Editor’s Note: Opinions expressed in letters to the editor are those of the author, and publication in the Graphic in no way represent an endorsement of any opinions published. This space is provided to allow public response and commentary on articles and issues which are covered by the Graphic and important to its readership.
Dear Editor,
After reading “Politicized Justice Harms Race Relations,” I was stunned at what was spewed by a member of our Pepperdine community. Politicized justice doesn’t harm race relations — it exposes cruel realities to those whose only glimpse of such tragedies is through television. When confronted with such cognitive dissonance, their knee-jerk reaction is often to “point the finger” at others in a feeble attempt to discredit those politicizing the injustice. A more Christ-centered response would be to seek understanding. That our lives have meaning isn’t “regrettable.” It’s commendable! Every free person in the United States has the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. However, in such tragedies, it feels like those words are written in fine print. Michael Brown’s life was as valuable as that of the policeman who shot him. It was also as valuable as Cote Keller — the article’s author. Brown’s death isn’t a “symbol of ongoing racism,” it is a reflection of it. The protesters and advocates for justice aren’t just “spectators.” They experience a similar reality. I remember my father being stopped while driving in a white neighborhood. I recall the exact instructions my parents gave my brother regarding what to do if he was stopped by a policeman. I remember when I was accused of stealing from a store (last week). For people like Keller, the Ferguson event may have been the first time they saw such an event. However, when Brown was shot, I saw the face of my brother, my father and my future son. I won’t assume Keller’s intentions in writing this article, for that would be replicating his community-damaging tone.
Despite Keller’s incendiary rhetoric, the facts remain. Brown was shot six times. Wilson was unaware of the robbery when Brown was shot. Brown is dead. So, you see, politicized justice does not block interracial understanding — unfounded and illogical diatribes steeped in stereotypes do that.
Sincerely,
Senior Niala Charles
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