In Memoriam

Summary

The website content is a poignant tribute to George Floyd, reflecting on the emotional impact of his death and the bystander effect during the incident.

Abstract

The article titled "In Memoriam" on the website is a heartfelt tribute to Mr. George Floyd, addressing the emotional turmoil and collective guilt felt by many in response to his tragic death. The piece acknowledges the pain, anger, and helplessness experienced by those who learned about the incident, and it touches on the initial disbelief and the subsequent judgment towards bystanders who did not intervene. The author, Lola Rosario, expresses a shared sentiment of failure and sorrow, recognizing that despite the global outpouring of emotion, it cannot undo the injustice suffered by Floyd. The article also serves as a platform for Rosario's storytelling and social consciousness, inviting readers to follow her journey on Medium and visit her travel blog. Additionally, the website features an invitation for writers to contribute to the "Be Open" publication, emphasizing that one need not be a perfect writer or person to inspire others.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep sense of sorrow and regret over George Floyd's death and the circumstances surrounding it.
There is a recognition of the complexity of the bystander effect, with initial judgment softening into a more empathetic understanding of the fear and potential inaction that may grip individuals in such situations.
The piece conveys a collective sense of guilt and responsibility for not preventing the tragic event, acknowledging the failure to protect Floyd in his final moments.
The author suggests that the emotional response, while profound, is insufficient to rectify the wrong that was done.
The article implies that George Floyd's death was not just a personal loss but a catalyst for a broader conversation on social consciousness and change.
The call for contributions to "Be Open" indicates a belief in the power of diverse voices and stories to inspire and effect change, regardless of the writer's perceived skill level or personal perfection.

Tribute to Mr. George Floyd

Image: Kira Hoffmann at ISO Republic

Warning: This piece expresses feelings around the trauma of George Floyd’s transcending to the other side. It may be triggering for some — please accept my heartfelt compassion. Reader discretion advised.

tears softly stroke my cheeks trying to make sense of the pain and anger I felt learning how your precious life was so viciously taken while citizens stood by watching…recording…begging on your behalf

I couldn’t bear to watch the entire video I closed my laptop’s tab how could this possibly be real?

I started to judge them all — those who stood by why didn’t they forcefully intervene to meet an incomprehensible crime with equally justifiable violence?

I condemned them knowing it’s easy to judge from afar, unable to gauge what I would’ve done had I been there

perhaps my fear would’ve been greater than theirs perhaps my cowardice would’ve rendered me motionless in the face of such senseless horror

but I know I am not alone in these thoughts certainly, others anguish as much as I did

there are moments when I think it was just a nightmare that we will wake up or that the ending is different still traumatic but not causing your life to end

our tears flow caressing our cheeks knowing that the nightmare has not ended knowing that our pain cannot ever compare to yours

we carry global guilt trying to reconcile your suffering with our impotence knowing that in your darkest hour we ultimately failed you we let you perish, frightened and alone while the world watched

our collective sorrow cannot bring you back our collective anger cannot make right how you were savagely wronged

you were a total stranger though somehow I felt you could’ve been a friend but neither my sadness nor my tears can change what happened that fateful day

I am so sorry I wasn’t there I am so very sorry you were there

Lola Rosario is a cultural storyteller raising social consciousness through writing. Follow the beginning of her Medium journey (June 2021), where she recounts her childhood dream of becoming a pilot. Check out her travel blog: https://latrekista.com.

POETRY

In Memoriam

Tribute to Mr. George Floyd

Be Open Says;

We Invite You to Become Our Writer — Be Open Submission Guidelines

You don’t have to be a great writer or super perfect human to contribute here. I believe everyone can become inspirator…

Trauma is a powerful change agent

Revolution is not for puppets