For the past two days, I've seen the same stuff on Twitter, Facebook, the news, blogs, and more: everybody's talking about how some fifty people were shot in Chicago over Father's Day Weekend. People are shocked and outraged, saying that the violence needs to be stopped!
My problem is that it sounds like a broken record. Over the years, I've heard the same thing with different victims. When Blair Holt and Derrion Albert, both outstanding students at Chicago Public High Schools, were murdered, many around the country voiced horror and ire. Nas even penned an open letter to kids in gangs! However, after the typical fifteen minutes, everything died down, and no one cared until some months later when another teen was shot and/or killed.
Don't get me wrong; I believe public attention needs to be pointed to Chicago and the violence that has plagued the city for far too many years. My problem comes in when people express outrage and concern only for it to die down after little time. This nation and the people in it have some kind of Attention Deficit Disorder; the only difference is that they can help it. When Lindsay Lohan is arrested again or Lady Gaga flashes her cooch for the masses, the murders and shootings of minority children are quickly forgotten. The dismay lasts only for so long until something "better" and "more worthy of attention" comes along.
What's even worse is that no one during these fifteen minutes ever offers any comprehensive solution or even personal time to make a change in the lives of our youth or the status of my city. No one ever volunteers to join a mentoring program, start a fund, or anything that could potentially make things better. Instead, they simply voice their indignation and disgust and simply move on with their lives. How convenient.
We need to go beyond public anger and disapproval. Emotions are often a great impetus to make us work of change in our society. The problem is that no one ever does. Do more than just making people aware. Do more than just reflecting your resentment at what's occurred. Do more than just pour out some alcohol and drink your life away in remembrance of the victims. Volunteer, help a child, do your part to curb the violence.
Basically, get off your lazy ass, give a damn, and do something. And it starts with you, Chicagoans.
To any and all perpetrators of violence:
My problem is that it sounds like a broken record. Over the years, I've heard the same thing with different victims. When Blair Holt and Derrion Albert, both outstanding students at Chicago Public High Schools, were murdered, many around the country voiced horror and ire. Nas even penned an open letter to kids in gangs! However, after the typical fifteen minutes, everything died down, and no one cared until some months later when another teen was shot and/or killed.
Don't get me wrong; I believe public attention needs to be pointed to Chicago and the violence that has plagued the city for far too many years. My problem comes in when people express outrage and concern only for it to die down after little time. This nation and the people in it have some kind of Attention Deficit Disorder; the only difference is that they can help it. When Lindsay Lohan is arrested again or Lady Gaga flashes her cooch for the masses, the murders and shootings of minority children are quickly forgotten. The dismay lasts only for so long until something "better" and "more worthy of attention" comes along.
What's even worse is that no one during these fifteen minutes ever offers any comprehensive solution or even personal time to make a change in the lives of our youth or the status of my city. No one ever volunteers to join a mentoring program, start a fund, or anything that could potentially make things better. Instead, they simply voice their indignation and disgust and simply move on with their lives. How convenient.
We need to go beyond public anger and disapproval. Emotions are often a great impetus to make us work of change in our society. The problem is that no one ever does. Do more than just making people aware. Do more than just reflecting your resentment at what's occurred. Do more than just pour out some alcohol and drink your life away in remembrance of the victims. Volunteer, help a child, do your part to curb the violence.
Basically, get off your lazy ass, give a damn, and do something. And it starts with you, Chicagoans.
To any and all perpetrators of violence:
There aren't enough slaps, you soulless, spineless, weak excuses for human beings.
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