I can't help but feel utterly frustrated by this city. Last night, as though to celebrate the NBA finals victory, hundreds of fans converged on the Staples center and essentially started a minor riot. On the news, videos showed people hurling rocks at the police, and throwing lit fireworks into the groups of officers.
I am embarrassed by the lack of dignity in L.A. While, hopefully, this is just a minor portion of the population who were engaged in this minor riot, I can't help but think that this behavior is indicative of the general mindset of this town. Obviously, many feel a certain enmity toward the police, but what gives anyone the excuse to attack police officers? In Los Angeles, the social consciousness dictates that what is right is defined by being self-centered. And, people seem to believe that as a celebration of superiority in sports, we can express our superiority over all those around us. Which means that we can defy even the police who are, for the most part, here to serve and protect us. Sadly, we need more police to be here to protect us from ourselves.
This self-centered philosophy is apparent throughout the city--in people's driving, in their loud music and disregard for their neighbors, and even in the general courtesies in the check-out line. God, this town is ignorant, and unashamed of showing it to the world. I can't wait to leave.
More pictures if you're interested...
