Today's MOZEN: BLM and R E S P E C T

Photo: The Independent. Words: F LoBuono

BLACK LIVES MATTER (BLM). This grassroots organization who's origin can be traced to the aftermath of the shooting death of unarmed black teenager Trevon Martin by a white Community Patrol Officer, identifies itself by the slogan Not a Moment, a Movement. And, a movement it has become, challenging our leaders to accept the fact that institutionalized racism is still alive and well in our society. It has also chided them to do something about it. Occasionally, its methods have been abrasive, interrupting candidates (like Bernie Sanders) and generally creating mayhem. However, it has also been effective in bringing this most pressing issue to the forefront of conversation. BLM continues to gain traction with every incident involving an African-American and the police.

One of the more divisive issues confronting BLM is its insistence that people use BLACK Lives Matter exclusively when referring to its message. If and when someone attempts to use the more universal ALL Lives Matter in its place, they are generally shouted down and silenced. BLM claims that, of course, all lives do matter. But, it is not THEIR message. Anything that detracts from or dilutes that message will not be tolerated. To BLM, it is the ONLY message of importance at this time and place. Although I believe that ALL lives do indeed matter, overall, I get the point. White lives are not lost to the police at such an alarming rate as black ones are. We do need to focus on that.

However, still, with that said, a slogan cannot become a movement unless EVERYONE buys into the message. And, this must include not only white intellectuals (those who seem most responsive to it) but MORE members of the black community, as well. Yes, the movement is spearheaded by young blacks but it is also marred by them, too. I know the socio-economic realities that face black communities, creating a very complex issue. Generally, it makes many of these neighborhoods inherently dangerous places to live. I understand that these factors skew crime statistics to appear that so-called black on black crime is rampant. These statistics can be very misleading and when studied further prove not to be the case. Also, I get the anger. I understand the frustration. But, it's not necessarily what I am talking about. I'm talking more about assuming personal responsibility.

This week marked the anniversary of the death of Michael Brown, an unarmed, young black man at the hands of a white police officer. Mr. Brown's death and the subsequent exoneration of the police triggered weeks of unrest in Ferguson, Mo. Protests and marches in the city of Ferguson were planned by BLM to commemorate the anniversary. The events started off peacefully enough but by the time night fell they had disintegrated into violence. Shots were fired. Arrests were made. Again, MOST of the people involved were peaceful. However, there were enough trouble makers to cause significant amounts of social unrest. And, it appears that the violence was not even related to the protests! Be that as it may, after the first night's violence, a state of emergency was declared by the St. Louis County Executive. Again, police in riot gear where forced to take to the streets.

So, an opportunity to demonstrate that Black Lives Do Matter (truly) was lost - lost, once again, to violence - violence within their own community - the black community. This is why, even though I understand the urgency of BLACK Lives Matter, I still prefer ALL Lives Matter. When we achieve MUTUAL respect, across the board, ALL of our lives will improve. Whites must respect whites. Blacks must respect blacks. Whites must respect blacks. Blacks must respect whites. WE must respect ONE ANOTHER. Because respect is not a black term. It is not a white term. It is a universal one. When we can accomplish that, we'll be just fine.