The Real Problem In Jena Is The Disease Of Ignorance

For months now, I have listened to people complain about the unfortunate activities amongst high school students in Jena. To be honest, I have deliberately elected not to read any articles about it because I don't like to receive any information from the media. Another reason is I don't want to get anyone's opinion about it because it would be just that-an opinion and not facts. What I did take note of is the amount of attention nationwide this incident has drawn. So I decided to find out a little more about what events occurred that led to yesterday's protest. I have read articles and public comments/opinions about this, but what I haven't read in any of those articles or opinions is a question that people have neglected to ask. That question is where are the parents in all of this, and what are they doing about the actions of their children; both black and white.

From what I have read, the actions, reactions, and results were unnecessary, unwarranted, and ignorant. Have the parents explained to their children how their foolish actions or reactions have escalated into something that was totally uncalled for? Ignorance is defined as a lack of knowledge, education, or awareness. If that doesn't describe the events in Jena, then what does? In 2007, there are white children perpetuating segregation by adhering to a long standing tradition of a "white only tree" on school grounds. In 2007, a black student has to ask permission to sit underneath this "white only tree" on school grounds. In 2007, white students make a statement against black students sitting underneath this "white only tree" by hanging a noose(es) from this "white only tree." In 2007, black students seek adult assistance and get improper attention. In 2007, a black student is beaten by white students because he chose to ignore the ignorance, and sit underneath the "white only tree." In 2007, black students respond to this chain of ignorance with physical violence ultimately exposing them to criminal charges, criminal arrests, and criminal convictions. In 2007, where in the hell are the parents in the midst of all this ignorance?

A rational parent would have told their child that he/she can't tell anybody where to sit in a public place. A rational parent would have told their child that racist displays such as a noose hanging from a tree is completely unacceptable. Its a painful image and reminder of what existed in American history, and it should not be a part of anyone's experience today. A rational parent would have told their child that physical violence is not the way to resolve anything, and if complaints to the appropriate people yeilded negative results, then that's when the rational parent becomes involved and find a lawyer willing to make a name for his or herself and file a civil suit against the appropriate people or entities. This is an unfortunate situation that involves children, parents, and professional adults who are lacking knowledge, education, and awareness. In sum, children, parents, and professional adults who are ignorant. There is a lack of knowledge regarding the history of racism and segregation. The lack of educating our children of all aspects of American history. An education that should be inclusive of more than a just few black leaders in this country. There is more to slavery and the evolution of this country than just Harriett Tubman, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Muhammed Ali, and Thurgood Marshall. Most importantly, the lack of awarenss regarding how racist acts affects people emotionally; black and white people. How physical violence impacts black and white people-not only leaving physical scars, but mental scars as well.

American people have come a long way, but we have a long road ahead of us. My response to comments made by adults trying to rationalize or justify the actions of these children is this. Those actions can't be rationalized or justified, and if you think those children (black or white) were justified in their actions, then please do a favor for the people who live in the small community of polite society. Either don't have children, or designate someone with better sense to raise your children. Maybe that might circumvent another Jena. Think about it....