Where have all the cowboys gone?

There is such an art to riots, protests, war. I feel it is logical to state that each is unique with a different artist masking the way to a desired masterpiece. The real question arises when you ask yourself, is there logic in the work being done? No doubt there is heart, passion, anger, risk, belonging. And for what? To be felt by the ground they walk on; to be heard by the strangers the will not look them in the eye; to instill a purpose in those who may have lost their belonging. Or maybe because no one will give them their sought attention.

He wanted my attention. He was a teenage African American adolescent that happened to shove me for not apologizing for bumping him on the streets of downtown. He asked for an apology, and quickly learned I was not in the mood for unwanted conflict. As I walked away I felt his hand on my shoulder blade as he pushed me forward in stride. It did not bother myself or my step one bit. I turned over my shoulder and told him to "... never (bleeping) touch a human that way." I knew I had zero input towards this person.

What worries me most is not the fact I was shoved, but the concept of physical abuse due to lack of self-expression. This kid who was merely eighteen was crying out for help even if he did not realize it. The question is stuck in my brain- who will he hurt to get the power he seeks? Not everyone in this world can stand with both feet after something like this happens. In fact some mercilessly collapse feeling hopeless to physical abuse.

There are good people on this planet. Do not forget that and never lose sight of it but continue each day questioning people's purpose. Are they sitting in the street for the right cause, are they seeking attention in a justified way, and more so are their actions helping or hurting? If I were to see that young man again, I would ask him to sit down for a lemonade with me. Over our drink I would ask him what it is he wishes to change and how he plans on doing so. And with that, I would leave him the bill and get on my merry way.