"If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside cannot hurt you."
-African Proverb-
Picture this fictional scenario, if you dare: Rev. Al Sharpton is addressing a huge crowd, on the state of Blacks in America. Among the people in attendance are celebrities, politicians and folks of every socio-economic status.
Cheerfully acknowledging the masses, the New York native walks briskly to the podium and greets the audience. "I am hear to talk about the atrocities African-Americans have suffered in this country. You know what they are; slavery, racism, lynching, inequality, injustice and every heinous act under the sun," Sharpton says emphatically. "And don't forget the Jena Six", someone reminded the charismatic minister.
"Oh yes", says Sharpton adjusting his tie. "How could we forget the Six young Black men from Jena, Louisiana, who were wrongfully charged with attempted murder, after assaulting a White youth." (Log onto http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jena_Six to read more about the case that resulted in a protest rally on September 20, 2007, with over 50,000 marchers, mostly African-Americans participating).
Spurred on by Sharptons suggestion that Blacks continue to play the race card, the crowd shouted "Amen". Suddenly from out of nowhere came a lone voice. "What about Black-on-Black crime Mr. Sharpton?" The voice continued, "You and other well-known Blacks such as Jesse Jackson and popular talk radio host Tom Joyner, protest and take to the streets when Blacks are unjustly treated by people of European origin, but you can't be found when Blacks kill each other. Why is that?"
Taken aback by the comments, everyone in the crowd including Al Sharpton, turned to see who had the audacity to bring up a topic, that many African-Americans refuse to talk about. But there she stood, an attractive Black woman in her mid 40s, dressed elegantly in a pinstripe suit, who was visibly aware of the controversy her question incited.
Looking Al Sharpton straight in the eye, the regally dressed stranger, again asked the question. "Why is it that when Blacks kill other Blacks, no one in the African-American community blinks an eye? And since you obviously have all the answers Mr. Sharpton, can you answer that?"
Peering angrily at the woman, Sharpton mumbled, "You know Black folks don't air their dirty laundry." "Yeah", proclaimed the woman, clenching her arm. "And therein lies the problem. Perhaps, if we spent less time blaming others, and concentrate on how we treat each other, the number of Black-on-Black crimes that occur annually could be drastically reduced . But that doesn't interest you does it Mr. Sharpton, because you are too busy playing the blame game."
Stunned by the dialogue, for once in his life, Al Sharpton was speechless as he looked down at the podium. Not surprisingly, speechless seems to be the common reaction of African-Americas when discussing Black-on-Black crime. It is a subject no one wants to talk about, but I do, and I will.
Stop Pointing Fingers!
Do you know who is responsible for the high homicide ratio among Blacks? Take a guess. If you say Caucasians you'd better guess again. No, the # 1 group primarily responsible for killing Blacks are Blacks. According to the Justice Department, Black males age 15 to 19 are the leading victims of murder by firearms at the hands of other Blacks. Similarly, a 1995 FBI report revealed that approximately 49 percent of U.S. murder victims killed that year were Black. That is a staggering statistic. More puzzling is the fact that more than 95 percent of the murders were committed by other Blacks.
Other statistics worth noting:
* In a 22-year span (1976-1998), 94% of Black victims were murdered by African-Americans.
* Among the victims of violence ages 12 to 24, 82% of the victimizations of Black males involved an offender or offenders of the same race. These figures plainly indicate that instead of trying to live peacefully, people of color are shooting, stabbing and beating each other. Yet, we continue to ignore these facts and close our eyes.
Speak Up Now!
Black leaders eagerly address racism and police brutality. But how many times have they given a candid discussion on Black-on-Black violence? Moreover, can you recall the last time this issue appeared on a race relations forum? To further emphasize this problem, we screamed bloody murder in 1998, when James Byrd Jr., a 49-year-old Black Texan was chained to a pickup truck and drug to his death by three White men. But where was that outcry four years later, when Charlie Young Jr., of Milwaukee, was killed by 16 boys when he was beaten with rakes, shovels and broomsticks?
According to reports; the deadly altercation began when a 10-year-old hit Young with an egg. In retaliation, Young, 36, punched another youth in the mouth, drawing blood. Subsequently he was pummeled by the youthful mob, who beat Young so severely he later died from his wounds.
Or what about Jack Moore and Anthony Stuckey? In August 2002, seven thugs were charged in the death of two men, who were dragged from a van after it accidentally plowed into three women, as they sat on a stoop in an Oakland, Illinois neighborhood. According to reports; as Moore, 62, and Stuckey, 49, lay injured on the ground, they were pummeled with feet, hands, bricks and stones as dozens of spectators looked on. Sadly, the victims and perpetrators in both cases were African-American .
So where was the outcry from Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson denouncing these murders? Where was the anger of the African-American community? Where was the furor of civil rights organizations that foster humane tactics? Not surprisingly, their voices were eerily quiet. And why is that? Why do Blacks become angry when killed by members of other races, but remain unaffected when we kill each other? Have we become so predisposed to violence in our community that we simply don't care?
In assessing this issue, its difficult to acknowledge who is the real enemy? Is it the White Establishment that held our fore parents in captivity for hundreds of years? Or is my enemy the Black person who greets me on the street with a smile on his/her face and hate in their heart?
Hence, with my fingers furiously typing on the keyboard, my eyes scan the TV screen. Glimpsing the weather mans plaid suit, I wonder what the average person will say when another Black person meets their death at the hands of another African-American today, tomorrow, or whenever it happens. Unfortunately, the answer is simple. They will shake their head and say with a sigh, So what?
For too long we've been thinking that our enemy was the other race; but if they were our enemy then, who is the enemy now? Sadly, our enemy has changed his color to Black. Or is that the way its always been? Yes we have met the enemy, and unfortunately IT IS US.
How to Combat Black-on-Black Violence?
* It is the responsibility of African Americans to eradicate this plague, and I urge everyone to join in. Thus, we have an obligation to start where we are; in our schools, families, churches, neighborhoods and community organizations. Don't ignore the facts. Arm yourself with information on Black-on-Black violence, so that you can discuss with others the legal, mental and cultural ramifications of this epidemic.
* Leaders, politicians and ministers should have an on-going forum to address this issue in depth. They spend hours talking about injustice, why not spend equal time on a topic that for too long has been placed on the back burner of the African-American agenda.
* Stop denying that the problem exists. The truth is, the longer we ignore it, the more it prevails.
* When an African-American is killed by another Black, show as much outrage as you would if the situation was reversed. Honestly, have you given much thought to the message we send out when we detest White-on-Black violence, yet look the other way when we kill each other?
* Start placing more value on the future of our children. By every measure the odds are against our youth, particularly young Black men who are more likely to die, be the perpetrator or victim of a violent crime and are less likely to attend college or finish high school. We all hope that our kids can thrive in a harsh world. Hence, we must use strategies to equip them with the value of their existence. Moreover, we must teach them the value of honor, character, love, laughter, purpose and pride.
* And lastly we should instill in ourselves that violence is never the answer, and that everyones life is valuable. So lets put the knives and guns away and put our heads together and work toward a better life, not just for ourselves but for future generations. We know the problem, now lets find a solution.
» left by Dave Tanguay (295 days 15 hours ago.)
I agree Peggy however we shouldn't only put our heads together but also our hearts. "If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside cannot hurt you."
A personal note Peggy: Where have you been? busy working or what?
» left by Peggy Butler(2,891) Peggy Butler (295 days 15 hours ago.)
Hi David:
Nice to hear from you. As for me, I have been busy working, but I am resuming my article input on searchwarp, by submitting monthly, or more, if my schedule permits.
Regarding the article, Black-on-Black violence is an issue that needs to be addressed now, but as people of color, we first have to admit there is a problem, and therein lies the tragedy.
» left by Robert Melaccio, Sr.(4,456) Robert Melaccio, Sr. (294 days 20 hours ago.)
Peggy and excellent article for us all to ponder. Did it not take a black woman on a bus to stir people to action. As a white man I admire that woman who got up and said her piece in truth not cowardice. In my opinion the cowards do not have an answer. It demonstrates their true intentions. Yes, it is up to all of us to speak the truth about hate, greed, exploitation, abuse, killing no matter what the color, race, religion or whatever adn when required. It is all about human beings. Too bad that many it should reach will never get to read this. I must say that it is so sad how people can treat others regardless of who we are. Best wishes RTM Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (294 days 19 hours ago.)
Robert:
Your comments are right on the mark. Yes, the late Rosa Parks prompted the Civil Rights Movement, by refusing to give up her bus seat to a White passenger. Unfortunately, there are not many in the Black community who are willing to take a stance on Black-on-Black violence, with the exception of Bill Cosby and a few others who aren't afraid to stand up to the masses.
» left by Hannah Quinn(20,923) Hannah Quinn (294 days 16 hours ago.)
Peggy
What an excellent article and what intelligent arguments. As an outsider looking in, from Australia, it often puzzles me why African Americans insist on being called African Americans. I understand its roots, of course, but I wonder if to continue to do so also continues the divide. To accept all Americans - regardless of race of origin or colour - are Americans must surely also step forward the value of all life affected by crime committed by all.
It is difficult to reconcile encouraging a class of people to stand up and stop being victims without it seeming like further victimisation. We have a similar issue with indigenous Australians. Although, probably their situation is more akin to the indigenous Americans of earlier years in all actuality. We hear very little about them over here, so I do not know what their situations are currently. We have a situation here where one of the Aboriginal leaders, Noel Pearson, seems to be allying with a racist government but basically he does not want his people (our people) to be victimised or overly welfared. I agree but have had to wrestle with my own (white) desire to offer reparation for past injustices. However, to continue to do so is to infanticise them and to teach them to be victims. They lash out at each other, usually in a drunken state, and especially victimise their own children, including with higher rates than average of sexual abuse.
Obviously, things need to change. But it cannot be imposed change, nor should it be in anyway paternalistic. They need to stand up and be proud and demand more both from everyday society and from themselves. And we, as either white or mainstream, need to support their stance in this. We are all Australians and therefore deserve equality in all things. That means for both the good and the bad. Obviously, past ways haven't worked and we all suffer for it.
In this way, I think the situations are similar, at our base of humanity, at least. Noel Pearson is not a promoter of racial division, but he is deeply concerned about his people and wants a new way forward. There is the risk of change seeming to be backward instead of forward, and it takes much strength and inner fortitude to speak out for such a change when it also seems to open the door to the narrow minded, who claim justification for their views and want all assistance or the status-quo dropped. Change is a time of vulnerability but by refusing to change, all we do is maintain a different vulnerability; one which is often worse for us in the long term.
I admire your stance and courage. As a teenager, I was enthralled by Rosa Parks; in many ways she strengthened my own convictions at an impressionable age. Her real lesson is the courage to stand up for yourself, as an individual, as a class of people, as a human being.
I'm sure you will have an equally powerful impact. Good luck to you.
After reading your comments, all I can say is wow. Yes, it took a lot of courage to write the article, because some people will like the contents, and agree with me; and there is that segment who feel that I have crossed the line by airing "Black folks dirty laundry."
But this is my stance, I believe in it, and I will continue to write about it, until someone finally listens.
» left by Hannah Quinn(20,923) Hannah Quinn (294 days 12 hours ago.)
Peggy,
When it comes to airing 'dirty laundry', there will always be more naysayers than those who are willing to truly take it out and 'wash it'. It is always so with difficult and taboo subjects, but I truly believe that one small voice can grow to a loud voice with many echoes which eventually beat like the drumming of dirty laundry being cleaned against the jagged rocks - and in turn smoothing the rocks themselves.
Keep up the good work.
Hannah Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (294 days 1 hour ago.)
Hi Peggy, You have written a great article. I am white, born and raised in Alabama which automatically categorizes me in a lot of eyes. But believe it or not, my parents always taught us to respect blacks as much as any others and I grew up saying Yes Sir and No Sir (or Ma'am) to them. I have been shocked to see the mistreatment of them in the past. And me and my family were as elated as they were when integration finally arrived. This occurred years ago and I know that there are still those who resent it and would love to see segregation again. But, it would have been much better today if people like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson would just keep their mouths shut.
They display more prejudice than I ever witnessed in whites. They anger whites and therefore perpetuate racism. If it were not for level headed people like you, Bill Cosby and Jesse Lee Peterson, I fear that racism would return again with even more hatred than existed before. For example, if the incident where the group of young blacks beat the single white. Suppose the races where just the opposite, a group of whites beat up a single black. What would Sharpton and Jesse Jackson say? You know full well they would want every one of them to get life imprisonment. If there is ever to be peace between the races, both sides are going to have to shun away from any radical leaders on either side and simply forget there are different colors. Respond to this comment
Reading that you were born in Alabama and taught by your parents to respect African-Americans, prompted me to read your comments twice, and here's why. In reading your statements regarding Bill Cosby and Lee Paterson, I agree with you 100%.
As a 40 something Black woman, I have lived long enough to realize one thing, and that is: Racism is alive and well in America and throughout the world. But in order for African-Americans to persevere, we have got to understand that we can no longer point the fingers at others for our short comings. It is up to us to help ourselves, here and now.
Again, thank you for responding to the article and I wish you success in all your endeavors, be they big, small or in between.
» left by Judi Lake(2,197) Judi Lake (293 days 23 hours ago.)
Peggy, I think the biggest reason that I am your "fan" is, apart from admiring your style, you "tell it like it is." What you see within your culture, I see within mine on different levels. I think when the time comes that we meet our Maker face to face, many, many of us are going to be surprised. In my opinion, Ms. Butler, you have so many leadership qualities! Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (293 days 21 hours ago.)
Judi:
Your thoughtful remarks always make my day. As for your comment regarding the cultures, I understand exactly where you are coming from.
Not surprisingly, it's hard for some people to grasp, that in order to truly understand a particular race, you have to be a part of that group. For example, only a person of European origin can give a candid viewpoint of their race and or heritage, just like only I can give a perspective on African-Americans, etc.
But despite our differences we can respect and like each other. Unfortunately, that is a problem, many people of color have difficulty deciphering.
» left by Peter from San Mateo (293 days 19 hours ago.)
Peggy, great stuff.
Now here is the funny thing...everybody agrees...nobody knows what to do with that. Certainly we can not expect the big Government to figure out what to do ( they can not even figure out if we are in a recession or not!!).
There is only one bottom line here. If you think you are a minority ..then... you are one!! If you think you are a majority ... then... you are one.
As a white, European, well educated male in the "hunted" category, where everybody else gets free cards ( female, minority, disabled etc etc ) and takes my job(s) in the name of equality I tell you that I am a majority because that is who I am... even if I am traveling in China and I am the only white face out there. I am a majority because my family brought me up as a majority , a leader, not a follower.
So, it's back to where you came from, your family, your education etc that makes you either a minority or a majority and color has not too much to do with it.
Frankly, I believe that the current thinking of a colorless society is a hogwash idea and should be taken apart... quickly.... We should have colors, we should have differences and we should all use "our" advantages to be a leader and not a follower.
Let's stop pretending that it will go away, it won't!!! Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (293 days 19 hours ago.)
Peter:
After reading your comments, all I can say is: Welcome to the realistic, tell it like it is, and I offer no apology to anyone fan club, of which I am the official president and head honcho in charge.
Peter, I admire your stance, and your ability to not sugarcoat your words. Oops before I forgot, you made one statement that I agree with 100% and that is: "The current thinking of a colorless society is a hogwas idea and should be taken apart ....quickly." Truer words were never spoken.
» left by James W Vernon II from Mc Donough GA (292 days 20 hours ago.)
Hi Peggy:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article. But as I contemplated a comment I found myself in a quandary. Reading all of the other comments caused me to reflect back over my life and to be honest with myself. Plus try as much as possible to answer the question that you posed "Who's the Real Enemy?"
Well the "Real Enemy" is according to statements like these, "You are of your father the devil, and the lust of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning," and would not practice the truth: Who-so-ever hurts, murders, steals from, or kills another human belonges to the devil; because the devil sinned from the beginning. And for this purpose Christ Jesus was born, to destroy the works or misdeeds of the devil: And last but not lest be glad you that reside in the heavens, but be mindful you who reside on the earth! Because the devil is come unto us as hostile as he can be for he knows that his time is very limited!"
What does all this mean? It means that we are living in a world where we all make choices some good and some detrimental not only to ourselves but others as well. So who or whatever we give our allegiance to controls me "the person." And the decisions that one makes is based on the voice that is listened to in ones head. Please don't misunderstand I am not trying to belabor the point "but we are not contending with flesh and blood, but with principalities, with powers, with the rulers of darkness of this world, and with spiritual wickedness in high places. With these things in mind it would be totally impossible for mankind to save our selves without a super human Comforter...
So to blame Blacks or Whites for the atrocities that we face isn't really being fair to either race. Not taking any responsibility from the individual remember it goes back to choice. Whom do I choice to listen too. Thoughts become actions, actions become habits, habits become character, character becomes a way of life, and a way of life becomes destiny.
To address the problem of "Who's the Real Enemy" must start were mankind presently dwells. And that is with two powers in the world right or wrong, Christ or the Devil. For if we continue to choose the Devil then we are destined to see a time of trouble that this world has never seen, experienced, or known before. In other words we haven't seen anything yet!!!
As we search for solutions to solve the problems of Black America's so called Black-on-Black Crime Let us begin with The Prince of Peace. Not looking to so called leaders like Al Sharpton, or Jessie Jackson, or George Bush, nor Pope Benedict they can not satisfy the cry of the individuals.
So as I read statesments like "Humans possesed with demons, will take the lives of men, women, and children" I am comforted by the fact that one day Christ Jesus will descend from heaven with a shout , with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and anchored in Him shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet Christ Jesus in the air; and so shall we forever be with Him.
I don't about you but just the thought of that floats my boat...Once again thanks Peggy it has been real...
» left by Anonymous (292 days 18 hours ago.)
James:
I absolutely love your comments, along with everyone else who responded to the article. And you are right, life is full of choices, and what path we choose determine our destiny.
Likewise, you are right on the mark in saying that neither the Pope, George Bush, Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton, "can satisfy the cry of individuals." So, we turn our weary hearts to the sky, and hope that the Prince of Peace will intervene and bring this epidemic (violence) to a halt. Heaven help us all.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is
provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice
provided to you by any health care or other professional or
organization.
