Defiance works, not over-the-top irritation

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a white American male, son of a doctor and a college grad; I know what privilege is. However, I also spent a few years working the orchards of Eastern Washington including not just picking fruit, but pruning, planting and thinning too. One spring I worked on a planting crew of five that had one each African-American, Hispanic, Native American and me plus an older, white, female boss, and we all became the best of friends. So I’ve experienced life with people without privilege; I know both sides.

In high school (1970) a black kid stayed for a week in the house where I was living away from my home (I was a difficult teen….) and we became temporary, good friends. He said it was because I didn’t treat him like he was black, which I didn’t fully comprehend until he told me stories. I knew white teenagers who got caught with alcohol and the cops just made them pour it out. But Alvin said anytime a black kid got caught, they went to juvenile detention for six months. Almost half his friends had gone, while none of mine had. That was the first time I truly understood discrimination.

I totally get what Black Lives Matter is about. But what I don’t get is why this group thinks their over-the-top, in-your-face approach to getting the word out will garner support for their cause. Dr. King’s success was through defiance, not just irritation.

This story was originally published May 31, 2017 at 5:37 PM with the headline "Defiance works, not over-the-top irritation."