I Am The Outrage

The very first paragraph of a Washington Post article on Alton Sterling’s death is the precursor to America’s eulogy:

“Officials in Baton Rouge moved quickly on Wednesday to quell national outrage…”

By now we have seen the video of Alton’s murder. We have added his name to the too long and growing list of innocent victims whose only crime was the color of their skin. As a white man, I feel angry and helpless. What can I do to advocate for my fellow citizens, my fellow humans? How can I help change a paradigm that means I walk through the streets confident and unencumbered, knowing that if I attract the attention of law enforcement at all, it is only to exchange a nod of acknowledgement, while those whose skin is darker than mine might find such an encounter a life or death experience?

I think I know. I can be the outrage. I AM the outrage. There is NOTHING officials in Baton Rouge or anywhere else can do to quell my anger. I will not allow myself to feel complacent in a system that is killing its citizens and itself by refusing to address systemic inequities. I will not be a part of America’s slow death by allowing my anger to dissipate.

Alton Sterling deserved better. Michael Brown deserved better. Trayvon Martin deserved better. Too many deserved and deserve better. I resolve to feel outrage before the next name is added to that list. I resolve not to sink back into a system that quells outrage one disgraceful murder at a time until the entire structure crumbles. I resolve to do what is in my power to make things better.

I am white. I am American. I am the outrage. And I demand a country in which EVERY American regardless of race, creed, gender, or other factors has the opportunities I had. Until that happens, let the outrage flow forth.

#RacialReconciliation