You probably remember 1991, when Rodney King was pulled over for speeding and beaten by four white LAPD officers. The beating was captured on video camera and caused many to wonder why such force was used.
The matter was taken to court and a jury consisting of 10 white guys, one Latino and one Asian acquitted the police officers and were set free.
The decision ignited one of the largest riots in American history. The black population saw an injustice (rightfully so) and decided to take to the streets.
So now, with Barack Obama making a serious push to be our next president, how will the African American population react if he doesn't win? Will they simply say that is the system and he should have gotten more votes? Or will they feel Obama would have lost simply because he is a black man? Will the hope they now have of seeing a black man in the Oval Office completely turn around on them and make them upset?
If they became angry and disillusioned with American politics, it could send shock waves across the nation. Imagine all these people that were given such hope getting angry. Instead of a three day riot in L.A., there could be a huge nationwide riot.
Now I realize the chances of that are extremely slim, but I do have to wonder what it would do for the psyche of many minorities. They are currently being built with hope. But what happens if that hope gets crushed? Will it discourage them and cause them to think a black man could never become president?
I personally think little will happen. Actually, I think Obama will win, but if he doesn't there will be those who are naturally upset. But instead of taking to the streets, I would hope there would be an amount of pride in the accomplishments Obama made. I would hope minorities would see this not as a set back, but a major step in the right direction.
What do you think?
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