It seems like there’s a shooting listed on the police blotter every day. Today, in the Chicago Sun-Times, there was the story of Corderro Douglas, who was slain yesterday in front of a Lawndale shop. He allegedly sold drugs on the street in front of the store. The Harrison District police told the Sun-Times that Douglas was “full of holes” when they found him.
 
Who was this man who ended his life “full of holes”? It’s unlikely that we’ll hear much more about him, or that the police with catch his killer. He’s had his fifteen minutes–or seconds for that matter.
 
Commenters on the Chicago Tribune Web site had their own ideas about Douglas.
 
“yes he was a gangbanger” from Chicago, IL says: “Let the savages kill each other they chose this life…why do people seem concerned when a west side savage dies but wants him to do 30 years when he strong arm robs them????to many liberals…”
 
“Done” from Roselle, IL says: “See no evil Hear no evil Speak no evil, Let them kill each other, why change anything now.”
 
Well, I won’t mention the poor grammar (Opps, too late!), or the rather biting Heart of Darkness reference, but I do think these comments warrant discussion.
 
Why do people seem concerned, “yes he was”? Well, death is usually grounds for concern. In this city, people are quick to dismiss death when the victim is identified as a “gang banger,” as if that somehow makes a life less worthy. I am not defending gang members—by any means—I am merely saying that a life taken is a life taken.
 
Furthermore, who exactly is “concerned”? I Googled Douglas’ name and came up with a grand total of three paragraph-long articles giving the bare facts—that’s all. In fact, the Sun-Times was the only publication to throw in any extra details—the line about being “full of holes.” So, I assure you “yes he was,” the average newspaper reader probably does not care about Douglas, and will skim this death notice and forget about it tomorrow.
 
As for “Done,” “Why change anything now?” you ask. Because, without change, we rot and decay. Do you suggest we throw up our hands and turn away? Or cover our eyes like the monkey in the statue that you’re referencing? Nothing is gained by avoidance or Ostrich-like tendencies. We may think it will never happen to us, but so—I’m sure—did the kids at NIU.
 
As for your other suggestion, we cannot, in fact, “let them kill each other,” because 1.) Whoever “they” are will never die out, and 2.) Sometimes innocent people get caught in the crossfire. Remember Schanna Gayden? Logan Square does.
 
And I’m sure someone out there will remember Corderro Douglas.

Photo by Brenna Ehrlich
 
This lovely air freshener–a gift from my boyfriend’s father– arrived in the mail today. Apparently, it has a fresh baked doughnut scent.
 
I know, I would be jealous of me too.