Truth Overshadows Fiction in Ferguson
Brutality, protest rival the dystopian world of ‘The Hunger Games’
A church van burns in Ferguson, Missouri. Washington Post reporter and former Shakerite editor in chief Wesley Lowery photographed the van and tweeted the image at 1:27 a.m. Nov. 25. Buildings and vehicles were destroyed during protests that ensued after a grand jury decided not to indict Darren Wilson for the shooting death of Michael Brown.
The premiere of “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I” could not have come at a more pertinent time. With civil unrest simmering due to the outrageous Ferguson decision, rebellion is becoming more fact than fiction.
Nearly three months after fatally shooting 18-year-old Michael Brown, Ferguson, Missouri police officer Darren Wilson was not indicted. Citizens nationwide reacted furiously in Seattle, Los Angeles, Oakland, Washington, D.C., New York and Chicago. By this morning, protests had erupted in Hong Kong, Gaza and Brazil. In New York City, police officers peacefully marched alongside protesters, while in Ferguson, police launched tear gas. So some people actually are facing consequences for their actions in Ferguson, unfortunately just not Darren Wilson.
President Barack Obama urged protesters to behave peacefully and addressed the national importance of the grand jury decision. “This is not just an issue for Ferguson. This is an issue for America,” Obama said during a televised speech yesterday.
So during these frustrating times, let’s all stay peaceful. Only when addressed by police, “Hands up, don’t shoot,” clearly isn’t peaceful enough.
Let’s not forget, Wilson would like to thank the people who stood by his side. Like the KKK members who threatened protestors and expressed support of “Officer” Wilson.
Suzanne Collins may have forged a prophecy when writing “The Hunger Games.” Children being killed, corrupt power and police brutality; when fiction so closely mirrors real life, one has to wonder, when will enough be enough?
In tandem with the Brown family’s wish that “Let’s not just make noise, let’s make a difference,” let it be known that these moments in history will never be erased, but, we hope, will never be repeated.
