The Philadelphia Starbucks Incident: A Teachable Moment If We Won't Be Silent.
The foolish action of calling the police on two Black men was isolated at that Philadelphia Starbucks location. It was the decision of ONE Starbucks employee, but typical of the response of SOME white folks who overreact to the presence of African Americans (Listen to the 911 call).
1) Police should not be in the business of arresting people "on-demand" who are not committing a crime. They should have refused to arrest them. The police do not work for Starbucks!
2) The two young men handled the situation as well as could be expected being embarrassed in front of people by being wrongly arrested. I too would have been disgusted and angry, but calm.
3) In the video, one white customer (see photo) is seen and heard defending the black men. Every person in that room should have been defending the honor and innocence of those men!
 |
| Great example: White customer using his privilege to defend the honor of two black men |
4) The person(s) who called the police should offer a personal apology to the men or be fired.
5) Note that ethnic/racial prejudice and racism continue to rear its ugly head--even as people insist that everything is "better."
6) I'm not going to boycott Starbucks, but I am going to protest the unneeded action of the police and the EPIDEMIC OF SILENCE of some white folks in that location (and in society) who should have spoken out against this action with one voice (as well as speak out on other matters).
7) If everyone used their privilege to help/defend others--and not be silent-- a lot of this foolishness would not happen.
8) Educate people in your spheres of influence about prejudice. It is not black folks' job to educate white folks––or visa versa. We don't need "racial" meetings and forums. We already know what to do. Use your voice to speak into these matters! Educate your children, family members, associates, and friends how to behave.
Ephesians 4:15, "But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ"
