On Aug. 9, Officer Darren Wilson shot African American teenager Michael Brown at least six times in the chest, arm and face. This led to violent protests in Ferguson, Missouri. More than 100 arrests have been made, more than 30 lootings reported, and nearly 40 gunfire incidents have occurred, but the rioters have nothing to show for it. If this issue had been resolved peacefully, Brown may have received justice; but due to the recent crime rampage, Brown’s cause has been forgotten.
Ironically, the violence displayed in Ferguson changed the American public’s view and even made officer Darren Wilson look like the good guy. In fact, support for Wilson has surpassed that of Brown.
If anything, the protestors should have listened to Brown’s parents, who called for a stop to the violence. When asked on the Today Show if the riots were taking attention from the real issue, Michael Brown Sr. stated, “We need to keep the focus on Michael Brown.”
We’ve been told many times that violence isn’t the answer. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” The people of Ferguson can’t use violence to create change. If they want to receive justice for Michael Brown, they have to change the way they operate. For now, the damage has been done. But hopefully once things cool down in Ferguson, Michael Brown will receive the justice he deserves.
Savannah Gunner
Mission Viejo, California
