This article is about Chris Schaefer, a senior at UMSL, and his run in with Ferguson protestors. Schaefer was attending a church meeting to discuss what to do for future protests as an advocate of the Ferguson community. Unfortunately, despite his initiative to brainstorm future demonstration plans, five "fellow protestors" jumped Schaefer and attacked him. They did this while outside of the church where the meeting was held and video taped it for live streaming. They eventually pointed to the street and told him to run. He ran in to a Walgreens, where they called 911. The protestors are supposedly from a group called "Lost Voices." It is not clear if Schaefer provoked any of them.
This article interests me for two particular reasons:
1. - This story reminds us of the difference between organized advocacy and disorderly conduct.
I like to think of the protestors in Ferguson in a positive light, as I think a large majority of them would like to see that justice be done and want the best for their city. I think the protestors have been viewed in a really poor light and projected in the media only as troublemakers, which is such a shame during a season bolstered with self-advocacy and civil rights. As a white American, I think it is my duty to remain empathetic and humble to what black Americans go through every day.
However, there is a stark difference between positive activism and harming another. From an outsiders point of view, seeing as how Schaefer seemed concerned for the needs of the city by being at this meeting, he should have been considered on the same side of justice as the ones who attacked him. However in this specific situation, the five "protestors" are concerned less with justice and more with their own anger. These kinds of actions produce negative consequences and could make it more difficult for individuals like Schaefer to have empathy. Fortunately, I was pleased to see his understanding that not all protestors are unified and that these five do not necessarily represent the majority.
2. - Schaefer is from UMSL. This is significant for me as someone who also goes there and is studying the community of Ferguson. It is a good reminder that while I make efforts to open up my heart to the city and continue to exemplify empathy for them, that I should also remain safe. Being radical in our serving as social workers does not always mean letting our guard down completely. It is always important for us to maintain a balance -- free from stereotype, but cautious and careful.
Yes, being safe is one of the most important things we can do not only as people but as social workers. Often times we are going to walk into some uneasy or unsafe situations and its important skill to have to say I do not feel safe I need to remove myself or get help. This is hard to do because at the end of the day most of us just want to help people and make a difference but we can not do that to the best of our ability if we are scared, hurt or injured.
ReplyDeleteAgree completely on both points Susanna. Very important to always maintain your own safety in whatever situation you are in and be aware of your surroundings. There are many difficult and tense situations that will arise as a social worker but it is important to remain calm and be aware.
ReplyDeleteThe article is disheartening though to see that someone was trying to support the community but was in turn injured and attacked. I have to be honest that I am somewhat hesitant to travel into Ferguson right now being a white female. I know that the majority of the individuals are promoting justice and peace but I still feel very uneasy and that I am being viewed negatively because I am white. This has helped me though understand somewhat how black people may feel when entering a community they are unsure of. I know it cannot compare to what some black people have experienced but I guess it has increased my empathy.
When I fist hear about this article I thought it was fake. I honestly couldn't understand why this would happen to someone. I think beating the crap out of Schaefer was an over reaction. I understand being upset about if he was breaking the rules but I personally believe violence should be the last resort.
ReplyDeleteI think the media makes things worse by publicizing this kind of thing. Ferguson is already thought to be the epicenter of violence right now, by the rest of the world. I don't think the media should focus on one violent issue when things have been calm recently. I think it is ridiculous to beat someone up for any reason. I think this is a cultural problem, but I have no idea how to fix it. Does anyone else have an idea on how to stop the culture of violence in our society?
This article makes me very sad. Maybe the other protestors thought he was being some sort of "traitor", but I agree with Ashley in thinking it was definitely an over reaction. I think especially since this meeting was in fact in a church, that violence should be the very last resort. I do not see why those fellow protestors would not have just told him to leave because I am sure if multiple people went up to him telling him to leave, he would. I also agree with Susanna in regards to being free from stereotype but also having your guard up and being well-aware of your surroundings. I think being a woman makes me constantly aware of my surroundings, but this is due to my gender not a race stereotype. I wish I could answer Ashley's question on stopping violence in our society, but I do not know either. I wish I did!
ReplyDeleteI agree with all the comments made previously. I believe that the media has played a huge role in the depiction of Ferguson to the rest of the world, and I don’t think it has been positive. The media has mainly focused on the negative aspects of the situation, such as the looting, and not on the positive protests. Like Ali and Lori, I think I am also more aware of my surroundings and am hesitant to go to Ferguson. While I did not feel uncomfortable when we went to the coffee shop, I would not go at night because I would fear for my safety. Now how much of my fear is realistic and how much is based on what I have seen in the media is not clear.
ReplyDeleteThe media has been absolutely despicable in my opinion. To add to what some of you have said, the media has been picky about what they choose to talk about. I'm not just talking about the media as in the news, but social media-which is usually based off of stories on the news. Where are the news stories about police offers and young people hugging? Where are the stories about the march from St. Louis to Jeff City? All we keep getting fed is the horror stories-businesses being looted, people being murdered etc. This is only perpetuating fear into more people, and they rub off on other people, and all we hear is negativity. Violence is never an answer for anything, and perpetuating that violence through media is even worse.
ReplyDeleteI just feel like there must be more to this story than what was reported. There is no excuse for violence, but it just seems like that faction of the protest movement would not be joining a meeting in a church.
ReplyDeleteThis article makes me feel indifferent. When I attended "My Brother's Keeper Initiative", the women sitting beside me in the group was really upset about the media being present at the meeting. She kept nudging me saying why are they even here. I acted as if I didn't hear her because I myself am not a resident of Ferguson and I wasn't sure if she would feel like I was also an outsider. All of the violence is unnecessary and is killing us as a society.
ReplyDeleteKate, I agree with you that the media has been absolutely despicable! They seem to hype everything up in a negative way, especially social media. I have to admit I get majority of my news from Facebook and I too witness a lot of the negative aspects of the protesting. I believe this is why many people turn their nose up to protestors and wish that they would just stop. I believe that they are not understanding the message of the protestors because media is so focused on the riots and looting. They are not capturing those positive messages expressed by the peaceful protestors. Therefore society is not seeing or understanding the big picture! I honestly would not mind being personal involved in positive protesting. However, I get discouraged every time I see a violent picture, video or quote broadcasted by the media about the violent acts going on in Ferguson by the "protestors" at that moment I can only think about my safety.
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