What's #CarefreeBlackKids2k16 About? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

What's #CarefreeBlackKids2k16 About?

7
What's #CarefreeBlackKids2k16 About?
Mashable

With the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and Dallas police officers Lorne Ahrens, Michael Krol, Michael J. Smith, Brent Thompson and Patrick Zamarripa, this week has been heartbreaking to say the least. Millions of people like myself have been seeing news articles and videos about all of the victims' shootings, and with so many lives lost, it's become quite depressing to watch.

Some people have chosen to deal with the tragedies by protesting in their communities and voicing their opinions online, while others have strayed away from focusing on the negatives and instead onto the positives, which is #CarefreeBlackKids2k16. This hashtag was created on Twitter by Heben Nigatu, and it's basically a compilation of videos about exactly what's being stated -- black kids being carefree. Here are some short clips that people tweeted with the hashtag; they're sure to put a smile on your face!



After the hashtag took off, Nigatu tweeted about why she started the trend in the first place. She says that it's because she wanted to bring some joy into our day, and I'm pretty sure we can all agree that it was a fantastic idea, considering everything that's recently happened. However, after thinking more about #CarefreeBlackKids2k16, I find that there's also a deeper meaning.

I don't think Nigatu meant to touch on this subject when tweeting #CarefreeBlackKids2k16, but I find that the hashtag says a lot about how black people are viewed in today's society. Now, I'm not black, so I cannot speak from personal experience, but I can reflect on what I've seen, heard, and learned about in my 18 years of life.

Most people today understand that there's a huge difference in how kids and adults of different races are treated in society today. As young children, we're all (including black kids) completely innocent and carefree, living in a happy safe world. But as years go by and everyone grows older, black kids suddenly have to start watching out for themselves around the police and racist individuals. Even parents start feeling the need to teach their kids how to survive while being black because, these days, saying the wrong thing or making the wrong move could result in being shot dead. Here's a tweet that Massachusetts Senator, Elizabeth Warren, posted just a few days ago reflecting on this week's tragedies.

Obviously, most kids -- no matter what race they are -- are taught how to deal with cops and racist people, but it's only to a certain extent. For example, I'm Asian (more specifically, Indian) and my parents have gone over what information I'm supposed to give cops if I ever get pulled over when driving. But that's it. I've never been taught anything more than that, nor have I ever been worried about not knowing more. I wouldn't be surprised if the same case applied to many other non-black people, because the fact is, we're less likely to be targets than those who are black. It's an unfortunate reality, but the lessons in this three-minute video are absolutely real.

I know this article is focusing on black individuals, but I do want to say that the only other group of people I think would be an exemption to the case mentioned before are Muslims. With all that's going on with ISIS and the Middle East today, Muslims are another targeted group who also have to be extra cautious around the police and racist individuals in the U.S. Plus, it doesn't help that conservatives like Donald Trump want to ban them from the country.

Anyway, getting back to #CarefreeBlackKids2k16 -- the point in saying all of this is to highlight how this hashtag is more than just a trend about cute black kids singing and dancing. As much as I'd like to believe that that's it, it's also a trend that shows the "before" picture of what society is going to destroy in the future if black people (and also other minorities) don't start being treated fairly. Rather than being admired for being carefree and innocent, these kids will soon be wrongfully judged and mistreated for having a darker skin color. People will once again have to rely on hashtags just to see the good left in the world, and if that's not enough, this will continue to be a reminder for America to wake up and actually do something about racism, gun violence, and police brutality.

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

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190245
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14918
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457883
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26642
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments