Black Lives Matter | The Odyssey Online
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.
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

2072
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

1751
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Things That Describe You and Your College Friends

The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

1375
College Friends
Marina Lombardi

1. You'll never run out of clothes when you have at least four closets to choose from.

2. You embrace and encourage each other’s horrible, yet remarkable dance moves.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments