Milwaukee Marred

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on the outrageous looting and beating that took place over the Fourth of July weekend in Milwaukee's Riverwest neighborhood. In short, a large number of black youths stormed a gas station, created mayhem, stole numerous items and fled. Then, another group of misfits swept over, robbed and attacked a group of twenty or so young (white) adults who were at a local park to enjoy the evening's fireworks. One victim's jaw was broken and another was mercilessly taunted with, "Oh, white girl bleeds a lot." 

There are many revolting elements to this story:

- The widespread double standard among the elites in this country when it comes to talking about racism. (Just imagine the outcry if a frenzied white mob attacked a peaceful black crowd.) Note the bizarre editorial from the JSOnline, commenting on whether or not race was a factor:

Some witnesses and residents questioned whether race played a role in the looting and beatings. Witnesses say the attacks were unprovoked and that the victims were white and the attackers were African-American. But we'd agree with [Police Chief Edward] Flynn, who said crime is colorblind.

"Colorblind?" Seriously?

- The out of control breakdown of the most basic social mores within large segments of the black community, something that is regularly glossed over and totally ignored by most local and national political leaders. This contagion can be directly traced to the utter collapse of the core family unit, most significantly, the disappearance of the respectable, manly father figure. He has been replaced by the notorious, crude ghetto-thug male entertainment personality that constantly debases women and sexuality. (The gym I attend plays a veritable, maddening loop of offensive rap music and, in nearly all the "songs" the lead singer prattles on in the most vulgar, narcissistic and lascivious way about his series of sexcapades.) In fact, the paternal element (or lack thereof) has wreaked great damage across the board within society, regardless of race, but it is most conspicuously MIA in the black community. The reluctance to face this reality on the part of our nation's elites, and a good number of everyday citizens as well, solely out of fear of being labeled a "racist" will only contribute to the downward spiral well underway within the black community and, regrettably, will further dilate tensions between the races. Admitting the problem, they say, is the first step.

- There are many law abiding citizens of all races who simply want to enjoy the benefits of urban life and are utterly exasperated with this nonsense. Milwaukee has many great niches to enjoy during the pristine summer months, places that people should be able to enjoy to the fullest without fear of being swarmed and ravaged by a cadre of maniacal thugs. I am all for efforts to gentrify older parts of the city that were once thriving hubs of culture and activity (usually begun by quaint pockets of ethnic minorities), but witnessed a slow and painful decline during the 70s, 80s and 90s. During these years, "white flight" set in, and old school city life was, in many respects, abandoned in favor of land, safety and quiet.

Rather than fleeing to the boring, sterile sanctuary of the burbs, many have pondered, why not make it our aim to revitalize the older, time-tested centers of city life? The charming architecture is usually exceptional, the churches are stunningly beautiful, and the narrower streets, together with the close quarters of the various shops and cafes make for ideal evening and weekend strolls. On the flip side, if such places are surrendered over to crazed criminals and roaming delinquents, what hope will remain for any lasting urban renaissance? Here's the Gordian knot: How does one begin to revitalize a segment of a city if he cannot even venture out at night for a walk without constantly looking over his shoulder? What appeal does such a neighborhood possess?

Perhaps to an even greater degree, Saint Louis is facing a similar dilemma as Milwaukee. Saint Louis is a great city and, like Milwaukee, there are many parts where you can see the ghosts of a once-glorious past, but now decay has set in. With some degree of success, parts of the city have seen signs of a respectable restoration, but the feeling in those parts is always a bit tense because the looming danger that presses in around you is ever present, especially at night.

It is a worthy fight, but the challenges, and dangers, are many. Despicable incidents like the one that marred Milwaukee last weekend will either cause us to pack up and flee for the hills, or will steel our resolve to plant our flag and stand pat. I opt for the latter option.