Regardless of polarized judgments, assertions and even commentary, the generation of discussion about race relations is something we all must look at. It is important with the amount of pseudo-social groups to understand prior civil events. Incidents like the beating of Rodney King become different narratives that help convey the story of American history. Not only do these events convey American history, they also illustrate how social implications can inspire change.
Slight change.
After many years people still recall the mournful cry of King whose vicious beating by members of the Los Angeles police department was caught on video. “Can We All Just Get Along?” was a phrased uttered by King in a time of much turmoil and disparity.
At the time of the King’s brutal beating, I was barely old enough to understand ramifications of not working together. I only knew I had to share my paper with someone who forgot to bring his or her paper to school. But after having different experiences and studying about civil issues, I have learned that sharing with my fellow peers was only the first step in building relationships.
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Normally when we hear the word anniversary it is surrounded by positive gestures and actions. Minus the havoc, Friday, April 29, 1992 will always be a significant date because it put race relationships and unnecessary force in front of everyone to see. During the Los Angeles riots sources report over $1 billion in damages and also over 50 people died. Not only could the ramifications of the King incident be quantified but these experiences can also be qualified. Once the four officers accused in the beating were acquitted a year later by a predominantly White jury, all the rage of citizens quickly turned into the worst single episode of urban conflict in American history.
Homosexual. Black. Muslim. Jewish. Social relationships are such a compelling topic that generates much needed discussion on current issues these different social classes. Now we are in the year of 2011. Has race relationships improved in America? Not much. But Better. And if you define better as blanketed statements that reflect ignorance and intolerance, sure. There is always room for progression. To confront these issues we have to reflect on past experiences within our culture. Growing up beyond the years of formal segregation and being afforded the opportunity to apply or attend any institution of choice, excuses of not interacting with other cultures have become obsolete. It is important to engage with people who necessarily don’t identify with those you are familiar with. These interactions encourage growth about various cultures outside of oru backyard. Relationships in everyday life help manage our connection to society.
Today we still visit the question of, “Can we all just get along,” when it comes to race relations in America. Are we really so different that we all can’t just get along?
–Drew-Shane Daniels
