Photo by katmere on Flickr.

Today’s Washington Examiner discusses an upcoming event for youth in Chinatown. The piece, written by Freeman Klopott, opens by comparing the event to the violent mob riots in London.

This is an example of over-the-top journalism that at best is poorly thought out, and at worst could be seen as race-baiting. It opens with the assertion that “some business owners fear the event will draw more youths to the area and unleash destructive forces similar to the mobs that have been rioting in London.”

What exactly is the event? It’s an attempt by the DC government to engage youths who often hang out in the Chinatown area on weekends. How does the Examiner describe it? As a “‘youth engagement’ program,” complete with the scare quotes. And who are “some business owners?” It is unclear, as Klopott only mentions one, Mark Kuller, who owns the upscale wine bar and restaurant Proof.

Kuller states, “But it’s a mistake to have a youth engagement event in this area. The police have tried to disperse the crowds in London, too. If you don’t think that can happen in the US, you’re wrong.”

The Chinatown area has been the focus of concern regarding youth violence for some time. It is an area where kids of all ages gather, especially kids who may have nowhere else to go, and nothing else to do. It’s a vibrant area with places that are open late and places that, unlike Proof, are affordable to people from all incomes.

There are issues with loitering. There are issues with violence. However, as another article by Klopott in the same issue of the Examiner notes, the District has made progress in reducing violent crime.

DC should be applauded for creating events such as this in hopes to give kids with nowhere else to go something productive to do. For too long we’ve focused only on treating the symptoms—breaking up crowds of kids, installing noise-making devices to discourage loitering. To engage these kids is a positive step forward.

The article also notes that business owners received little notice and several streets will be closed. Kuller is concerned that the crowds will impact his outdoor patrons’ ability to enjoy their dinner. That’s possible, and perhaps the program could have been communicated better, but there are often crowds in the area, and bad weather can also affect the patio.

More importantly, it is disappointing to see a local business owner decide that his patio seating for one Friday night is more important that engaging the children who are the future of this city. This is the precise attitude that makes it so very difficult to solve the complex problems our city faces.

It’s so much easier to dismiss the children of our city as a violent mob-in-waiting. It’s so much easier to waive your hand and say “please, not here.” It’s harder to say, “let’s engage our children. Let’s address the fact that these kids have nowhere else to go.”

It is also upsetting, but not surprising, to see the Examiner engage in such fear-mongering. I am aware that the editors often write the headlines, but I can’t excuse the entire tone of this article as being the act of editors. I am extremely disappointed with Mr. Klopott for his lack of understanding and sensitivity.

I also understand that Mr. Kuller is concerned about his business on a busy Friday night. However, I have a feeling that Mr. Kuller’s business will suffer more when his customers are greeted by a crowd of citizens of the District who explain just why Proof should not be patronized.

As such, I invite you to join myself and other concerned citizens outside of the MLK Library at 9th and G St. NW, Friday evening at 5:45. Dress as if you are going to dine at Proof for the evening. We will have fliers to distribute to customers who are entering the restaurant. All we are saying is that it is inexcusable for a business owner in the District of Columbia to so easily dismiss the future generation of Washingtonians as people not worthy of engagement but merely a group of thugs waiting to set the city on fire.

That is not okay. That is not how we make our city a better place.

Update: Last night, Mr. Kuller posted a response regarding his comments in the Examiner. Mr. Kuller asserted that he does not believe London-like riots are likely, and that his quote was misinterpreted. It is disappointing that the Examiner sensationalized Mr. Kuller’s comments, aiming to provoke a reaction of fear among readers.

As a result of the conversation that has grown out of this post, it was decided that the planned boycott of Proof this evening would likely not be fruitful and will not go forward.