BlackLivesMatter vs BlackOnBlack Crime

Debating the FOCUS on police officers or agents of the state shooting unarmed, or undeserving people of color, a typical retort will be to ask what about black-on-black crime?

Without even mentioning the percent of people of one ethnicity who perpetrate crimes against people of the same ethnicity, I will calmly ask does one form of violence justify the other?

The answer is no, but, equally weighted on both sides. Most encounters with police do not end in murder as most black on black encounters do not end in murder. But the results of the minute percent of encounters that result in death or maiming of an individual do not hold equal weight. One perpetrator is regularly punished for their crime, the other is not. While both crimes should have the same results the solution to reduce violence is different, therefore our the focus is different. In the former scenario, change will be more systematic. Since the police are a government entity, we can help to enact laws that change certain aspects of the system. We largely have had no input in the creation of the system, the laws governing the system and the people that enforce those laws.

A few changes or laws enacted that I would like to see:

• An independent prosecutor appointed anytime there is an individual killed or maimed by a police officer.
• Required mental health exams on a regular basis. I'm not sure we can ever figure out what's in a man's heart, but these would help.
• Increased training requirements.
• Higher education standards. Minimum two years of college or community college.
• Required interaction with the community they serve outside of normal police duties.
• Citizen review boards that have the power to, at the minimum, recommend discipline for officers.

The latter issue of one ethnicity killing people of the same ethnicity, while not exclusive to black people, largely is one that the government cannot solve. Although, I have no issues putting the blame for the totality of our current situation squarely on Americas shoulders. There are very few laws that could keep someone that is determined to kill another person from doing so especially if it's about survival, without trampling constitutional rights. It's the mindset that needs to change. The insertion of hope. The spotlight shinning on a better path. This is largely done through the community. There are already many organization that strive to provide a different reality for young black males. They provide mentoring, education and mental health services. They work! But change won't happen overnight. The high level of murders by blacks perpetrated on other blacks is in some ways a recent phenomenon in America. It hasn't always been this way.

We will resolve this.

Boycotts

There have been a lot of attempts to organize wide spread boycotts of retail or other services. Many of these attempts have failed or never got off of the ground. I have a couple of opinions on why they have failed and what we can do about it.

• Many of the attempts have failed because of poor planning and organization. Whether it's because the date is set to soon and to reactionary, or because the focus is to wide spread.
• While we may raise our nose at having  that "one" black leader anymore, it does help to have a central point for organizational purposes.
• We continually see many people suggest different dates and retailers or services to boycott, which leads to confusion and a breakdown of solidarity which is central to any boycott.
• The type of retailers, services or actions suggested for boycotting are not conducive to change.
• Boycotting gas for a day, only to have to buy that same gas later on is not meaningful or lasting.
• Same with retailers who provide food, even those such as Walmart or Target.
• Stay at home boycotts only work for those with enough savings to risk termination.
• Even during the Selma bus boycotts, people still made it to work.

My suggestions to make a lasting and powerful boycott work.

• A central point of organization. Whether that’s a particular person or an organization, we need to coalesce around something or someone.
• We need to set a date far enough in future to allow for good organization, planning and publicity.
• We should narrow the focus of the boycott to one retailer, service or action.
• The selected subject of the boycott must have the ability to enact or advocate strongly for change once they feel the effects of the boycott.
• Last we must be careful of damaging our own in the process. This will be hard, because the impact of boycotting a specific service or company could lead to hurting those at the bottom of the ladder, which is sadly still held by many minorities.

 

So, what is my suggestion for a company to boycott?….Nike. 

For a couple of reasons:

• They came to fame on the back of black athletes, glamorizing and exploiting the need to be cool. Anyone remember "Is it the shoes?". No it wasn’t. It was athletes that worked hard, on and off the field to maximize their talents.
• They continue to exploit this with almost every sneaker release. Some will argue its only capitalism working at its best and you can chose to buy them or not. Well that’s what we would be doing.
• While people need food, gas and jobs, no one needs a pair of $200 sneakers. This is not to say you shouldn’t buy them if you want to, or have the means, but that they are something people can live without for an extended period of time.
• Nike has the financial and political means to advocate for change. They are international. They have tentacles in almost every sport around the world. From professional teams to youth organizations.
• Some will say, people will just buy nice shoes from other companies. In an attempt to keep the boycott narrow and focused, I would still make Nike the primary subject, while advocating not to buy high priced sneakers from other companies.
• But, what about damaging you own?
• Yes, there are many of our people employed at lower level positions at retail locations and such…There are also plenty of other items to buy in those stores not produced by Nike or very expensive.

Fair, balanced and constructive comments or suggestions are welcomed.