Open letter to Derek Chauvin
Dear Mr. Chauvin
You have been much on my mind since the incident with George Floyd. As a licensed counselor, a privileged white male and one whose spiritual and philosophical outlook has been shaped by the life of Christ, Buddhist philosophy, Native American beliefs, and a host of brave thinkers, many of whom were women, I am often challenged to consider the meaning of justice.
I am well aware that many think that justice has been served now that you have been found guilty on the charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Some say that accountability has been achieved, but not justice; that justice is impossible because George Floyd cannot be resurrected.
Your history is one of military service and service as a police officer. You have received numerous commendations and you have also been reprimanded for use of excessive force. You have been labeled a racist and, yet you married a women from Laos who was to become a beauty queen contestant. She has publicly commended you for being a gentlemen and, yet, filed for divorce after the death of George Floyd. It appears as if your stepchildren are no longer part of your inner circle.
Us humans have a long history of choosing a sacrificial lamb. We have all participated and often, intentionally and passively, supported myths about who we are as a nation. We have long wanted to believe that because we had power, we were also a peaceful and just nation. Yet, the history of these United States we learn has allowed only a limited view of who we are. Certainly, there are many examples, as there is in your life journey, of bravery and generosity. There are also many example of bright, creative survivors who have built a legacy of amazing achievement in music, dance, theater, and poetry. Others have created amazing advancements in medicine and industry. Yet justice is too often defined by perceived race, wealth, gender and other factors. Our prisons and jails are filled with the mentally ill, the poor, and people of color. These and you are too often the sacrificial lambs.
Clearly your history as a white protector who was taught that lethal violence was a just and honorable way to deal with those labeled as domestic and international enemies or potential enemies, encouraged you to hide your own emotional vulnerability and pain from most, if not all, others.
I have no idea of the training and the pain which created the man whose knee at the throat may have seemed to be more honorable than the knee for black lives during the playing of the National Anthem. I know that there are many whose sense of righteous rage would easily justify the former and vilify the later.
I am not amazed or surprised that you and others have bowed to the god of force in response to iatrogenic behavior; the behavior which is often a symptom of hopelessness, fear, and rage at injustice and fierce oppression.
We have tried to reform by saying what not to do rather than what to do. We have demanded the masks of myths about who we are individually and collectively and then ignored the inevitable consequences.
Accountability can only we said to be achieved if we all, including you and I, take responsibility for the active and passive behavior which has led to a systemic fear and distrust which often erupts in rage. We have all been willing participants in this system. Many such as the legislators in Oklahoma and other states have been busy passing laws this year which will restrict those who shout, “The emperor has no clothes.”
Healing can come only as we are collectively accountable; as we disobey the new laws meant to silence; as we love and care for each other in whatever physical, emotional, mental and spiritual jails we exist.
My heart weeps for all those such as George Floyd and his family, who have paid the price of our silence. My heart also weeps for you.
My wish and prayer for you is that the part of you who can be tender, considerate and loving provides the strength to claim your own sacredness even while acknowledging, “We have sinned and come short the glory of the God of our understanding.”
Sincerely
Jimmy F Pickett, LPC. AADC-WV; LPC - Oklahoma
April 23, 2021
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