Tuesday, September 23, 2008

The Value of Life

There's an incident that has been on the news here in New York City that has my mind spinning. A 52 year old man was robbed and beat in the head with baseball bats my two men, and it was caught on camera. As I watched this man being beat, I wondered how anyone could do something like that. There were two men with a baseball bat, they probably could have robbed him without trying to beat him to death.

Miraculously, the victim survived. He was beat in the head with a baseball bat for a gold chain, and his wallet and cell phone. Someone in the apartment building found him lying unconscious in the lobby 30 minutes later.

I watch a show called The First 48 on A&E. It's all about the first 48 hours of murder investigations. As sad as the show makes me, I can't stop watching. I really cannot believe how little value some people have for human life. I've seen shows where people were murdered for $500 or because they had a fight with someone and couldn't accept the fact that they got beat up. There are so many stupid reasons that I can't remember. Unfortunately, most of the people on the show are black. I know that it has a lot to do with where they film, but if i'm realistic I have to admit that a lot of my people don't value life the way they should.

My daughter believes that there are so many past issues that go into the mentality of those in our communities. Although that is something I fully understand, I want to know when personal responsibility comes in. When do you know that repeatedly beating someone in the head with a baseball bat is unacceptable? What kind of person do you have to be to do something like that?

My heart hurts for my people because I know what we are capable of. Imagine what we could accomplish if we lived the lives we are capable of living. We are a beautiful people. Why don't we realize the value of life?

9 comments:

SLC said...

Great question to end with and I don't have a clue to an answer. I've gotten into that show also. I don't like the show, but I keep watching it. It's saddest when the victim and the perp are juveniles. It;s unfortunate that something gets sown into the heart of these kids that cuts off the flow of love I probably take for granted. Based on your previous post and your daughter's comments, you've done a great job of sowing love and wisdom into her.
Know matter how angry someone makes me feel, I eventually am reminded by God that they are his and if they need punishment, or correction, or to be put in their place, he'll handle it.
Without God in my heart, and on my conscience, I'm not sure where I'd be today.

Strongblkwmn said...

I watched the show this afternoon and a 15 year old boy beat a man to death because he owed him twenty dollars. Well, there was more to the story. When he went to get his money the man, who was white, started throwing racial slurs his way. He said he blacked out and ended up throwing the man down the stairs and beating him to death.

When I saw his 15 year old baby face, all I could do was cry. It's just so sad.

I pray for our people every day. Since Barack has been running for President I have hoped that black children will see that anything's possible. Something's got to give. Yes, I have wonderful children, but I feel for those who get lost to the streets and God knows what else.

All I can do is pray.

Anonymous said...

Tammy , we have to realize everyone was not raised by C. Mitchell. Everyone does not the values and morals that were instilled in us. It is unfortuante though.

Keith said...

I watch that show (The First 48) and sometimes I have to turn it off. I get so depressed and disgusted with our people. People lose their lives quick over some of the most ridiculous stuff..Life is so fragile,so fleeting..I thank God every night when I put my key in the door ,that I made it through yet another day.

Don said...

First off, I am addicted to The First 48 Hours. Last year, my mom called and asked me to check out this show and I haven't stopped watching since. It's sad but very informative and provocative show.

As for the low value of life, yes, I agree that although we are beautiful people, there are many issues taking place long before the crime has been committed which eventually releases itself, in the form of violence and total disregard for human life.

Standing Able said...

Of course, I too am addicted to the show and I am a cop. I recently had a discussion with one of the Asst. Chief's here in DC and I told him that until our people change their way of thinking about their own lives the crime and violence in our communities will never stop. Until it is burned into the minds of our children, that they are our future, death and greed will prevail. After 18 years of seeing our young black children...because it's no longer just the males, shot,rape,beat and rob each other and the seniors of our communities, no story is unbelieveable to me. Prayer is truly warranted for our people! WE NEED BARACK MORE THAN EVER!

A Free Spirit Butterfly said...

I've seen violence for the past 18 years and that's why I'm counting down to my retirement "Lord Willing" It truly pains your wanting to help and being helpless, I don't want to just handcuff, do paperwork and go home. I want to go back to my youth where I innocently played outside and never saw violence, let alone cops that weren't on TV.

Strongblkwmn said...

I give good police officers so much credit. It's a job that I know I couldn't do. Thank you both for all that you do.

Lamika said...

I agree with Auntie E. Everyone has different morals, different values, different experiences. I'm glad my perspectives made an appearance on your blog. Holla.