We All Watched
Last night, two friends and I were riding a New York Subway to a studio session with Lil’ John. As we approached our stop a group of about five black teens (ranging in age from 12 – 14), got into a verbal altercation with an older African man. As their voices escalated, no one on the train really knew what they were arguing about, all we knew was that it was becoming more aggressive. My partner who was with me looked at the white people across from us, and said “People like them make it bad for us.” I interjected and said to the white people and to my friend, “They don’t represent me! And none of us knows what’s really going on so there is no need to defend our blackness in lieu of their ignorance.” We all watched.
When we reached our destination and the doors of the train opened, everyone exited and the beef spilled out too. We all watched. At least two of the teens were like “Come on, man, let’s go. Forget this dude!” The African then looked around at all of the exiting passengers as he loudly proclaimed, “I am from Senegal and what they don’t know is that I am already a dead man and have nothing to lose.” One of the teenagers then said, “Fuck you and fuck Africa, nigga!” as he threw the first punch. We all watched. The African grabbed his arm after the punch connected. That’s when all of the boys began punching, pushing and kicking the African. The sound of boots scuffing against a man’s skull. The savagery of five young cubs attacking an old lion. One man against five young men. The train began to depart and the brutal attack continued. Some passengers kept heading toward the exit, most of us stood there and watched.
I could’ve helped. I know I could have broken that fight up. I could’ve asserted my “grown ass man” authority and I know those boys would’ve stopped. But like many of the passengers, I failed because I watched. Which brings me to this, I’ve decided from now on, no matter the risk, no longer can I afford to stand by and watch. I will cash in the currency of heroism for justice and I suggest that we all try to do the same. That’s the only way that our children will learn right from wrong, seeing as though many of them don’t get those lessons in the home. Yes, I know what some of you are thinking. “Why risk your life or health for someone else’s battle?” Answer: I risked my life and health by standing there watching, the least I could’ve done was be proactive in trying to mediate the attack. No longer, can any of us afford to stand by idle and watch. Not only did I watch. BTW, I videotaped it, just so ya’ll can know I’m not lying.
Leave a Comment