Baltimore - A Struggle for Freedom

In the aftermath of the latest burned-out building and overturned vehicle, we can look upon the devastation and consider what really happened here.

It’s easy to see race - the color of one’s skin, the variants of these, and how a stereotype can be ingrained so deeply into our subconscious. It’s easy to see anger and the results of it. Destruction, flames, rows of humans drawing lines and taking stands. It’s easy to name call, no matter if labels come from the media, reporters or unsophisticated community ”leaders” such as the President of the United States.

But when you go beyond the surface, and you take the harder path, the higher path, you may find some things yet to be discovered, the same discoveries that would aid us all in finding peace.

The path towards understanding another can be the longest journey, especially for those who have taken a stand, full of self-righteousness and indignation. But understanding is what is required.

I believe the fight in Baltimore, and for many of us fighting battles in our lives, has to do with some very core concepts and ideals: respect, autonomy, freedom, with these three being closely related terms.

When any of us is disrespected, we have - if unchecked and unattended - a built-in response of agitation that leads to frustration, resentment and anger. When any of us have our boundaries and autonomy stolen from us, we can react with utter hopelessness and utter outrage, two sides of the same coin. When any of us have our freedoms infringed, our spirit and soul is compromised, and the emotions that arise from this are often fear, pain, bitterness and rage.

With such bundles of unbridled emotions simmering underneath a community, it’s no wonder that once the lines were pushed too far that the action burned into reaction. There is no doubt in my mind that there are many cases when certain races in specific neighborhoods and cities are having their respect, autonomy and freedom blown to bits. So what is one to do with that? What is one to do with the emotions of frustration, fear and rage? When these arise, people come to a crossroad - request for understanding and offer the same OR draw the battle-lines to fight?

Do we see much drive for understanding when we turn on the newscasts? I don’t see it. What are the people of Baltimore met with in the face of their overriding discontent? A row of defensive line-drawers in the garb of military might, and the salivating media wanting to capture the bloody drama. But this is just the tale spun and glorified by those dealing with the surface shadows.

For me, the story of Baltimore isn’t about fires and destroyed property or even one very tragic death. It’s about freedom - the core quality of liberty we desperately need nourished and cherished. Every revolution has as its backbone the desire for true freedom. The government and the media and the leading label-maker of our country may keep their collective power by marginalizing others with tags of ”thugs” and such, but for me, I will follow those who wish to extend a hand of understanding. I will lead from this place as well.

Could there be a better way that would hold more respect, autonomy and freedom than that?

Jim Ellis is a writer and producer living in San Diego. He can be reached at LegacyProductions.org.