Protests create only minor obstacles

I heard chatter regarding the police shootings protest at my work.

First was the typical “All Lives Matter” answer to “Black Lives Matter,” which is true, of course, but tends to ignore that all lives are not experiencing profiling and bigotry day-to-day.

Also heard: “I don’t mind the protest, but I don’t like it when you’re obstructing my day!”

It’s a sound thing to say on the surface. But what is one physical, visible obstacle in your day compared to those people who experience abstract, arbitrary obstacles that remain invisible until suddenly thrust in the way for their entire lives?

What is one frustrating delay in your life compared with those metaphorical ticking time bombs that are a constant fear for those who are not privileged with the safety of their skin color?

If you experienced a traffic obstacle, then try and think, “I’m glad that obstacle could be driven around.” Some obstacles are not so easy to avoid.

This story was originally published July 11, 2016 at 1:57 PM with the headline "Protests create only minor obstacles."