'Just Another Hashtag:' Addressing The Obligation To Express Concerns On Black Lives Matter | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

'Just Another Hashtag:' Addressing The Obligation To Express Concerns On Black Lives Matter

"It makes the statement that every death is not just another hashtag with the purpose of signifying loss or tragedy."

28
'Just Another Hashtag:' Addressing The Obligation To Express Concerns On Black Lives Matter
nbcnews.com

I have spent a vast amount of time on social media platforms (I need entertainment as I work my desk job during the day), and over a course of a day, I scroll past nearly hundreds of posts that include a hashtag of a victim’s name, synopsis of recent police brutality instances, complaints about American society (or all three). As I sat at my desk on Wednesday, the anniversary of Sandra Bland’s unfortunate and untimely death last year, I found myself debating on if I should make a post acknowledge her memory and the fact that cases of deaths similar to hers are still happening without consequence a year later.

On July 13, 2015, Bland was found dead, hanging in her cell at the Waller County Jail in Hempstead, Texas, just three short days after being arrested. Dashcam footage of her violent arrest sparked national outrage, particularly in the black community. Her death was ruled a suicide by a medical examiner, and her arresting officer was not indicted for homicide. Bland has been commemorated in many ways, including hashtags and posts on social media.

#SayHerName, #RestInPeace, #SandraBland, #BlackLivesMatter… all common hashtags that come to mind when addressing Bland, along with some personal analysis of what happened to her and the mourning of her memory… When it comes to these posts. I found myself scrolling more, hoping it would help me coin something to say, and in the end, I ended up not posting. Not because I don’t care about the issue, not because I am not saddened by her death, but because I am tired of posting for the same people to see and “like.”

“Black women are still too often the invisible victims of the cultural epidemic that is police brutality. The list of black women who have died during encounters with the police in the last decade is painfully long,” said Zeba Bay, a writer for the Black Voices section of the Huffington Post in a recent article centered around Bland. “Spanning 2003 to 2014, their names include Tanisha Anderson, Yvette Smith, Miriam Carey, Shelly Frey, Darnisha Harris, Malissa Williams, Shantel Davis, Rekia Boyd, Shereese Francis, Aiyana Stanley-Jones, Tarika Wilson, Alberta Spruilli and Kendra James.”

The recent killings of Black Americans: Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and Alva Braziel, in addition to countless others within such a short time frame, are those that I, as a part of many groups have to acknowledge. The fact that I am black, the fact that I am a woman, the fact that I am a part of a minority and the fact that I am American, all put me in a place where I feel obligated to use these hashtags.

Also during my scrolling, I see that many millennials agree with me on the subject. The idea “Just Another Hashtag,” in explanation, is the idea that as many victims are slain by police officers in our country, and a hashtag is created and shared in their name, there’s just another hashtag to follow soon after with another victim and another occurrence of the same crime. It makes the statement that every death is not just another hashtag with the purpose of signifying loss or tragedy.

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

I remember my freshman year oh so well. I remember feeling terrified the night before orientation. The one thing that I dreaded the most was not the new people, the new environment, or even the academic pressure. I was dreading having to talk to sorority girls about Recruitment. I remember cutting off and avoiding any Rho Gamma/Panhellenic Officer that came my way during First Week. I looked at them like they had asked me to cut my arm off whenever they asked me if I wanted to rush. To be honest, I did not even know what rush was, but I knew that I did NOT want to be a part of it. To me, it was dumb. It was a waste of money. It was a waste of my time.

And guess what? I did not rush my freshman year. I spent the first half of my freshman year isolating myself from everyone on campus. I spent all of my time in the library, and then (since I was a commuter) went back home once my work was finished.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 Must Watch Shows During Winter Break
Netflix

Now that the semester is over, you are probably wondering what your purpose of life is beside writing essays and constantly studying. Breaks give you time for some rest and relaxation, and what better way to relax than cuddling with some hot cocoa and some Netflix. Here is a list compiled of shows that must make it into your binge watching sessions, with the website in which you can find it. Enjoy!

Keep Reading...Show less
Disney Princesses
The Odyssey
Tiana would no doubt be disappointed in the food our cafeteria has to offer.

And hopefully she would cook for everyone in her dorm.

She definitley would not take any 8:00 am classes because she would be up late baking and cleaning up the communal kitchen that are available in every dorm.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

The Struggles of Being A Last Semester Senior, As Told By Michael Scott

25 reasons your last semester in college is the best and worst time of your life

1604
Michael Scott

The day you walked onto your school's campus for the first time you were scared, excited, and unsure of how the next four years of your life were going to turn out. You doubted it would go fast and even though you weren't positive about what your future plans would hold, you had plenty of time. You figured out your major, added a minor or two, joined a handful of organizations and all of the sudden you're here. Your final semester of undergrad. Now you've got 25 problems and graduation is only one.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Syllabus Week At UD Explained By "The Office"

"The Office" understands the struggle of the first week back from winter break.

1247
the office

January 19th is the first day of the second semester at the University of Dayton, and students couldn't be more excited. However, the excitement that students are experiencing may be short-lived once they see what this semester's courses will entail. Although students will be happy to be back at Dayton, they may realize this semester will be more difficult than they predicted. Here are some things that happen during syllabus week explained by " The Office."

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments