Michael Brown Same Story Analysis

On August 9, 2014, at 12:02 p.m., white police officer Darren Wilson fired the ninth shot which would prematurely end the life of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager. This polarizing event sparked public outcry, protests, and major controversy as it went on to further stoke the flame of the growing Black Lives Matter movement ("What Happened in Ferguson"). Just four days after the event, amidst the chaotic and controversial fallout, American artist and political activist Richard Williams released a spoken word video titled: "Michael Brown, Same Story." Better known by his stage name, Prince EA, Williams's spoken word tribute to Michael Brown portrays the various factors that interplay in the racial tension between blacks and whites. He
"Policeman murders young black male, I can't say that I was surprised when I read that headline." He describes how the details change, but ultimately it is the same story. People misperceive blacks, feeling the need to defend themselves and thus escalate the situation far beyond reality. Moreover, Prince EA interjects the pointed reminder that "'protect and serve' refers to us, not you." Officer Wilson describes Brown as a Hulk figure, intensely aggressive, and with a demon-like demeanor. Wilson further dehumanizes him, making Brown out to be like a bull rearing to charge ("Darren Wilson explains"). This prompted Wilson's tunnel vision focus which blinded him to the glaring disparity in strength between a professionally trained officer against an unarmed
However, he pivots with this rebuke: "But don't get it twisted, black people kill black people every day and nobody bats an eye." He calls attention to the fact that this violent lifestyle that has been associated with blacks is generally accepted and goes unnoticed-by both sides. In contrast, when the act is perpetrated by a white officer, only then there is public outcry and protesting in the streets. He concedes that the black community continually turns a blind eye, and in doing so, fulfills a double standard. In lieu of the shooting, protesters angrily took to the streets, burning and looting businesses. Although Prince EA reemphasizes that all can agree that this was a tragedy, and not to let these stereotypes detract from that fact, he goes on to critique the community's response to the situation with a poignant, double-edged remark, "you treat someone like an animal for so long, don't be surprised when they exhibit the behavior." Prince EA recognizes the frustration that he himself feels as well, yet urges that the justice they seek will not be met through such means. It is at this point that Prince EA offers his solution, declaring that we must set aside our differences, remove the filters which polarize our communities, and realize that we are all human. We must work hand in hand to reconcile and bring about a change within, otherwise it