The Ferguson situation is really more about the perception of justice than the reality of justice itself. The facts were laid bare before the grand jury. Forensic evidence and eyewitness testimony was presented yet the protests continue for different reasons.

It is possible that looters have hijacked a worthy cause and used it to their advantage? It is also possible that the protests continue because the Ferguson community has never really trusted the police?

The racial composition of the police force is markedly different from the population it serves. While it is not necessarily true that only black officers can serve a black population; a population of two-thirds blacks being served a 94 percent white force is certain to raise some questions. I believe the work of the police is more difficult if the community does not trust them.

Ferguson is also about the identity that America wants for itself. This fall was the premiere of the television show “Black-ish”,on ABC, which discusses identity and race from a fresh perspective. Andre Johnson, played by Anthony Anderson, might be called an upper middle-class man. He is also black. Andre is trying to make sure his family “keeps it real”. Just because they made it financially, does not mean they must shed their roots, especially the positive aspects that help define Andre as a man. For Andre the struggle continues.

Ferguson is about that part of America that still doesn’t get it. It is not surprising what you hear on conservative talk show radios. What is surprising is that Ferguson has shown me that a far larger section of mainstream America than I thought shares these views.

Culture is not genetic, it is learned. However, that does not mean that many of us really change. For most of us, we keep the culture that we are born into. Part of the reason that immigration is such a hot topic in America is that an influx of Mexican immigrants dilutes the perceived American culture.

Ferguson should be about healing racial wounds. Otherwise the cycle of violence, hatred, shootings and looting will continue.

During the Los Angeles riots in the 1990s that followed the Rodney King verdict, the Mayor of Los Angeles Tom Bradley urged people to go home and watch “The Cosby Show”.

I am recommending we stop the looting, stop the complacency and watch “Black-ish”.