The Wire‘s acclaim partly stems from its examination of the broken systems that overlook us: Both its consenters and victims. It didn’t delve that much into racial tensions and police brutality though, but this doesn’t mean the cast isn’t aware of it. Creator David Simon and some members of the crew stated their thoughts on the ongoing Baltimore tragedy.
Simon has constantly advocated for nonviolent protest. In response to the Trayvon Martin case, Simon said, “If I were a person of color in Florida, I would pick up a brick and start walking toward that courthouse in Sanford. Those that do not, those that hold the pain and betrayal inside and somehow manage to resist violence — these citizens are testament to a stoic tolerance that is more than the rest of us deserve. I confess, their patience and patriotism is well beyond my own.”
Simon’s stance is the same following Freddie Gray’s death. He strongly criticized the violent reaction on his blog.
But now — in this moment — the anger and the selfishness and the brutality of those claiming the right to violence in Freddie Gray’s name needs to cease. There was real power and potential in the peaceful protests that spoke in Mr. Gray’s name initially, and there was real unity at his homegoing today. But this, now, in the streets, is an affront to that man’s memory and a dimunition of the absolute moral lesson that underlies his unnecessary death.
If you can’t seek redress and demand reform without a brick in your hand, you risk losing this moment for all of us in Baltimore. Turn around. Go home. Please.
Wendell Pierce (Bunk), Andre Royo (Bubbles) and Snoop Pearson (Snoop; see above) also shared Simon’s opinion, according to tweets gathered by Mic.
Baltimore. These are not protestors. These are criminals disrespectful of the wishes of the family and people of good will.
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) April 27, 2015
I’m watching the Fruit of Islam, men of the Nation of Islam attempting to stop the violence and working with the police to restore calm — Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) April 27, 2015
What would have been a great display of rage would have been going to the DOJ and demanding a meeting with Loretta Lynch on her 1st day.
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) April 27, 2015
Baltimore. These are not protestors. These are criminals disrespectful of the wishes of the family and people of good will. — Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) April 27, 2015
To my Beloved city Baltimore..I feel your pain. Stand up..rise UP without breaking down! Discipline not Destruction. #VictorynotVictims
— Andre Royo (@AndreRoyo) April 27, 2015
Note to self … “You shouldn’t have to hurt nobody to be somebody!” #Humanity
— Andre Royo (@AndreRoyo) April 27, 2015
One of The Wire‘s main (and closing) motifs is how the system creates a cycle. In other words, some things don’t change.
SEE ALSO:
Baltimore Police Admit Mistakes In Freddie Gray Arrest
Hundreds Attend Funeral Of Freddie Gray, Baltimore Man Who Died After Arrest
LIVESTREAM: Protests In Baltimore – Police Clash With Youth, Shut Down Transit System
David Simon And ‘The Wire’ Cast Slam Baltimore Riots was originally published on theurbandaily.com