June 5th, 2020: Some Perspectives of Change
If we are truly in search of a hero or someone whom we can learn
from, we don't really see them in the news these days. I have been
asking myself the question of why I am so tired lately when I watch the
news. It is not just because of the sensational aspect of it. It is not
because of the lack of unbiased perspectives of it. It is simply because
it provides no hope.
I am trying to understand
the cry for justice that is being portrayed by the protesters and being
presented by the news. I am horrified by the images I saw in the
footage of George Floyd's arrest. There are many questions in my mind.
However, let us not embrace the lowest denominator of human decency
while fighting for a higher moral standard of justice. I have failed to
understand why the news folks are so willing to report that the officer
had had 18 complaints of misconduct against him prior to this horrific
arrest and none has mentioned George Floyd's rap sheet. I am grieving
for his death not because he is a hero. He deserved to be treated with
respect and under the protection of the law. However, I also grieve over
the death of decency in news reporting. I have the sense that the news
folks are now disrespecting me as a viewer by not reporting everything
they know about everyone in this incident. When someone tries to hide or
to destroy any evidence in court, there is a serious consequence. So as
far as I am concerned, in the court of public opinion, the news people
cannot be considered as trusted witnesses.
Some
academic and learned people have suggested that we need to change the
narrative if we want to deal with racism in the US once and for all. I
am looking forward to seeing some of the proposed new narratives. It has
been almost 400 years and America has not found one that sticks. One
thing I know whatever narratives we can come up with, it has to be free
from shame because we can never have an everlasting change by shaming
people. It has to be based on true and solemn repentance. That applies
to all of us.
Furthermore, if we are honest
with ourselves, it is not just an American problem. It is a problem for
the entire humanity. So what narratives are we looking for then? What is
the basis for human worth when we believe that we have the right to
define when is the beginning of human life and when that very life has
any worth and meaning at all? Whatever race we are, "unborn lives
matter". That is a slippery slope for us morally.
Now I know why I am so tired. I would rather rest with the promise of redemption in the Bible. There is no hero on this day.
1 John 3:17
But
if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet
closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?
