By Ms. Warren
This question has been really on my mind lately, especially in the midst of the tragic circumstances on Sept. 11, 2001 and their aftermath. I have seen and heard from a myriad of people, highly visible civil servants of New York but not Rev. Sharpton. As I pondered over why he is missing in action, it dawned on me that perhaps he is steadily working away behind the scenes, helping victims overcome their sorrows related to the World Trade Center disaster. Additionally, I believe that he is probably advocating for others whose life sustaining resources have been interrupted due to events. But deep down inside I feel that there is something quite off with his entire dismissal by the media these days, as wells as his absence from the huge prayer event help in Yankee stadium last Sunday in New York.
First of all it must be noted that I am a rhetorician. I look at symbols, text, words, images and otherwise, to construe and critique their meaning(s). And as I watched this massive prayer gathering with, according to a New Time's article on Sept 24, "the who's who of New York's political, religious and entertainment leaders" I could only assume these chosen individuals are representative of New York's some 20,000 mourners and certain demographics within it that number. And although there were many statements that defined the event as an American "thing," it was clearly a New York event for New Yorkers. And it is because of this I have a severe problem with Rev. Shapton's absence.
He has clearly defined himself as an advocate for the underrepresented peoples of our great city, coming to their aid when no one else would or could. He is also a New York religious leader, a Baptist preacher, representing one of the largest and oldest religious organizations by, for and about Blacks. Rev. Sharpton has been a staple on New York media for as long as I can remember. No matter how controversial he may appear, Rev. Sharpton offers a visual that many Black people in the New York area need to connect with, especially at this tragic time in our history.
And I say this because, during the ceremony at Yankee Stadium, there were many people that captured our hearts with basically a universal message of peace and togetherness but I found myself looking for a New York face and a voice that I could identify with. A media presence that engenders my respect and reverence as a Black woman of the Baptist persuasion. Someone who is in the urban trenches not just when this tragedy struck but has always been there helping those who could not help themselves. An individual who speaks my language and the language of a multitude of African-Americans here in NY and across the nation.
Where was he? How come he was not ask to attend and why? Or was he and why did he deny the invitation? How come he did not have any commentary about the event? No mediated after discussion or before comments. No television or print response to the immense gathering of mourners. Not even word of his holding a prayer vigil for those who could not make it to the event.
Clearly everyone could pose the same argument about missing communal and religious leaders. An act I could not deny or not find salient. There does, however, appear to be something quite significant about Rev. Sharpton's absence if it is put in context with the content streaming from the New York media.
And the bottom line is that over the past three past weeks I have been immersed in New York television and in our newspapers because I am a concerned citizen, as well as a teacher of undergrads, looking for resources to help educate and enlighten my students. And quite frankly, I have not seen him on the tube or read about him the paper. I cannot begin to image that he is doing absolutely nothing in regards to tragedy that has rocked our small city. Moreover, with the prejudice and violence that are springing up all over the city in regards to Arab-Americans and Muslims, I was sure he would surface to help ease tension.
Even as I write this, I really do not know whether his absence has been his decision or the decision of some gatekeeper(s). All I do know is that is appears rather odd that Rev. Sharpton would choose not have his presence felt through the media, especially as a political activist and religious leader. Until, further evidence is uncovered as to why he is remaining mute or being muted, I will keep my personal speculations quiet.
Until We Meet Again,
Peace