It's OK To Feel A Lot After This Past Week Of Disgusting Violence | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

It's OK To Feel A Lot After This Past Week Of Disgusting Violence

You aren't the only one going through an emotional roller coaster.

8
It's OK To Feel A Lot After This Past Week Of Disgusting Violence
@MillionsMarch

The senseless killing of Philando Castile, Alton Sterling and the five police officers in Dallas has probably impacted almost everyone in the country. This past week has been an emotional roller coaster for me - because to me, it was a wake up call. I realized the state of America and how apparent its racist tendencies are. It pushed me to anger and fueled my thirst for change. However, not everyone felt this way. So many different reactions and emotions are pouring out of people. I just feel that we need a reminder that there are so many ways to react and handle the situation because we are all unique. We have different ways to process shocking information.

It’s OK to feel sadness.

I cried when I watched the son of Sterling sobbing. I felt his pain and wished that he didn’t lose his father the way he did. I cried watching the video recorded by Castile’s fiance when she finally broke down at the end. I will never know how terrible it can be to have the love your life die right in front of your eyes and your daughter’s eyes when the man did nothing wrong. I cried when CNN was speaking about the lives of the good police officers taken so soon. There’s nothing wrong with mourning.

It’s OK to detach yourself from the computer and TV for awhile.

The videos of the murders of all these men were circulating everywhere. They replayed it over and over, until it numbed you. It tires you after a while and it can hurt you mentally as well as spiritually. If you need some time to let your mind rest for a moment to lessen the pain, you shouldn’t be ashamed. Let your mind recharge and you can surely speak your mind afterward.

It’s OK to feel anger.

How disgusting was it to know that a man decided he has the right to end another life for no apparent reason with his daughter in the car? This man didn’t deserve it. He was someone who was loved and was obviously a good man all the way until the end. His innocent daughter has lost that innocence after the trauma of seeing racism so highlighted in her young eyes. Then there’s Sterling, a man who was killed for something that is nowhere near punishable by death. Then they speak endlessly about criminal records that wouldn’t be talked about if he wasn’t Black. So much frustration builds up after seeing that PoC are so mistreated and how police departments see our cries of anger, but just turn and let the bad apples keep sliding by. Lastly, these five officers didn’t deserve this. They were helping the protesters, taking pictures and taking their oath seriously. Why kill them? It isn’t the way to make a change, but a stupid impulse that hurts us all. You have the right to have your blood boiling.

It’s OK to share it all over your social media and spread the word.

People may find comfort in your words or something. Don’t let people who may find it annoying push you to silence. If they don’t like it, the unfriend/block button isn’t hard to find. These events prove that we need to have these conversations. We need to show people that police brutality exists, but killing good cops doesn’t solve anything. Silence ends the movement. I was the person sharing and liking nonstop, because I needed a way to express the feelings that were so crunched up inside. This was my way to feel free.

However, there are few ways of handling your emotions that just aren’t right. They aren’t productive and will never fix any issues.

Don’t dare insult the Black Lives Matter movement and blame it for Dallas.

There was a former government official who threatened not only the president, but people in the movement. This shooter acted alone. He is not a representative of this movement just because he hated white cops. Don’t overgeneralize a community of people based on one man that chose the wrong path to show his frustration. They don’t make judgements like that on police officers. There are police officers that have made positive and negative impacts on my life. There is no need to ridicule BLM with Blue Lives Matter. It just shows ignorance of the problem.

Don’t celebrate the death of cops.

Our country would be destroyed without them. I understand the frustration and why it can be hard to trust them. However, being happy at an innocent man’s death is something you should never be. Love is the only way to rid ourselves of hate.

My last comment is for people who are not Black.

Don’t act like this isn’t your problem.

Especially my fellow non-Black PoC. We must stand with BLM because we know their struggles. We can relate to the racism they face. Allowing our minds to be taken over by a neutral stance on the issue is the same as saying this discrimination is OK. The only way to improve the situation is with unity.

I don’t want to see another innocent man die for the color of his skin. I don’t want to see someone die because of an overgeneralization. I don’t want to see murder upon murder for random hate ever again. Your reactions to this violence decide when it will stop.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

3600
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

1824
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

1384
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

1254
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments