The case touched a nerve deep within the black community, says Leonard Steinhorn, professor of communication at American University in Washington, D.C. “There’s a sense that parts of the judicial system still remain anchored in the bigoted attitudes of old and that a black person can’t get fair or true justice.
Source: The Christian Monitor
As a mainly black country, Barbados should be very interested in the recent events in the United States where accusations are rife that six black boys have been treated unfairly by the US justice system. Blacks in the USA feel vindicated that here is another case which exposes the “subterranean” racism which remains simmering just below the surface of the greatest democracy on the planet. It seems like only yesterday we witnessed the great Martin Luther King leading the struggle which eventually saw the capitulation of the white supremacist system, which was institutionalized mainly in the South of the United States. He must be turning in his grave as he looks down from the “white pearlies” to see the injustice meted out to six black boys whose only crime is that they stood up to defend their race. Although we don’t agree with vigilantism, we believe that this is a case where all can agree there was a high degree of provocation – click here to find out about Jena 6
We have highlighted this story today not for the obvious reason that as a predominantly black nation we should feel a strong desire to support the black brothers and sisters in the never ending struggle against racism. Despite the obvious failing of their justice system, yet again, the scales of justice in the USA always seem to balance in a country which holds freedom of expression and the right to protest as sacred. As thousands of black people marched on black Thursday (yesterday) in Louisiana to give vent to their feelings, Barbadians should sit up and take careful note. Important change will only occur when civil society is prepared to lay it on the line. The passive approach to resolving issues in our society which has served us well in the past, and the abhorrence which we seem to have to experiment with different forms of civil disobedience may give insight into why our society maybe stagnating. The time has come for Barbadians to identify the type of society which we want to build and become passionate about making it happen.
We hope that the peaceful demonstrations which this issue has sparked in the United States will serve as a reminder for a small and proud black nation we love so much. The road of struggle can be long and arduous but for the sake of our legacy and our children we should dispense with the cynicism and lethargy which appear to be prevalent and get on with the job!
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