Protests temporarily close malls, shut down trains

[PosterChild]

60. You are right, there was only one protester....

...who explicitly used the term "materialism". There were quite a few who indirectly did through references to shopping and by specifically targeting commercial facilities and activities. That was the basic theme of the article, and from the examples that were given, that seems to be a recurring theme of the protests that were reported.

Contrast that to the NAACP's week long "Journey for Justice" and the message that is coming across in the press:

* "This is a non-violent march. This is a peaceful march and we're seeking systemic, fundamental reform of policing in this country"

* "We need equal justice for everyone. Whether you're white, red, black or green it doesn't matter. Equal justice all the way across the line"

* "We want to stick together as one. Not as African Americans and Caucasians but as one family."

The reported actions at the malls projected a much different, antagonistic tone and the message was not focused and on-point for either the issues concerning criminal justice or income inequality. Rather than be defensive about this and simply denying it, I think you should consider the implications for how our issues are being presented to the public and how they are being received. If you aren't, you won't be successful in reaching people, educating them and effecting change.