We’re making a big mistake, everyone.

The people in Baltimore for rioting, destroying businesses of hard-working civilians, and us for thinking that it’s OK. Because it’s not.

Understanding cannot be borrowed. We don’t know what it’s like to be in Baltimore right now. Some of us don’t know what it’s like to be victims of police brutality. But some of us — if not all — should know what’s it like to work for something and have it taken away from you for reasons not of your own.

The images of burning cars and buildings can’t escape my mind. People have been injured. More than 200 have been arrested. Police have been hospitalized and businesses have been looted. There is a reason to be upset. I’m not disputing that — but there is absolutely no reason to damage the city you’re fighting for.

What good comes from that?

There is none. Ultimately, someone will have to pay for this. People will be out of work. Some people have dedicated their lives to building businesses in Baltimore, and now they’re watching it burn. Imagine how they would feel. We have to let the professionals do their jobs. Allow them to provide us with facts; then we need to come up with the most productive solution.

At the end of the day, we all have families — protesters and policemen, too. Regardless if we’re shirtless, wrapped in red bandanas or dressed in SWAT uniforms — we are human beings. It is neither wise nor advantageous to judge people by your preconceptions and their appearances. Respect covers all.

According to CNN, President Barack Obama said Tuesday “some police aren’t doing the right thing,” and that a great deal of the tension between law enforcement and the black community stems from “a slow-rolling crisis” that has been brewing from decades of unjust treatment.

He added the solution will require more investment in cities, criminal justice reform, better funding for education and soul-searching for some police departments.

“If we really want to solve the problem, if our society really wanted to solve the problem, we could,” Obama said. “It would require everybody saying this is important, this is significant. And that we don’t just pay attention to these communities when a CVS burns.”

I agree with President Obama. The only way for us to move forward is to shed light on the issues and collectively become a part of the solution. Because taking people from their families, ruining business and increasing violence isn’t a white or black thing.

It’s a people thing. And it’s not OK.