Trying to Make Sense out of Senseless

Hello my friends, it is with a heavy heart I am writing to you today, as like everyone in the world, the shocking images of the death of Mr George Floyd in Minnesota have left me wondering what is happening in our world. Furthermore, the ongoing protests and riots which dominate every news bulletin seem as if they should be scenes from an apocalyptic movie than reality. But they are real and how we respond to them highlights the kind of people we are and what our priorities should be within our global community. Yes, we are a community, or, in my humble opinion, we should be- to be honest, I have been sickened by some comments on social media, written by those who are pointing accusing fingers at the United States while apparently conveniently forgetting what happens in their own nations. Racism, as a concept, has not been successfully removed from any country- it's true, some nations have stricter laws to combat the worst offenders, but sadly, there will always be a certain section of society who believes they are somehow 'superior' to another on the basis of the colour or ethnicity.

Now, it would be tempting to turn this post into a rant about the leadership in the US, but as I have tried, since this blog began, not to stray into the political arena, I will not be referring to the actions and words of the current president. Although I will say, I am far from convinced some of his remarks have been particularly helpful in bringing about peace to the streets of so many cities. But I do feel I can talk about the reactions of the everyday American public, as I have been fortunate to read their thoughts on the current crisis facing their country.

I don't believe there is any question, the vast majority of the population were horrified by the video of the police brutality exercised on Mr Floyd, this is not how they want their law enforcement officers to conduct themselves. I also believe there is tremendous sympathy for those who were driven to peacefully protesting against the treatment of not only Mr Floyd but all the other numerous similar tragic incidents involving the police and predominantly black citizens. However, I think the images of rioters looting stores, causing horrific damage to local areas, does nothing to help further an obviously worthy cause. It can't be a surprise, when someone who is entirely blameless is forced to watch their business burn to the ground, finds it hard to maintain any level of empathy. But I think we can all agree, those who embark on these criminal acts, are not remotely interested in furthering racial equality but simply using the chaos as a mask, for their own material gain. Speaking personally, I find it unbearably sad, the message of those who want to change a way of thinking regarding race, risks becoming lost amidst the swathe of criminal behaviour. 

Since watching the TV reports, it would be easy to come to the conclusion, there is no hope, that any meaningful change can never happen - but I genuinely feel this is wrong because you only have to look back into history to realise, when communities come together, they are an unstoppable force. The core belief, that all citizens of any civilised nation should be treated with the same level of respect, regardless of colour, ethnic background, age, gender etc is held by the vast majority of the American people. Like the populations of most nations around the world, they simply want to get on with their lives, care for their families and live in peace with their neighbours. - I believe this to be true and despite everything I have seen, I don't doubt this is the case, so it's from that truth, the hope and change will eventually come.

I hope the protests across the world have shown the American people, we are not 'laughing' at them as has been suggested by some in power. Instead we are showing our solidarity with the ideas of equality and fairness, our support for those who want to be able to leave their homes without fear and, most importantly, openly acknowledge our own countries need to continue to be vigilant when confronted by the traces of racism which still exist within our own populations instead of smugly stating we have solved the problem and so 'it's only in America' when we all know, this is not true.

I truly hope, after all the chaos has subsided and the US judiciary has exacted a suitable punishment on those officers who contributed to the death of Mr Floyd, a healthy dialogue can begin to bring communities together again. Division has no place in a modern society, we are facing so many global issues and the only way to make any real advances is to work together. Obviously, there will always be cultural differences between us, we follow a range of belief systems, we are members of differing faiths - but this diversity should be celebrated by us all as it brings a range of opinion, makes us challenge long held beliefs and, if truly embraced, can open our eyes to a world of possibilities.

As you will have realised, I am against giving up, this comes from something my late mother said frequently, ' if you decide it's all too much and lie down, you will get nowhere, but if you keep moving, even if it's only a small step forward every day, you'll reach where you want to be eventually.'  I hope we can all follow her advice and keep taking those steps together....until next time....

Take care out there xx