, or just what to do. I think these protests were so violent because they were angry and upset and the uttermost feeling that they could express was anger.
The people of Ferguson were distraught and probably not in the right mindset. The people of Ferguson were affected the most considering this happened to one of their own. The fact that it happened doesn't seem the biggest problem as oppose to the fact that the officer who shot him had no type of penalty or puishment for his actions. I know for sure that for me personally, I don't know what feelings I could express after a tragedy like this, so I definitely think that the uttermost feeling was anger. This was the only emotion that these people could express.
Therefore, I don't think it was wrong for these protests to be so violent. The only emotion that these people could express was anger. I really that the officer who shot him should have gotten some type of punishment. However, this officer has to live with the fact that he shot and killed someone for the rest of his life. For me, guilt is the worst punishment because it exists inside of you and it is very hard to remove. Therefore, these protests were just a way for the people to convey their feelings toward this tragedy.
When I look at the protesters in Ferguson, frustration is not some of the first words that come up in my head. Sure, it is true but words such as hate, anger, etc. seem, to me at least, more powerful on this topic.
I do agree with the protesters that Michael Brown did not deserve to die. I also agree that it is not fair that the officer, Darren Wilson, did not get the punishments that should have received. Of course, I'm no expert but I do see racism here that can not be denied. I might, not know a lot about the law and such but I think I know enough to sense that something is not right in the scenario where this officer does not get the punishment he needs.
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