Lifestyle Insights
A damaged Statue of Liberty figure lays among shattered glass outside a looted souvenir store following protests over the tragic death of African-American man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis on June 2, 2020, in Manhattan, New York City. (Source: JOHANNES EISELE/Getty)
I have a couple of friends, Emma and David, who own a home just a couple of blocks from the site where George Floyd was killed. When their local Target was looted, I reached out to see how they were holding up. They were safe but understandably anxious, having long anticipated rising tensions in Minneapolis. They cherish their city, but were acutely aware of the growing discord between law enforcement and the Black community. While they recognized that things would likely worsen before they improved, they believed this was a necessary turning point.
Emma and David did not assign blame to the Black community for the vandalism; they understood that many of those arrested were from outside the area and linked to extremist groups. This perspective stood in stark contrast to the outrage I observed online. Initially, people were horrified by the footage of Floyd’s murder, but soon the focus shifted to the destruction: broken glass, overturned cars, and looted stores. Common questions arose: “What does this achieve?” and “Why harm your own neighborhood?”
A man collects shards of glass from storefronts as the cleanup begins in Downtown Crossing, Boston, on June 1, 2020. (Source: The Boston Globe/Getty)
It struck me as peculiar to witness individuals who had no connection to Minneapolis expressing such outrage, while those directly affected exhibited understanding. The lack of empathy was palpable. People sought justification for the riots without considering the desperation and rage that fueled them. Riots are not arbitrary; they are expressions of anger and frustration that arise when a community feels unheard and oppressed. This is in contrast to instances when fans riot over a sports defeat.
In college, I studied works that emerged post the 1992 Los Angeles riots, including Anna Deavere Smith’s one-woman play, Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992. This poignant piece captures the voices of those who experienced the riots, drawing from interviews with over 300 individuals, including public officials and victims of violence. Smith even embodied a Korean-American woman whose business was destroyed. Nearly three decades later, the themes resonate more than ever.
Ultimately, my studies led me to this conclusion: riots emerge when people can no longer bear the status quo. They arise after repeated calls for assistance go ignored, after countless peaceful protests and public appeals yield no change. When the systemic injustices are captured on video yet go unpunished, frustration boils over.
To those questioning why cities are aflame, I urge you to reflect on the depth of anger and hopelessness required to reach such a tipping point. The individuals posting about their outrage over broken windows likely feel secure and have much to lose. In contrast, many others feel they have nothing left to protect. This leads to a willingness to destroy and rebuild, a precarious situation for any society.
Let me clarify: I do not condone the destruction of property or violence in our streets. However, it is crucial to understand the underlying causes of these actions, especially for those focused solely on the damage rather than the systemic issues at play. We need to shift our focus from shattered glass to the voices of the outraged, the frustration that drives such actions, and the roots of the unrest.
Let’s not pretend we haven’t witnessed powerful figures take a stand, like athletes kneeling in protest or public statements from influential performers. The countless stories of unarmed individuals of color falling victim to police violence—like George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, and Eric Garner—illustrate a dire injustice that only worsens when ignored.
At this moment, the concern is not the looting or the broken windows; it’s the urgent need for systemic change. This change was necessary in 1992, and yet here we are, witnessing history repeat itself. If we fail to listen, the cycle of riots will persist. Riots are the voice of the unheard; to prevent them, we must genuinely listen, engage, and act decisively.
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Summary
The article discusses the social unrest following George Floyd’s death and emphasizes the need to focus on systemic racism rather than just the violent reactions. It highlights the importance of empathy and understanding the root causes of riots while acknowledging past injustices. The discussion urges readers to listen and act to foster meaningful change in society.