The riots in Baltimore over the death of Freddie Gray have finally settled down to a level that allows for civil interaction. Most people will say that what happened in Baltimore was a travesty and should be stopped. But the question is, do people actually care? The answer is most likely “no” because people don’t actually take the time to get involved and try to make a difference regarding this issue. South Hadley is very aware of race issues, but at the same time isn’t the most racially diverse town in America, which contributes to the lack of knowledge about outside race issues. It is by no means all white, but the big problems concerning racism are so far away. The student body seems to have almost no idea what is actually going on. Either that, or they don’t care because it isn’t at their front door. When Freddie Gray was arrested on a weapons charge, he didn’t know that these would be some of his last moments in the waking world. Baltimore police subdued Gray, and gave him what is called a “Rough Ride”, which is when police put a suspect in the back of a van, but don’t secure them. This practice is not encouraged by the Police force, but is common when officers feel the need to “rough up” a suspect. The ensuing ride throws the suspect around the metal interior and often causes injury. Police were aware of Gray’s injuries prior to the Rough Ride, due to both his screaming and the interjections of people filming the arrest, which the officers who were present chose to ignore. This gives more fuel to the rumors that police are racist and abuse their power, and it is starting to look like people might have the right idea. It makes no sense how those who are supposed to protect and serve the populace decide to do something like this simply because they can. This breach of ethics and authority needs to be stopped, or crimes like that which killed Freddie Gray will never stop. That means that the people who see this happening and say how sad it is, need to stand up and actually go out and make a difference.

Danilchenko may be reached at [email protected]