It has been a dominant talking point in the past few months. A topic stirred by new emotions, wrought with violence and protest and sparked by the killing of a young African-American man.

I am talking about Ferguson, and I feel as though I am about to step foot into unchartered territory — touching on words that seem afraid to be written, apprehensive of judgment. Nonetheless, I write these words with honesty and assertiveness so as not to offend anyone. There is an unspoken truth that I think most people are scared to address, and that is the dividing line between races.

Recently, a grand jury decided not to indict officer Darren Wilson on charges of killing 18-year-old Michael Brown on Aug. 9. After the decision was made, an angry Ferguson set off with violence and protest. Buildings were set on fire, officer vehicles were targeted with rocks, sounds of gunfire echoed through the streets. It was understandable anger, but it was also defiance.  

 Ferguson is predominantly African-American at more than 60 percent of the population. Now, there is an over-policing of black communities in certain areas of the country, and Ferguson is no different. So it comes as no surprise that when a white officer guns down a black man, the reaction is emotional. But, why is there stricter law enforcement in these black communities? Malice? White supremacy, maybe? No, it is simply more unlawful acts and utter defiance.

It’s not to say all black communities are rebellious or violent, but what does one expect when showing resistance to the law? Law enforcement officers, including Darren Wilson, are simply doing their job. It is the disobedience, from a community such as this, that stir the emotion that African-Americans are being targeted just because of their skin color. Law enforcement is not targeting one specific race.

White or black — I believe racism will cease to exist in our country once people stop playing the race card. The civil war is over. The civil rights movement is over. We live in extremely privileged times where people are treated — and should be treated — equal, regardless of skin color. It is disconcerting that some will argue that is far from true.

It is when someone does not get their way that the race card is pulled. Rather, it is when a white person confronts an African-American that the past seems to resurrect itself and stir debate over racism. Might I reiterate apprehension of judgment here.

Ferguson is indeed a tragedy. A young man lost his life. However, it is the community surrounding this debate that should reconsider their motives.

If law enforcement is overthrown, who will be there to protect? I’d be surprised if that does not render an emotion.