From the moment the riots in Ferguson, Mo., burst upon the national consciousness, people all across the nation have tried to fit the storyline into their own preconceived notions.

Broadly speaking, most black Americans see a story of racism and overly aggressive policing. “The Whole Damn System is Guilty,” read a sign carried by a young woman and reported on by “USA Today.” Most white people see a law-and-order story along with opportunistic race-baiting adding fuel to the fire. Many fear that the police officer will not get a fair hearing.