Benjamin Watson, a tight end for the New Orleans Saints, played Monday Night Football with the tensions in Ferguson on his mind. After, he shared his emotions on Facebook:
I'M ANGRY because the stories of injustice that have been passed down for generations seem to be continuing before our very eyes.
I'M FRUSTRATED, because pop culture, music and movies glorify these types of police citizen altercations and promote an invincible attitude that continues to get young men killed in real life, away from safety movie sets and music studios.
I'M FEARFUL because in the back of my mind I know that although I'm a law abiding citizen I could still be looked upon as a "threat" to those who don't know me. So I will continue to have to go the extra mile to earn the benefit of the doubt.
I'M EMBARRASSED because the looting, violent protests, and law breaking only confirm, and in the minds of many, validate, the stereotypes and thus the inferior treatment.
I'M SAD, because another young life was lost from his family, the racial divide has widened, a community is in shambles, accusations, insensitivity hurt and hatred are boiling over, and we may never know the truth about what happened that day.
I'M SYMPATHETIC, because I wasn't there so I don't know exactly what happened. Maybe Darren Wilson acted within his rights and duty as an officer of the law and killed Michael Brown in self defense like any of us would in the circumstance. Now he has to fear the backlash against himself and his loved ones when he was only doing his job. What a horrible thing to endure. OR maybe he provoked Michael and ignited the series of events that led to him eventually murdering the young man to prove a point.
I'M OFFENDED, because of the insulting comments I've seen that are not only insensitive but dismissive to the painful experiences of others.
I'M CONFUSED, because I don't know why it's so hard to obey a policeman. You will not win!!! And I don't know why some policeman abuse their power. Power is a responsibility, not a weapon to brandish and lord over the populace.
I'M INTROSPECTIVE, because sometimes I want to take "our" side without looking at the facts in situations like these. Sometimes I feel like it's us against them. Sometimes I'm just as prejudiced as people I point fingers at. And that's not right. How can I look at white skin and make assumptions but not want assumptions made about me? That's not right
I'M HOPELESS, because I've lived long enough to expect things like this to continue to happen. I'm not surprised and at some point my little children are going to inherit the weight of being a minority and all that it entails.
I'M HOPEFUL, because I know that while we still have race issues in America, we enjoy a much different normal than those of our parents and grandparents. I see it in my personal relationships with teammates, friends and mentors. And it's a beautiful thing.
I'M ENCOURAGED, because ultimately the problem is not a SKIN problem, it is a SIN problem. SIN is the reason we rebel against authority. SIN is the reason we abuse our authority. SIN is the reason we are racist, prejudiced and lie to cover for our own. SIN is the reason we riot, loot and burn. BUT I'M ENCOURAGED because God has provided a solution for sin through the his son Jesus and with it, a transformed heart and mind. One that's capable of looking past the outward and seeing what's truly important in every human being. The cure for the Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice and Eric Garner tragedies is not education or exposure. It's the Gospel. So, finally, I'M ENCOURAGED because the Gospel gives mankind hope.
Here's the full post on Facebook.
Post by Benjamin Watson.
Replies
TOMAS: I think you are full of caca. You just stated a few postings back in this discussion that you don't like me, and now you want to meet me. I believe you are being insincere and I think you are being dishonest, since a real spiritual master does not pass judgment on anyone. And you did this with me a few discussions back within this post and told me in the same sentence that you don't like me.
TOMAS: apology accepted. Sorry for your issues at home. Hope all gets better with you.
TOMAS: I live in Austin, Texas, and I practice regularly at a shooting range in Pfleugerville, Texas. You are being reported to the staff at this website, because looking for somebody out of malice (or threatening to do so) is called stalking, and this is a criminal act in the United States if initiated.
By the way, I am not afraid of you.
TOMAS: I'm feel sorry for you since you talk about the importance of spiritual ways (defined exclusively by yourself), pass judgement on myself, and then tell me that you don't like me. These statements from you demonstrate anything but spiritual practices and ways, and it defines you as a hypocrite.
Tomas Sardinha: We are allowed to discuss current events.
HEY TOMAS: THIS IS POST UNDER THE CATEGORY "guidance and awakening." LOOK AT THE MAIN BAR WITH THE SPACE SHIPS AND THE BOY: IT SAYS "The Awakening Movement," and waking up others includes aspects exclusive and inclusive of spirituality. Also note that spirituality is a category of many other categories with this website. Astrology and alternative media are also listed in the categories. Change the channel if you don't like the reading material.
Well said Malcolm.
HEY BARRY: CNN reported there were people from Oakland, California in Ferguson who had no business there except to cause trouble. So why are they there, and who is paying them to be there???? The Easter Bunny????
CNN: Out of Towners from Oakland Inciting Violence in Ferguson
Marc Lamont Hill, a CNN contributor, reported late last night that out of towners from Oakland might be the ones responsible for inciting violence in Ferguson, Missouri. He made the comments when talking about the continued unrest last night:
"It was a peaceful rally. I was at the rally, at the church. I came back to the area. I saw the youth marches as they were coming up the road. I was standing there talking to them. They said they were committed to having a peaceful march. I spoke to Michael Brown's parents. They said that they were proud of the young people doing who were doing this peaceful march. The only thing -- two things seem to be apparent to me. One is that the young people who may have moved into an area that was restricted, that they may have moved beyond an area that they were allowed to. The command center, I believe it's called Northland Shopping Center, is where all the law enforcement are and it's taped off. I think they attempted to enter that area. Somebody did, not all of them, but somebody did.
"And the second dimension here that I see, there is a small group of people who are doing something different and out of step from everyone else. They're out of towners. The ones I spoke to are actually from Oakland. I saw them last night past curfew, I saw them this morning. And they are the ones who initiate violence.
But I think the police reaction has also been pretty intense, some would argue overreaching. I was here in the parking lot. I got out of my car, out of a media vehicle, and the officer immediately drew his weapon in a very, very threatening manner."
Wonderful article. Thank you.
I agree with you Nancy. The family of Michael Brown also stated the same thing that you are saying.