Diving into Baltimore: An Culture Critic's Reflection on Race, Police, and Creative Expression

Lawrence Burney's recent book, No Sense in Wishing, blends the personal with the political in a autobiography that functions as a homage to his hometown. The volume explores the creative and social forces that formed his life, intertwining together themes of kinship, fatherhood, and systemic challenges.

The Political View on Baltimore

The author observes that the city has for decades been politicized and racialized. He reflects on his early writings on police brutality, prompted by the high-profile incident and personal household encounters. Over time, his approach evolved to a increasingly historical perspective, examining Baltimore's legacy of segregation and redlining.

The city boasts probably the worst PR of every urban center in America.

Burney argues that regardless of social problems, the urban image is often misrepresented by media reporting. Great art and musical talent emerge from the community, yet these contributions frequently remain overlooked by wider viewers.

Elevating Local Artists

Through his publication True Laurels, the writer sought to highlight Baltimore artists frequently ignored by larger media. A notable story centered on a rapper called the artist, who encountered alleged law enforcement harassment. While his reporting, the cops implicated were indicted with serious crimes, exposing deep-rooted corruption.

• The case exemplified anti-Black and class-based law enforcement practices.
• He emphasized that different Black communities experience the same level of surveillance.

Affective Depth and Intimate Reflection

The memoir balances heartbreaking moments with humorous ones, reflecting the complex nature of human experience. Burney focused on evoking affective responses in the audience, believing that feeling outweighs technical proficiency in art.

Burney shared how musicians like Lupe Fiasco profoundly influenced his path, challenging notions of manhood and identity.

Openness and Personal Growth

Reflecting about personal topics—such as going to church, before-school care, and fatherhood—required significant vulnerability. He noted that addressing his experience as a parent and the choice to pursue a professional chance in a different city was particularly difficult.

Writing about those emotions wasn't simple. The chapter likely required me three months to just produce a first draft.

International Parallels

This book also includes Burney's travels to Johannesburg and the Nigerian metropolis, establishing connections between his hometown and other global cities. He proposes that the city serves as a microcosm of broader social issues, including economic tension and racial segregation.

In the end, the writer presents the city as a introduction to grasping complex societal systems not only in America, but across the global stage.