Oren Goldenberg is a filmmaker who lives in the Cass Corridor.
By Oren Goldenberg
Last week I got jumped by 3-4 young men down the street from my house.
My physical injuries, thankfully, are cosmetic and healing. I am not quite sure about the other effects of this incident, but I feel it necessary to write something, mainly to counter the surge of anger my peers and family have reacted to me regarding the incident.
This incident happened in an area experiencing great change. I myself often feel the urge to react violently towards the changes happening around me. I walk down my street and see millions of dollars being spent to open stores that I do not identify with, nor are they selling anything for me - and I am the upper middle class. Thankfully the neighborhood has built and maintained some subsidized housing. The disparity, though, is comical. I use satire as my catharsis, yet I recognize this outlet is not suitable for all.
There is a current war happening in America, predominantly focusing on race, but in America this also equates to class. What happened to me is a very small casualty of this war, and honestly I am lucky to have escaped this battle fine. People immediately assume I was mugged, meaning the intention was to take my money, but this was not the case.
Responding with anger is stupid, and this goes for you, the listener of this story, too. I am not angry. I am deeply sad; sad at the powerlessness brought by extreme acts of violence; both in my own experience and historically.
Sad that we have isolated our neighbors, shuttered public spaces, and prioritized financial wealth over rich communities. And it makes me even sadder to hear your anger.
I do not blame these young men; we are all responsible for one another.
We have lost our places of sanctuary. If a church is not a safe place, how could I believe my street would be. The only sanctuary we can create at this time is not through brick or mortar, but through compassion. The only place worth building that we could be truly safe, is in the eyes of others.
The most reasonable response to this incident is to #wagelove So many acts of violence can only be halted with compassion. We are perpetuating violence with violence.
We are letting violence overwhelm all our other phenomenal capabilities as humans. We need less security forces and more reconciliation. We need less coffee shops and more street lights. Because everyone benefits from street lights. (Yes the incident happened under an unlit street light.)
Be the light in the darkness.
