It’s one of the biggest stories of 2014. On Monday night, November 24, 2014, a grand jury decided not to indict Officer Darren Wilson on the shooting death of 18-year-old African-American Micheal Brown. The response has been fast and furious.
Technology, particular social media and smartphone cameras, have played a huge part of the story. Many, from my personal Facebook friends to NBA star Lebron James, have let their frustrations be known on social media outlets. They’ve also been used to organize boycotts all over the USA. In greater Boston, they have staged a march blocking Interstate exits in protest to this verdict. On Facebook, there have been calls to boycott Black Friday. There has been calls to boycott the entire greater St. Louis area altogether. And cell phone cameras have caught some of the rioting and it has led to some arrests. We couldn’t exactly communicate on social ills like this prior to the late 2000s. This goes to show you how much technology has changed the whole game.
Like many, I’m saddened and heartbroken at this terrible injustice. But violence, looting and chaos are not the answer! All that does is add fuel to the fire and reinforces ugly stereotypes. But something must be done. I wouldn’t mind partaking in an economic boycott on Black Friday as well as boycott the entire St Louis area until the Michael Brown family gets the justice they deserve. For example, if I were hosting or leading a tech conference in St Louis in the near future, I would move it to another city. If you’re in that position, don’t have your conference in St Louis anytime soon! During the Civil Rights Era of the late 1950s and? ’60s, they boycotted downtown facilities and businesses nearly shut down. Business owners got the message and integrated their facilities. Remember, we have a lot of economic power, especially this time of year, where everyone is competing for our spending dollars. Shouldn’t we put our economic power to good use?
p.s. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!