In light of grand jury’s verdict with regards to Michael Brown’s murder at the hands of one meant to serve and protect, I would like to sadly declare the non-existence of the American Dream. Actually, I would like to declare it non-accessible to our black brothers and sisters.
The American Dream symbolizes the opportunity to better oneself regardless of where you are from, regardless of your financial background and regardless of the colour of your skin. It brands the ‘rags-to-riches’ stories, the ‘started-from-the-bottom-now-we-here’ catchphrase. Its foundation is the freedom to be, that is, to live without fear of discrimination and as such it is pillared on the assurance that you will be protected if the aforementioned right is infringed upon.
Michael Brown’s death is representative of the ongoing persecution of black lives by the criminal justice system, the tell-tale sign of discrimination. Indeed it speaks volumes of the tremendous efforts the American nation has to undertake to ensure equal rights for black folks in the eyes of the law. As thus, it renders the efforts of our black brothers and sisters to better themselves, futile. It takes from them the freedom to pursue the American Dream.
The “No Justice, no peace” chant from recent protestations subtly relays a hope that the current system is capable of delivering justice to those robbed of the opportunity to fulfill this dream like Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Amadou Diallo, Shantel Davis, and many more of our fellow black brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. As I contemplate what has transpired, I can’t help but be overcome by a sense of helplessness.Here is what I believe is the cause of this distress: the realization that the US criminal justice system can not protect those it was never meant to serve and protect.
The black man will continue to be castigated for being black as long as people like Giuliani continue to say “We are talking about the significant exception, 93% of blacks are killed by other blacks,” and “The white police officers wouldn’t be there if you weren’t killing each other 70-75% of the time,”. I guess these are the condolences Mayor Giuliani can offer to the family of the murdered 18 year old, college bound Michael Brown.
So to Michael Brown’s mother who cried out: “Do you know how hard it was for me to get him to stay in school and graduate? You know how many black men graduate? Not many. Because you bring them down to this type of level, where they feel like they don’t got nothing to live for anyway. ‘They’re going to try to take me out anyway.’ ” I want to tell you that you are right. Above all, I am sorry that instead of assuring you that Justice for your son will be served, these are the only words I can say. I am sorry that Michael will not be able to bring the American Dream home and that he can’t reward you for your sacrifices to raise him into a good human being.
Rest in peace Michael Brown.