Qur’an chapter 33: verse 70; “O ye who believe! Have a reverence regard for Allah, and (always) say a word directed to the Right.”
Violence in America is an ongoing shame. Some may argue that violence is just as much a part of America as apple pie; but apple is sweet and pleasing while violence is bitter and distasteful. Many people complain that America spends billions of dollars annually on anti-violence programs and even more money consumed via hospital and litigation costs. Yet, some of these same people will not say a word directed towards the truth regarding the fact that Americans spends tens of billion dollars — some sites say hundreds of billions — on manufacturing guns and bullets annually.
You can’t stop violence in America with such numbers glaring us in our face. Even though over 40,000 Americans die from gun violence (homicides and suicides), too many politicians will not say anything regarding this evil that plagues America. If 40,000 people died in airline crashes annually our U.S. Congress would be in an uproar; but since most of the homicides in America tend to be inner-city African American youth, Congress seemingly doesn’t care, nor do our state and local officials really care unless they can create another “Save our Youth” program to get funding that seems to hardly ever benefit our youth. We all need to begin saying a word direct to the truth; words that deal with the realities of what are the causes.
As leaders we need to say a word that speaks directly to the truth regarding the vulgarity of the music that feeds negativity to our youth. The violent and vulgar lyrics that echo in the hearts and minds of our youth seem to have free reign, and we as parents and leaders don’t say a word. No, every rap and hip-hop song is detrimental; however, there are way too many such songs that promote extreme violence from one “N—-a” upon another “N—–a.” But as with the American gun industry our music industry is ran by rich non-African Americans who live in areas not threatened by gun violence. They do not live in areas where gunfire and the sirens of emergency apparatuses regularly disturb the nighttime silence.
None of us are exempt from facing these facts. None of us, beginning with myself, are exempt from saying a word direct to the truth. Doesn’t the Bible say, “The truth will set you, make you, free”?
Since the murders of Michael Brown of Ferguson and George Floyd of Minneapolis — let us not forget Michael Taylor of Indianapolis — police training has improved and is still improving; but we still cannot relax. Just this week in Springfield, IL an innocent, obviously mentally challenged women named Ms. Sonya Massey — who called 911 for help — was murdered by police who shot her in the head as she uttered her final words, “I’m sorry!”
Are police department’s training supporting the thinking that violence against the innocent is the answer to problems? Ms. Massey, while holding a pot of boiled water, said in the presence of the police, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Is that enough for police to pull their weapons, curse at the feeble-minded woman and demand her to drop the pot of water? But when she did comply, raising both hands to her face, she said, “I’m sorry!” BAM!! Police violence killed her any way.
These are the type of actions that give life and purpose to “Black Lives Matter” because too often when African Americans encounter law enforcement, our blood pressure skyrockets.
If each American person, as well as each American racial and ethnic group, would be honest, I believe we all would have to admit that we can be more truthful about the causes of violence in America. Sadly, due to our allegiance to sub-substandard values that are based upon race, gender, political affiliation and religion, we ignore our culpability in the growing violence in America.
When we have presidential candidates being attacked and shot, it is passed time for us to begin speaking a word directed towards the truth regardless of whom the truth may disturb. Violence begets violence. We have allowed America to become too comfortable making money from violence even though everyone knows that violence is not the answer. That, dear people, is another accurate description of insanity.
What can we do as individuals or as a community? First, let us stop lying to ourselves and accept that we are directly or indirectly part of the problem. Silence towards or ignoring the violence problem are forms of being part of the problem. Challenge our leaders — across the board — to stop soft-paddling on the issue of violence. Teach our children the value of life. Teach them how to discern the messages in the media that are set to destroy them before they reach full adulthood.
Encourage our elected officials and religious leaders to challenge any industry that promotes violence. Tell our politicians to get out of the pockets of self-serving lobbyists who don’t give a care about our well-being. Our religious leaders need to unite with people across faith lines, because violence is killing us all. Let’s tell the truth by speaking a word directed to the truth. Thank you for reading these few words.
Well said and insightful words that accurately describe what the problem is today.
Thank you for your words
Thank you for this article, Imam Mikal!
Yes, let’s each of us do our part to convince the world that violence is never the solution for anything.
I fear that many may be tempted to resort to violence if elections in November don’t go their way.
This would be a sad picture of our country!!
Such an insightful read, these are things we must start raising awareness about in our communities. How many more stories do we need to hear like Michael Brown’s or George Floyd’s? How many more teens like Michael Taylor need to lose their hopes and dreams to violence? Sonya Massey should be here with us today but the system failed her. And we indirectly failed her. It’s time to take action and start saving our communities. These comfortable folks in power don’t care for our safety or well being.
Thank you Imam for your words of wisdom.
Excellent article Imam Mikal. Thank you.
Your writing makes important points about violence and our society. It is factual, stirs emotions, and gives us a call to action. Very sad about Ms. Massey. That part of our culture is very sick. Hope there will be justice…
Well written and thought-provoking. We all must do our part if we are going to make a difference. Thanks for speaking out with a clear voice.
What a great assessment of the current times we live in, in America.
Dr. M L. King, Jr. would ask the question, “Where Do We Go From Here?”
Where DO we go from here?
Without a doubt, we should always be reminded until we effect change.
Very well said. I hope the country can make the mental changes it takes to want for their brothers and sisters what they want for themselves.
I think a resource with some insights for those interested in the plight of urban violence is BLACK ON BLACK VIOLENCE
THE PSYCHODYNAMICS OF BLACK SELF-ANNIHILATION
IN SERVICE OF WHITE
DOMINATION
AMOS N.WILSON
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