This blog will clarify why other hashtags such as #Bluelivesmatter and #Alllivesmatter have got to go. Also, this blog will explain what racism is. Lastly, the blog will finish by describing why Black-on-Black violence, although serious, has nothing to do with the #Blacklivesmatter movement.
The #Blacklivesmatter hashtag exists out of necessity. Historically Blacks have been undervalued and dehumanized. Blacks have been enslaved and treated like animals, hunted by the Klu Klux Klan, and have always had to fight for their rights and endure equal treatment. The hashtag is a reminder that society has a long way to go before the words in the hashtag are respected as accurate by everyone.
Other hashtags such as #Bluelivesmater and #Alllivesmatter are blasphemous and solely serve to undermine and cover up #Blacklivesmatter. The importance of the lives of law enforcement has never been in question. An individual who has the nerve to take the life of an officer will surely pay for it in court if he or she survives long enough to make it that far. #Alllivesmater is another weak attempt to take attention from the group that suffers the most from racial injustice and police brutality. Whites live in a society that caters to them culturally, institutionally, and systemically. The last thing Whites need is a hashtag reminding them that their lives matter; White privilege is doing that just fine.
It has become apparent that many of those who engage in discussions about racism misunderstand the central components of the toxin. Today, I will clear this up and give all that read this blog an opportunity to be better informed when discussing racism. First, most of us know that racism is a hatred or intolerance of another race. Generally, hatred and bigotry, combined with beliefs that one’s race is superior, are about as far as most people’s understanding of racism goes.
The part of the definition that is often overlooked is that racism also is the oppression of a marginalized group. When considering a complete characterization of racism, one should realize that there is damaging misinformation circulating through society that suggests there is a war on race between Blacks and Whites. First, there is no war on race; instead, the Black race is under attack. In war, multiple sides go to battle. On their own, Blacks lack the power, numbers, and resources to oppress Whites.
If it is not clicking just yet, I will go ahead and share it; racism is not a Black problem; it is a White problem. Regardless of what Blacks have heard, it is not their issue. I am going to take this a step further. No matter how ghetto they say you are or how many kids you have, racism is not your problem. No matter how much weed you smoke and the times you have been to jail, racism is not your problem. No matter whether you attend church or not, or if you are deemed worthy, racism is not your problem. Racism is their problem! It is time for Blacks around the country to quit blaming themselves and each other for why racism is ongoing.
Now, blame no one for your failures, but be mindful that you will be swimming upstream in everything you do.
We have made it to the end with one last issue to address. If you have made it this far, I give you a special thanks. Right into it, I cringe when I hear people ask if Black lives matter so much, why are people not this outraged when Blacks kill each other in the streets? I admit that crime is a crime, and it should be taken seriously. However, when the individuals we trust to fight crime commit crimes, this is more problematic. Comparing the actions of officers who have sworn to serve and protect regular citizens is particularly concerning. Furthermore, when the authorities locate the perpetrator, it is unquestioned; that the perpetrator will experience consequences.
Lastly, Black-on-Black violence has nothing to do with race; therefore, no racial injustice occurs. The approach one could take to address both social issues are entirely different. Fatherlessness, poorly funded schools, and a lack of opportunity have nothing to do with why situations like George Floyd’s murder occurred. If we want to discuss Black-on-Black violence, we can discuss it on another day. Be aware that when the day comes to talk about Black-on-Black violence, if the only insight one has is the mere observation that both the killer and the victim are Black, the individual will lack the fundamental knowledge to discuss the topic intelligently.
Leave a Reply