By Isaac White.
Indian Time was recently informed of a distressing incident in Kanatakon. Mike Francis, a community member, reached out to share the unsettling discovery of a defaced public facility at the point. Evidently, the damage was in the form of graffiti, bearing words and symbols that were far from acceptable in public spaces.
While we at Indian Time believe in bringing unfiltered news to our readers, the explicit and inappropriate nature of the graffiti compels us not to share uncensored images of the damage. What was evident from the defaced areas were not just distasteful words but also included racial and religious slurs, crude representations of the human body, and strong anti-police sentiments.
Mr. Francis, who frequently visits the site during various times of the day, believes this defacement was carried out clandestinely, possibly under the shroud of night. His disappointment wasn’t just directed towards the miscreants, but also revolved around the bigger question: What led them to commit such a disrespectful act in a community space meant for gathering and enjoyment?
A pressing issue underscored by Francis was the potential perception of Akwesasne in the eyes of outsiders. If a visitor unfamiliar with Akwesasne were to witness this act of vandalism, they might leave with a skewed view of the community. There’s a risk they could assume that Akwesasne nurtures youth who believe such behavior and language is acceptable.
Publicizing such incidents isn’t merely about reporting news. The intent, as Mr. Francis hopes, is to generate awareness about the broader repercussions of our actions. Every act, be it of creation or destruction, leaves an impression, and in this interconnected world, it’s vital to be mindful of the impact our words and deeds can have on the broader community and its reputation.
In a poignant remark, Francis stated, “I just hope these kids learn to respect this place and other people. There is no reason to do this and use those words.”
The incident at Kana:takon serves as a reminder to all of us to be cognizant of the lasting impressions we leave behind, not just on walls, but in the minds and hearts of those who witness our actions.