Black Lives Matter
Start writing a post
Politics

Black Lives Matter

20
Black Lives Matter
Time

Last week, citizens were reminded that racism is alive and well here in the United States. There are some citizens who were not surprised by the Neo-Nazi protest in Charlottesville, Virginia. On the other hand, the protest was a wake up call for some that racism thrives in the United States. However, every citizen who stands against racism needs to make their voices known publicly. We the people of the United States must take a stand against racism to preserve the safety of every citizen in this country.

The Black Lives Matter movement began in 2012 after the death of an unarmed African-American youth named Trayvon Martin. His murderer was acquitted, and this gave rise to the movement to stop the injustice towards black citizens. However, a portion of America decided to create their own slogan in response titled, "All Lives Matter." This response is extremely problematic because it desensitizes the Black Lives Matter movement. The title of the movement stems from the notion that America does not treat black citizens like their lives matter due to police brutality, mass incarceration, an unfair justice system, and other unjust treatment. Therefore, the phrase "All lives matter," takes away from the seriousness of black lives being treated poorly in America.

Last year, Colin Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, began a movement within the NFL to protest against police brutality. During a preseason game, he sat down during the singing of the national anthem, and it stirred attention with the media. He explained his reasoning by saying, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color." Therefore, his protest gained nationwide attention, and many athletes nationwide began sitting or kneeling during the national anthem. However, Kaepernick is currently unemployed due to the non-support of football fans across the country.

In the wake of the event in Charlottesville, many hate groups across the country are forming violent protests throughout the United States. One woman was killed and 19 others injured due to the protest in Charlottesville. Videos are emerging through social media of white citizens spewing the, "N word," at black citizens with anger. Confederate flags and statues are being taken down in various places across the country which angers white nationalists more. Tensions are high among citizens, and America is on the brink of a race war.

Therefore, our president needs to denounce racism and show that there is no room to tolerate racism. Instead, he issues statements via Twitter such as, "Sad to see the history and culture of our great country being ripped apart with the removal of our beautiful statues and monuments." The President of the United States is saddened by the removal of statues of Robert E. Lee, the general of the Confederate Army, and that in itself infuriates many citizens. There should be no place for Confederate statues and flags around the country because they symbolize people fighting to keep slavery. Therefore, this country needs to stand up to racism and treat every citizen equally.

Trump says, "There is blame on both sides." However, in the words of former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, "There are not two sides to bigotry and there are not two sides to hatred. If you choose to march with the flag that symbolizes the slaughter of millions of people, there are not two sides to that." Trump needs to understand this view, and speak against hate and bigotry along with the rest of the country. "The only way to beat the loud and angry voices of hate is to meet them with louder and more reasonable voices, and that includes you, President Trump."


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

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70780
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132397
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments