Problem? First Look In The Mirror.

While there are many areas of turmoil and injustices around the world, we seldom pay too much attention until the matter is close to home. The recent events that followed the death of a black man at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis has captured the attention of people in many countries, leading to demonstrations in several countries with those in the United States accompanied by arson, vandalism and looting, a far too often reaction for addressing racial disharmony there. Although the latest forceful show of discontent has captured the attention of many, it remains to be seen that once the dust settles and people move on with their lives, will there be any real change.

People have referred to deep-rooted discrimination in all sectors of our society as well as issues of police brutality, all valid concerns that must be addressed by all if there is really a genuine interest in moving forward. From my perspective, this is not only a top down effort but one that everyone has ownership in. When we feel we have been wronged, our first reaction should not always be with finger-pointing as it is possible that some situations may be rationalized if we take the time to look in the mirror asking ourselves if there was anything we did, or failed to do, that could have altered the outcome, keeping in mind that it is not always the sole fault of the other person.