For hours on Monday night after the announcement that Darren Wilson would not be indicted, I stared at my computer screen feeling as though no language could be adequate. My heart was and still is with the expressions of grief, shock, outrage and solidarity. Each post in my Facebook feed offered something of that ilk: a poem by Langston Hughes, clips of Michael Brown Sr. and Lesley McSpadden urging “positive change,” quotes from Atticus Finch and James Baldwin. Simple expressions of sadness hit hardest.
Every so often, disagreement would flash across comment threads—but it seemed designed to provoke, usually to troll.
I tried to imagine those who were unsure, who didn’t live in an echo chamber of either ilk, not getting constant reinforcement from either script, that “black lives matter” or that the a police officer had lawfully killed a violent thug.
Twenty hours remained before I was due to board my flight home to Cleveland for the Thanksgiving holiday. I knew that I was bound to encounter someone just that unsure—maybe a cousin, a high school acquaintance, or a neighbor. I knew we’d be even more likely to talk about the deaths of black people at the hands of police, with a family member on staff at the school that was attended by Tamir Rice, the 12-year-old boy shot and killed by the Cleveland police after waving a toy gun.
That’s the Thanksgiving trope: gathered around a picturesque table laden with food and beatific expressions of gratitude, somehow all the fissures and disagreements, personal and political, that lurk beneath the familiar façade find a way to leach into the dinner talk. Were we going to shout our slogans, condemn loved ones’ inadvertent condoning of racism and targeted police violence? What happens after we demand that our less social-justice-oriented family members adopt our frame of mind, and then they disappoint us with their ambivalence? Some awkward passing of the Ocean Spray cranberry sauce and a desultory goodbye kiss on the cheek?
I thought about the Passover seder, how, while the wise child and the rebellious child are having it out over their strongly-formed opinions, Jews are still obligated to make space for the simple child, who asks only, “what is this?” and for the one who does not even know how to ask a question. What follows is the best response I could brainstorm (originally posted on Facebook).
Presumably the grand jury deliberated on evidence, conflicting accounts, information presented on all sides as “the facts.” In fact, reports show they may have been provided with an overabundance of evidence, an unusually voluminous document dump of the type usually reserved for trials.
There must be, I can only assume, legally compelling reasons for not indicting this officer. “The jurors had to consider whether Officer Wilson acted within the limits of the lethal-force law,” according to the New York Times, and evidently they did.
But there were legally compelling reasons to acquit George Zimmerman, and the officers who beat Rodney King. We have yet to find out what actions if any will be taken against the officers who killed Eric Garner, Akai Gurley, or Ezell Ford. With Darren Wilson, the decision to decline indictment is tantamount to saying Mike Brown’s death, along with others, did not require any retribution or response.
The arguments that every one of these acts, to say nothing of hundreds more, were done in self-defense implies that, black men always represent potential criminality and lethal threat—even when they are found (too late) to be unarmed. When, each time, the law condones use of lethal force against black men, when there are no consequences for actions that result in death, the message to those who kill is: “You did the right thing.”
The result: black men are 21 times more likely to be killed by police than white ones.
If you are confused or intimidated by people’s outrage, anger and sadness: we are not “making” race an issue. We are naming the central role that race plays in civilian deaths at the hands of police officers. Deaths that represent lives so insignificant that their loss does not warrant a trial—these deaths only happen to black men.
To insist on examining each of these strictly on a case-by-case basis only illustrates a larger point: that there are a seemingly inexhaustible number of legal rationales for killing a black man.
Every time our juries, our police forces, our judges and our media, paid for by our taxes and our consumerism—condone the notion that some people’s lives really are just that insignificant, we bring ourselves closer to that same judgment. This matters for you. Black Lives Matter FOR. YOU.
When speaking to Jewish family, I recalled a sermon from Rosh Hashanah called Ferguson/Fargesn, about the mandate for Jews to remember that it was us who were “stopped and frisked” –
“If anyone could identify with young men magically deemed pathologically criminal for no other reason save their ethnicity, it would be Jews… Now we are not the ram in the story of Isaac’s sacrifice. We can be the angels, who are not afraid, who speak for God – “don’t put a hand on the boy!”
Amy Schiller writes about politics, feminism, philanthropy, and pop culture. Her work has appeared in The Nation, Salon, The Daily Beast, and The American Prospect. Her website is amybessschiller.com. Follow her on Twitter here.
(Image: Scott Olson/Getty)
An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!
I intended to put you that little observation to help thank you so much yet again with the marvelous suggestions you have shown at this time. This is incredibly open-handed of people like you to offer without restraint just what a few individuals would’ve advertised for an electronic book to generate some bucks on their own, particularly considering that you might well have tried it if you desired. Those principles also served to become easy way to know that someone else have the identical dream similar to my personal own to understand somewhat more on the subject of this issue. I’m certain there are some more enjoyable times ahead for those who examine your blog post.
I have been surfing on-line more than 3 hours lately, but I never discovered any fascinating article like yours. It?¦s lovely price sufficient for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made excellent content as you did, the internet will be a lot more helpful than ever before.
This really answered my problem, thank you!
An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!
I got what you intend, thanks for putting up.Woh I am pleased to find this website through google.
I just couldn’t leave your website prior to suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard info a person supply to your guests? Is gonna be back regularly to check out new posts.
This blog is definitely rather handy since I’m at the moment creating an internet floral website – although I am only starting out therefore it’s really fairly small, nothing like this site. Can link to a few of the posts here as they are quite. Thanks much. Zoey Olsen
Great – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, website theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task..
I am glad to be one of the visitors on this outstanding web site (:, appreciate it for putting up.
Loving the info on this web site, you have done great job on the posts.
You have brought up a very wonderful points, regards for the post.
An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!
We are a bunch of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your website offered us with useful info to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our whole neighborhood will be grateful to you.
Undeniably imagine that which you stated. Your favorite reason seemed to be at the web the easiest thing to have in mind of. I say to you, I definitely get irked at the same time as folks consider worries that they just do not know about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest and defined out the entire thing with no need side effect , people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
I really like your writing style, fantastic information, regards for posting :D. “If a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind, what is the significance of a clean desk” by Laurence J. Peter.
I have been checking out a few of your stories and i must say pretty clever stuff. I will make sure to bookmark your site.
Good write-up, I am regular visitor of one’s website, maintain up the excellent operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
I will immediately grasp your rss feed as I can’t to find your email subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me recognise so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.
Good write-up, I am normal visitor of one’s website, maintain up the nice operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other users like its helped me. Great job.
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.
You made some respectable points there. I looked on the web for the difficulty and found most people will go along with along with your website.
I visited a lot of website but I believe this one holds something special in it in it
Hello, you used to write excellent, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your great writings. Past few posts are just a little out of track! come on!
Only wanna remark that you have a very decent site, I like the style it really stands out.
Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very helpful information particularly the last part :) I care for such information much. I was looking for this particular information for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.
I am extremely inspired with your writing talents and also with the structure for your blog. Is this a paid topic or did you modify it your self? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to look a great blog like this one nowadays..
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your site? My blog is in the exact same niche as yours and my users would really benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Regards!
Most of what you say happens to be astonishingly precise and it makes me ponder the reason why I hadn’t looked at this in this light previously. This particular piece really did turn the light on for me as far as this topic goes. But there is actually 1 position I am not really too comfortable with so whilst I attempt to reconcile that with the actual central idea of your position, permit me see what the rest of the subscribers have to point out.Nicely done.
After examine just a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I really like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site record and will likely be checking back soon. Pls take a look at my website online as well and let me know what you think.
I am always searching online for posts that can assist me. Thank you!
Some really fantastic content on this internet site, regards for contribution. “The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it.” by Arnold Glasgow.
I got what you intend,saved to my bookmarks, very nice website .
Attractive element of content. I simply stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your weblog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I success you access constantly quickly.
I used to be more than happy to find this net-site.I needed to thanks in your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely having fun with each little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.
Wow, awesome blog structure! How lengthy have you ever been running a blog for? you make running a blog look easy. The total look of your site is excellent, let alone the content material!
As soon as I detected this website I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.
Hello! I just wish to give a huge thumbs up for the great data you have right here on this post. I will be coming back to your weblog for extra soon.
I absolutely love your blog and find the majority of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for. Does one offer guest writers to write content in your case? I wouldn’t mind producing a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write about here. Again, awesome website!
I have recently started a web site, the info you provide on this site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.
Heya i’m for the primary time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I’m hoping to offer one thing back and help others like you aided me.
Just a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw great style. “Better by far you should forget and smile than that you should remember and be sad.” by Christina Georgina Rossetti.
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…
Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have really loved browsing your weblog posts. In any case I will be subscribing on your feed and I’m hoping you write again very soon!
Some times its a pain in the ass to read what blog owners wrote but this site is rattling user pleasant! .
I do love the way you have framed this particular challenge and it really does provide me personally some fodder for thought. However, coming from just what I have personally seen, I only wish when other responses pack on that individuals remain on point and not get started on a soap box regarding the news of the day. Anyway, thank you for this excellent point and whilst I do not necessarily concur with this in totality, I regard the viewpoint.
I truly appreciate this post. I¦ve been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thank you again
I do agree with all the ideas you have presented in your post. They’re really convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are too short for starters. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
I’d should check with you here. Which isn’t one thing I normally do! I take pleasure in studying a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for allowing me to comment!
I am perpetually thought about this, appreciate it for posting.
I was more than happy to search out this net-site.I wanted to thanks to your time for this excellent read!! I positively having fun with each little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you blog post.
Thank you for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I’m very glad to see such great information being shared freely out there.
Great – I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, website theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Excellent task..
Really nice style and great written content, hardly anything else we require : D.
I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thank you, I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your site?
I like this web site its a master peace ! Glad I noticed this on google .
Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.
I’m also commenting to make you understand what a superb discovery our daughter experienced checking yuor web blog. She discovered so many pieces, which included how it is like to possess a wonderful giving heart to get other individuals without difficulty grasp specific complex issues. You undoubtedly exceeded my expectations. I appreciate you for churning out the necessary, trustworthy, revealing and in addition cool tips about your topic to Julie.
Hello. fantastic job. I did not imagine this. This is a great story. Thanks!
After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.
You should participate in a contest for top-of-the-line blogs on the web. I will suggest this website!
Simply a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw outstanding style and design.
It is in point of fact a nice and helpful piece of info. I am satisfied that you shared this useful information with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot approximately this, like you wrote the e book in it or something. I feel that you can do with some percent to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is magnificent blog. A great read. I’ll definitely be back.
I regard something really interesting about your website so I bookmarked.
Somebody essentially help to make seriously posts I would state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to make this particular publish extraordinary. Excellent job!
What i do not understood is in fact how you’re not really a lot more smartly-preferred than you might be now. You’re so intelligent. You realize thus considerably when it comes to this subject, produced me in my opinion believe it from a lot of varied angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be fascinated until it’s something to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your individual stuffs excellent. All the time maintain it up!
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all people you really know what you are speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly additionally consult with my site =). We may have a hyperlink change agreement among us!
Its wonderful as your other articles : D, appreciate it for putting up.
Really enjoyed this article post.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
the idea beach towel should be colored white because it reflects heat away-