The Miseducation of #BlackLivesMatter
Debunking A Few Myths
The BlackLivesMatter movement was created by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi as a call to action for Black people after 17-year-old Trayvon Martin’s murderer, George Zimmerman, was acquitted of murder charges. The movement includes peaceful protests, supporting families of victims, and creating and participating in positive events around African-American communities. Because #blacklivesmatter is a popular hashtag and slogan, many people take claim to the movement without fully committing to what the group believes, thus causing a lot of confusion, questions, and doubts about the movement and motives of the activist group. Below are some of the most common misconceptions regarding the movement. I have taken it upon myself to research and set straight. No matter what race, if you don't understand what #blacklivesmatter is about, please take the time out and learn and appreciate what could very well save countless lives.
ONLY black lives matter? What about the rest of us?
The common misconception is that #BlackLivesMatter means ONLY black lives matter. However, not once has any one of the founders of #BLM said that other lives didn't matter. This movement was specifically created for all of the black people who have been murdered, beaten, or unfairly prosecuted by law enforcement, and whose perpetrators have been set free or given a slap on the wrist by a system that has failed them. All lives do matter, however, this group is focused on the black lives because history has proven that those are the lives MOST targeted and the least valued.
#BlackLivesMatter promotes violence and destruction!
Again, not true! #BLM gets their voice heard by protesting, as they walk in unison, holding signs that encourage peace, justice and humanity. They also sing songs and recite poems and quotes from well known black writers and activists. Unfortunately during these occasions, racist individuals often drop by to antagonize the crowd. Knowingly, the police are often present. After the Dallas shooting where five police officers were targeted and killed at a blacklivesmatter protest, people were outraged and blamed the movement for the deaths. The group, thereafter, released a statement saying,
“#BlackLivesMatter advocates dignity, justice and freedom; not murder.”
#BlackLivesMatter does not react to black on black crime!
The idea that the movement doesn't acknowledge black on black crime is false. It is often spoken throughout the speeches, that black on black crime should stop. They also encourage love, not only among our own race, but among all races. The people, who constantly claim BLM doesn't care about black on black crime, create diversity and takes us away from the subject of Justice for all.
Writer: Tamekah
Copy Editors: Somiar & Voque
