Looting, Protesting, and Rioting

The protesting around our country can be understood by many to be proper regarding the circumstances. Yet, is it really proper?

Protesting injustice is being responsible and bringing attention to the problem. However, there is a proper way to do so and an improper way to do so. The most proper way to do such a protest is at the place of the injustice. For instance, if the incident occurred in New York, you protest in New York, preferably outside the government offices that can investigate and correct the injustice. It would also be proper to hold protests around the country to show solidarity with the people where the injustice happened. Yet, all of these protests should be done in a peaceful manner, in a public place, and should not block any streets.

Blocking streets, setting things on fire, and throwing objects at other people is not proper protesting. It is rioting. Rioting should not be condoned by anyone as it damages property and human beings that usually had nothing to do with the original incident. Unfortunately, looting is an offspring from rioting. People get caught up in the moment and just start taking things that do not belong to them. This is ludicrous. When people riot and/or loot in their own cities and neighborhood they are destroying themselves and their friends. It is also illegal and immoral. The most horrific part is that most of today’s rioting and looting is not even being done where the injustice happened.

The police, fire department, and EMS have a job to protect those being targeted by rioting and looting. The owners of the property being looted or destroyed have a right to protect their property. If you are rioting in the streets blocking traffic, starting fires, throwing things at people, impeding emergency vehicles, and/or looting private property; you are breaking the law. Both concerned citizens and the police have a right to prevent you from doing these illegal activities.

Please protest safely and peacefully. STOP the rioting and looting.