Language is very important -- it can be so powerful. It impacts perception, conveys intent and attitude -- so many other things. In his recent article, "Why We Should Call Recent Baltimore Events an Uprising", Evan Serpick proposes that we label what's happening in Baltimore an "Uprising". We rarely hesitate to use that word when it comes to international events, but are less so when things happen here in the U.S. By definition an uprising is a popular revolt against a government or its policies, an act of rising up, an insurrection or revolt [source: thefreedictionary.com].
We moved from the protest following Freddie Gray's arrest and injuries to riots immediately following his death to continued protests around some of the recent court proceedings. In the wake of this, Baltimore City is responding with efforts to become more trauma informed.
Ultimately, this whole discourse points toward "human rights". We have to begin to address human rights abuses right here in the U.S., and that might take a national grass roots "uprising".
Check out Serpick's article here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/ne...-20150924-story.html
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