Imagine knowing the history of a Nation whose forefathers abolished slavery
and set a trajectory for equality.
But some in the society don’t think that’s how it should or was meant to be.
So they keep searching for a U-turn that leads back to the confederacy.
Imagine living in a society where many citizens believe
that all do not have Rights to equal access of basic care –
education, housing, employment, judicial or health.
To get, you must have some accumulated wealth.
And in that society it’s not an easy flow.
It’s based on how the regulations allow the market to go.
These being tied to beliefs of capitalism and individualism.
With a distaste for government intervention and collectivism.
Imagine that these thoughts of who should and shouldn’t belong
are not only from White-Anglo Saxon.
But from different shades of White and Brown.
Some whose families have been here for generations.
And others who are more recent to American soil.
Imagine trying to thrive in a community that has seen generations of poverty.
It’s not been out of lazy or a lack of will and try.
You have no choice because everyday your life
is an uphill climb and you’re just getting by.
But you’re fellowmen believe it’s of your fault.
You’re to blame for it all.
You’re the reason you’re struggling.
The trouble you put yourself in.
Your own dysfunction and malfunctioning.
Imagine that those who run the systems are satisfied with their present conditions.
Which don’t see any benefit for you to get.
And actually want for you to get less.
The rich and privileged are content to drive by.
Even giving a side eye of contempt.
A message is sent that you mean nothing to them.
Have you ever tried to imagine that feel?
Allow yourself to know this is reality for some.
Many for who you don’t care and on who you look down.
Have you allowed yourself to feel –
What it’s like to grow up in a society that doesn’t value your being?
And you’re able to witness the loathe and fear
That is expressed just by you being there.
Imagine living in a community where one of the main sources of PTSD
comes from the police.
Where police serve as prosecutors and enforcers.
Not to see, meet or greet in service or as protectors.
Imagine living in that space every day.
When those who are there to protect and serve
are of the belief that it’s something you don’t deserve.
Imagine that an average of three people are killed each day
by law enforcement in the USA.
Yet there is still resistance to address the cries of inequality and injustice.
Despite seeing the circumstances of some of the deaths.
Many would rather bury and forget.
They refuse to give the matter attention.
Accepting their knee jerk reaction of defending
and painting law enforcement as the victim.
In their minds, they are clear about who is to be tried and convicted.
Imagine some refuse to question the use of force by police
even when in the end there is death.
When the initial call was made as a call for help.
Imagine when the situation involves crime.
It’s signaled or accepted as judge, jury, prosecution and execution time.
Imagine marching in the streets to bring light to these inequalities.
And your actions are deemed to be worse than that of a rioting mob
which took on the job of toppling democracy.
As those who had a gripe against reality and the results of a fair election
staged an insurrection.
Yet peaceful protests are met with excessive
and expansive military-like law enforcement.
While the groups labeled as terrorists get presidential endorsement.
And many dressed in fatigues who attacked, even killed police
are loved by the then Commander and Chief.
Imagine people agreeing that some can be above the law.
Not the Black, Brown or poor of course.
That those with wealth, privilege and power can claim and take more.
Those in higher positions can be spared and excused.
So they have the liberty to downright refuse to bend,
make amends or accept consequence.
Imagine that the difference between the groups is race.
One aims to have itself elevated while having the others erased.
Imagine your sin is the color of your skin.
Imagine all of this – many of your fellowmen accepting.
Standing to the side, silent, doing nothing.
Imagine for some, it’s not in their imagination.
For them, it’s their living, breathing situation.
It’s not their perceive or over-reach.
It’s rooted in fact.
Truly allow yourself to imagine all of that!