I’m confused.

My great grandparents worked for everything they got in their lives.

My grandparents lived through the depression and worked hard for everything they got in their lives.

My parents worked hard for everything their got in their lives.

My three siblings and I have worked hard for everything we have.

My two sons and their significant others have worked hard for everything they have.

None of us were handed anything. So I am confused about exactly what is the “privilege” some people would suggest I am supposed to feel bad about and that I should have to have to apologize for? 

Like millions of other people I have watched the video of the incident in Minneapolis involving the arrest, restraint and death of George Floyd. Other than the fact that the officer kneeling on George Floyd’s neck in the video was white and Mr. Floyd was black I am confused about what was said or done to make this a racially motivated or racist incident? I am in no way condoning the actions, inactions and decisions of the involved officers. People are right to be outraged by the actions and inactions of those four officers leading to the death of Mr. Floyd. I am just confused however, about how this went from being about the use of force and decision making of the involved officers to being about race. 

I am confused about how rioting, destroying and burning property, businesses, libraries, post offices homes and communities already suffering from COVID-19, and physically attacking citizens and the police in any way honours the memory of George Floyd. 

I am confused how burning down police stations, damaging and destroying police vehicles, attacking police officers with rocks, bottles, brick and Molotov cocktails, shooting police officers and killing police officers in cities around America honours Mr. Floyd and helps to enhance police – community relations. 

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Martin Luther King Jr.

I am confused by lack of outrage by community and civic leaders as their communities are destroyed by criminal activity. 

I am confused. 

I know my confusion will piss off some people who read this. Some will tell me, “Willis, you don’t understand.” And, they are right. I don’t understand. That is why I am confused. 

Some will say, “You are not confused, you are just an ignorant racist.” And I will be confused by that allegation.

Some will say, “You are a police apologist and want to justify excessive force by cops.” And I will be confused by that as I am in now way condoning the actions, inactions and decisions of the officers involved. 

Many of the people who read this will agree and share the same confusion. Some will be unwilling to agree out loud for fear of being labeled. 

Let’s take a breath, step back from the emotion and ask, “Is this true? If so how do we know it is true? What facts and evidence do we have to lead us to that conclusion?” 

What’s Important Now? Ignored behaviour is condoned behaviour. This applies to everyone. 

Take care.

Brian Willis

www.lifesmostpowerfulquestion.com

www.winningmindtraining.com

Maximizing human potential through Life's Most Powerful Question - What's Important Now?

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