It is a relief to look outside and see that the destruction and mayhem has not spread to my neighborhood. I can only faintly imagine what it must be like to live in parts of the city directly affected by the rioting. The fear and trauma must be very hard to bear.
As much as I think outsiders have had some role in the destruction, I am deeply concerned that many local people joined in the action. It is so hard for me to understand. I wonder about the societal conditions that have brought about this departure from basic humanity and conditioned such actions. I wonder how accountability will be acknowledged or assigned. Where do I fit in as part of the cause of it all?
Today I am hearing people who want to own the destruction because it signifies their rage and the depth of their frustration. I understand what they are saying, and I suppose I can understand that someone would self-immolate as a sign of protest. But I don’t understand how harming someone else is a suitable way to show your own anger.
Above all, on this day after a day of danger, I want to be aware of my part in this whole affair. The urgency of the situation has intensified. I want to be attentive how my patience about changing an unjust system is contributing to the continued problem. The time for being patient for change has passed. The best time for change is now.