By Eric Lui

Originally published on cnn.com, December 4, 2014.

(CNN) — More than a week after the grand jury’s decision in Ferguson, protests continue nationwide. On campuses, in malls, on streets and in stadiums, Americans young and old are voicing their anger about the non-indictments in the deaths of Michael Brown and now Eric Garner in New York — and about the rigged system that makes such results all too common.

This proliferation of protests is good. But it’s not good enough.

First, let’s reflect a bit on why it’s good. Anytime Americans start seeing themselves as more than mere consumers or spectators — rather, as citizens and participants — something healthy is happening. That’s especially true when people are willing to flex their citizen muscles during the start of peak shopping season.

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