Having an opinion is a good thing. Please, have an opinion. Don’t immediately buy into what the media feed the public. Do research to reach a conclusion that is not determined based on a favorite news outlet or what family members say. Think and decide based on critical thought because having an opinion is important. Being informed is important.
Every day, various media outlets present stories to the public, which forms various opinions about them. For each story, people hear many different sides. Posts all over Facebook defend one side or another. People on opposite sides rip one another’s heads off so to speak, each firmly clinging to what he or she believes to be right. People make judgments and reach conclusions without ever truly knowing what occurred. Because we were not present for these stories, we do not know exactly how they transpired. We do not know if Darren Wilson was completely out of line, just as we do not know if Michael Brown was absolutely beyond control.
When there is a lack of assurance due to a lack of presence, the natural inclination is to make assumptions. It is the easiest thing to do, and everyone is quick to do it, because forming a stance on something takes stress off of the mind. So people make assumptions to avoid not having an opinion and missing out on the arguably irrelevant arguments that do no good.
Before giving into this, remember there is something much more difficult, unnatural and beneficial that could be done. It is even more important than choosing to have an opinion: choosing to empathize.
On a general level, we must empathize with the people in these stories that are presented every day. When one is far removed, it is easy to be cynical and to tear a person apart via social media, for example. But remember that these people are still people, even if they have been put on display. To us, they are stories, but to them, these stories are a part of their lives and what their worlds have become. We must not dehumanize people.
Before making a judgment about the riots in Ferguson and elsewhere, think about these people and think about the feelings behind their actions. It can be easy to see someone’s behavior and see that it is harmful or unnecessary, but hardly ever are the thoughts and feelings that led to the behavior considered. For this type of behavior to take place there must be extreme hurt and helplessness raging inside of them. Consider that. Many of us never have or will come close to understanding the injustice they are experiencing.
There are so many who are skeptical about the frenzy on display. But if one looks at the past, there is no reason to be skeptical. Revolt has formed the nation for as long as it has existed, and it always stems from anger or shock at some sort of injustice.
People condemn or look down upon the protestors and rioters (it is important to note they are different groups) for their actions, but I wonder when was the last time any of the people in places of privilege have had a fervent response about anything.
Whatever people think or opine about this situation, it is most important to try to see it from the perspectives of those who actually live this reality. We must try to feel what these people are feeling and to gain an understanding about their behavior.
It is much more difficult to pass judgment after empathizing with someone. If post-empathetic thoughts still leave us with an opinion of condemnation and scorn, a little compassion wouldn’t hurt either.
