When the radical Jihadist commit acts of atrocities across the world, the Muslim community is asked to speak out against such atrocities. In doing so, they are distancing themselves from the implication that all Muslims are radicals.
We know that all Muslims are not radicals. Some are peace loving members of society who want to practice their religion as anyone else. But we do know this: all radical Jihadist are Muslims. That is a fact.
This is also true with what we have seen taking place in Ferguson Missouri over the last few weeks. Most of the rioters – thugs, thieves, arsonists – are from the African American community. We know that not all African Americans are thugs and thieves, but most of these rioters are African Americans. That’s a fact.
As a member of the black community, I align myself with the message of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who opposed violent response to injustice. He saidin an interview on 60 Minutes with Mike Wallace 50 years ago: I’m here to say tonight that if every Negro in the United States turns against non-violence, I’m going to stand up as a lone voice and say, “This is the wrong way! I will never change in my basic idea that non-violence is the most potent weapon available to the Negro in his struggle for freedom and justice. I think for the Negro to turn to violence would be both impractical and immoral.”
Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. made his voice known on where he stood when it comes to rioting. He wasn’t afraid to stand alone if needs be. He was aware of he criticism he would endure. But that didn’t matter. Not so with some of our so-called African American leaders.
I am for peaceful protest. I am for justice. I am for using the imperfect justice system (there’s no perfect system) to rule fairly on cases that are brought before it. I know they are going to get some wrong. That is why it is imperfect, but it sure beats many other systems in other nations. There are some nations where there are no trial.
Here is my point: why do we call upon the muslim community to condemn the Jihadist and their radical behaviors with the harshest words possible, and not call upon the African American community to harshly condemn the thuggish and “Jihadist” behavior of those in Ferguson?Where is the condemnation especially from the leaders within the black community?
I believe that if we are going to call on the Muslim community to condemn radical Jihads, which they should, we also need to call on the Black Community to condemn the actions of those thugs, thieves and arsonists who looted, burned and destroyed the community of peaceful, law-abiding and loving African Americans.
As I wrote in a previous article on the lack of leadership within the black community, we might not hear this from the so-called leaders / opportunists. Therefore, I am calling upon the peaceful, law-abiding, and loving African American to lend their voice to condemn what we witnessed recently in Ferguson, MI.
Let’s not wait on them – the leaders – to speak out because that may not come. It’s not politically or financially expedient to do so by them. So, for those of us who are more for the people than for ourselves, let’s say like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: “… riots are self-defeating and socially destructive.”
This is a grand stage opportunity for us to use our communication skills to articulate a message of hope, peace and love. We in the black community can use this platform to speak eloquently on this matter, without discounting the death of Michael Brown. It’s now, not who was right or wrong (Michael Brown or Officer Wilson), it’s about how we respond. That’s one of the things I teach people to do: develop better interpersonal skills.
Harsh? Strong words? I hope they are. That was my intent. If you agree with this article, take the courage and share it on social media or feel free to repost but make sure you don’t take credit for it. :-)
I would love to hear from you on your thoughts. Get in the conversation. But make sure you are civil in your discourse. If it is divisive, I will delete it.
all Muslims are radicals.
