I think it is high time we start discussing race relations in my country. Effectively. The Travyon Martin murder that happened in America a short while ago is a testament to the prevailing hatred and racism that is lethal to our youth. It is our duty to protect and encourage our youngest generations. Not shoot them fatally.
In this fast-paced world flooded with even faster technology, it seems we have forgotten ourselves in the process. It seems we have forgotten our eternal connection to each other simply because we are human. In no way is this meant to preach a cliché form of world peace. But it is an invitation to be reminded of our own humanity.
A good friend recently shared a clip of CNN’s Piers Morgan, “interviewing” Toure on the Trayvon Martin case. It became Morgan’s prerogative to assert himself as an astute, professional journalist of the CNN caliber (if there ever were such a caliber). However, this narcissistic endeavor completely dismissed the seriousness of the Martin case. Morgan, not only revealing his own self-indulgence, made a mockery of the violence that led to Trayvon Martin’s murder and failed to consider how such violence continues to destroy other young Black men in America.
An immeasurably influential professor from my alma mater would simply dismiss Morgan’s claims and in her powerful voice she would tell us, “He is irrelevant to this discussion.” While we hear these words echoing in our minds, urging us to push forward, it is still important to ask ourselves why entertainers like Piers are even given a platform on media outlets like CNN? Ignorance is in high supply and we are lapping it up like thirsty dogs. It is time we demand something more.
Our American audiences, and world audiences at that, need to gaze with a consciousness, rather than build up a blinding residue of ignorance that veils our senses. To see things clearly and truthfully is our most formidable asset in our anti-racist movement. Instead of being marred by the recidivistic characteristics of hokey news anchors like Piers Morgan, we, like Toure, need to seek the truth. Toure reminds us that without the media, Trayvon Martin's death would have been forgotten. For him, journalists who become advocates can help America function more justly.
Beyond journalism, we need to remember our own grassroots heritage and become advocates in our communities. In the words of one of the greatest grassroots organizers, Fannie Lou Hamer says, "Sometimes it seems to tell the truth today is to run the risk of being killed. But if I fall, I'll fall five feet four inches forward in the fight for freedom."
History never repeats itself, but it often rhymes.
