Recent Developments in the Black Lives Matter Movement
This week, as the summer months begin to blossom, you can find many Americans in the streets of our cities, chanting, marching, and calling for justice. Despite the persisting pandemic, Americans have banded together in protest once again in the American tradition.
The campaign for rights for black people in America began in the 1600s, and clearly, we are still fighting today. George Floyd's murder at the hands of a Minneapolis Police Officer has ignited a new wave of protests against the police in all 50 states and across the country. Some of these protests have become riots for numerous reasons; white anarchists, angry protesters, and police escalation may be to blame. As a white person, I cannot dictate how black people should fight for their rights, but I am passionate about the idea that many of my own rights have been won by riots at the height of the Women's Rights Movement and the LGBTQ Rights Movement. Peaceful suffragette protests became riots with the involvement of police, and the first LGBT Pride was a riot instigated by a police raid.
Police brutality has been a prevalent issue in America arguably since the birth of the country. Today, black Americans are killed at twice the rate as white Americans by police ("A Decade of Watching Black People Die"). According to the US Census, black people make up only 13% of America's population ("Quick Facts: United States"). This disparity is alarming. Black people make up a fraction of the United States' population but are killed at a much higher rate than white people. Due to racist ideologies, black neighborhoods are known to be overpoliced, which results in more police violence against black people and economic strain on these neighborhoods as incarceration lowers productivity ("Police Brutality and Black Health"). Black people are incarcerated at 5 times the rate of white people ("Criminal Justice Fact Sheet"). These issues have been going on for decades, and have come to something of a head as people protest for justice.
By today, in the second week of protests, the policemen responsible for Floyd's murder have been charged and the Minneapolis Police Department has banned the use of chokeholds ("Minneapolis to Ban Use of Chokeholds by Police"). While this has given some sense of justice to protesters, there are still many changes to be made. It is impossible to make full reparations of the centuries of oppression black Americans have gone through. However, it is possible to make changes in our society to protect black lives and improve life for black Americans. As white people, how can we use our privilege to dismantle these systems, and why should we bother?
It can seem difficult to be a white person attempting to give support to the Black Lives Matter Movement in these times. It grates me to say it because the discomfort of white privilege or witnessing racism is nothing compared to the experience of racism, but this is a sentiment I feel is shared by many white people at the moment. Some white people who have not been educated about race or who have not educated themselves may be shocked or disturbed by the protests or by the killing of black people. Others may be uncomfortable in how to join the movement or unsure as to what their privilege means right now. It is difficult to witness "your people" killing others senselessly. Tatum concludes the book by arguing for increased dialogue and racial activism. In order to solve our race-related societal dilemmas, we need to have "meaningful, productive dialogue to raise consciousness and lead to effective action and social change" (331). She concedes that talking about race and speaking out is difficult for someone of any race. Challenging such a pervasive societal construct is terrifying, and fear, Tatum writes, "immobilizes, traps words in our throats, and stills our tongues... like a deer on the highway, frozen, in the panic induced by the lights of an oncoming car..." (331). It seems that a deep, primal, need for us humans to avoid judgment, rejection, and ostracism has permeated us and kept us from speaking out for those marginalized by our communities. Some white people may feel that they may be ostracized by their white communities, while others may fear "anger and disdain from people of color... the ones [they are] fighting for," as one white woman told Tatum (332). For white teens, often it seems that a teen's willingness to speak out for people of color is determined by whether activism and being anti-racist is "cool" in that moment. Tatum writes that, while more versed in racial dialogue, black kids may also feel a lot of fear in terms of interracial conversations about race, for some of the same reasons white people may be afraid (334). The denial of negative racial experiences may occur as people of color attempt to suppress their experiences with racism as "an important coping strategy..." and a desire to keep certain relationships that could be strained by discussions about race (338). People of color may not be able to afford to stay silent as white people can. Sometimes well being or even life is dependent on speaking out. In any case, when people of color remain silent on their oppression, "it may... lead to the self-blame and self-doubt of internalized oppression" (338).
It can be alarming for white people to witness the anger people of color may have. Some white people feel they are discriminated against due to their race, particularly in racial conversations. Tatum cites the feelings of a white student of hers. The student wrote, "... I feel that because I am White, my feelings are disregarded or looked down upon in racial dialogues. I feel that my efforts are unappreciated..." (336). Several members of my English class voiced that they felt that Tatum herself was bringing down white people in her book. It can be hard to be criticized in this way, but the criticism of this white nation must occur in order for us all to grow.
Tatum argues that "unchallenged personal, cultural, and institutional racism results in the loss of human potential, lowered productivity, and a rising tide of fear and violence in our society" (337). Additionally, "individually, racism stifles our own growth and development... it alienates us not only from others but also from ourselves" (337). While racism objectively benefits white people, no one can truly prosper from racism. As social organisms dependent on our communities, humans cannot continue to live happily in an environment so fractured by negative race relations. Tatum writes that having relationships based on positive race relations creates "increased zest, a sense of empowerment, a greater knowledge, an increased sense of self-worth, and a desire for more connection" (338). She gives examples of teachers and her students who, when involved in meaningful discussions about race, feel happier and with a great decrease in the fear they felt. I have seen people become passionate and motivated, with greater self-worth, when they begin to learn how to speak out against racism. I've witnessed many of these instances especially in the recent light of today's Black Lives Matter Protests. Kids have been speaking out on their social media platforms every day. I have been actively teaching myself about my privilege and how to speak out and argue since seventh grade, and as a rising senior, I find I have gained confidence and some inner purpose to speak out whenever I can. When I get serious anxiety or nervousness when debating topics pertaining to minorities, I am reminded how much simpler and easier that conversation would be if I had just stayed quiet. As Tatum writes, "silence feels safer, but in the long run, I know that it is not" (339). In the long run, I know that the key to a happier person and a happier nation is speaking out.
How do you find the courage to speak out and use your voice in today's movement? For Tatum, learning about the lives of civil rights activists of the past like Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells, and Angela Davis inspires courage (340). She recommends people who have been miseducated or not educated enough to educate themselves. She writes, "we can learn the history we were never taught, we can watch the documentaries we never saw in school..." (340). In today's age, educating yourself has never been easier thanks to the internet and social media. As someone who has felt failed by the American school system's diversity in education, I am passionate about learning the history of minorities on my own. If you are passionate about social justice and feel frustrated by your lack of education on the matter, the answer is simple: educate yourself.
Finally, Tatum imparts some impactful words of wisdom: "We all have a sphere of influence. Each of us needs to find our own sources of courage so that we will begin to speak. There are many problems to address... we cannot continue to be silent. We must begin to speak, knowing that words alone are insufficient. But I have seen that meaningful dialogue can lead to effective action. Change is possible" (342). In the spirit of the past weeks' protests, we must use our voices for positive change for the sake of our society and its people. Black Lives Matter.
"Criminal Justice Fact Sheet." National Association for the Advancement of Colored People,
The campaign for rights for black people in America began in the 1600s, and clearly, we are still fighting today. George Floyd's murder at the hands of a Minneapolis Police Officer has ignited a new wave of protests against the police in all 50 states and across the country. Some of these protests have become riots for numerous reasons; white anarchists, angry protesters, and police escalation may be to blame. As a white person, I cannot dictate how black people should fight for their rights, but I am passionate about the idea that many of my own rights have been won by riots at the height of the Women's Rights Movement and the LGBTQ Rights Movement. Peaceful suffragette protests became riots with the involvement of police, and the first LGBT Pride was a riot instigated by a police raid.
Police brutality has been a prevalent issue in America arguably since the birth of the country. Today, black Americans are killed at twice the rate as white Americans by police ("A Decade of Watching Black People Die"). According to the US Census, black people make up only 13% of America's population ("Quick Facts: United States"). This disparity is alarming. Black people make up a fraction of the United States' population but are killed at a much higher rate than white people. Due to racist ideologies, black neighborhoods are known to be overpoliced, which results in more police violence against black people and economic strain on these neighborhoods as incarceration lowers productivity ("Police Brutality and Black Health"). Black people are incarcerated at 5 times the rate of white people ("Criminal Justice Fact Sheet"). These issues have been going on for decades, and have come to something of a head as people protest for justice.
By today, in the second week of protests, the policemen responsible for Floyd's murder have been charged and the Minneapolis Police Department has banned the use of chokeholds ("Minneapolis to Ban Use of Chokeholds by Police"). While this has given some sense of justice to protesters, there are still many changes to be made. It is impossible to make full reparations of the centuries of oppression black Americans have gone through. However, it is possible to make changes in our society to protect black lives and improve life for black Americans. As white people, how can we use our privilege to dismantle these systems, and why should we bother?
It can seem difficult to be a white person attempting to give support to the Black Lives Matter Movement in these times. It grates me to say it because the discomfort of white privilege or witnessing racism is nothing compared to the experience of racism, but this is a sentiment I feel is shared by many white people at the moment. Some white people who have not been educated about race or who have not educated themselves may be shocked or disturbed by the protests or by the killing of black people. Others may be uncomfortable in how to join the movement or unsure as to what their privilege means right now. It is difficult to witness "your people" killing others senselessly. Tatum concludes the book by arguing for increased dialogue and racial activism. In order to solve our race-related societal dilemmas, we need to have "meaningful, productive dialogue to raise consciousness and lead to effective action and social change" (331). She concedes that talking about race and speaking out is difficult for someone of any race. Challenging such a pervasive societal construct is terrifying, and fear, Tatum writes, "immobilizes, traps words in our throats, and stills our tongues... like a deer on the highway, frozen, in the panic induced by the lights of an oncoming car..." (331). It seems that a deep, primal, need for us humans to avoid judgment, rejection, and ostracism has permeated us and kept us from speaking out for those marginalized by our communities. Some white people may feel that they may be ostracized by their white communities, while others may fear "anger and disdain from people of color... the ones [they are] fighting for," as one white woman told Tatum (332). For white teens, often it seems that a teen's willingness to speak out for people of color is determined by whether activism and being anti-racist is "cool" in that moment. Tatum writes that, while more versed in racial dialogue, black kids may also feel a lot of fear in terms of interracial conversations about race, for some of the same reasons white people may be afraid (334). The denial of negative racial experiences may occur as people of color attempt to suppress their experiences with racism as "an important coping strategy..." and a desire to keep certain relationships that could be strained by discussions about race (338). People of color may not be able to afford to stay silent as white people can. Sometimes well being or even life is dependent on speaking out. In any case, when people of color remain silent on their oppression, "it may... lead to the self-blame and self-doubt of internalized oppression" (338).
It can be alarming for white people to witness the anger people of color may have. Some white people feel they are discriminated against due to their race, particularly in racial conversations. Tatum cites the feelings of a white student of hers. The student wrote, "... I feel that because I am White, my feelings are disregarded or looked down upon in racial dialogues. I feel that my efforts are unappreciated..." (336). Several members of my English class voiced that they felt that Tatum herself was bringing down white people in her book. It can be hard to be criticized in this way, but the criticism of this white nation must occur in order for us all to grow.
Tatum argues that "unchallenged personal, cultural, and institutional racism results in the loss of human potential, lowered productivity, and a rising tide of fear and violence in our society" (337). Additionally, "individually, racism stifles our own growth and development... it alienates us not only from others but also from ourselves" (337). While racism objectively benefits white people, no one can truly prosper from racism. As social organisms dependent on our communities, humans cannot continue to live happily in an environment so fractured by negative race relations. Tatum writes that having relationships based on positive race relations creates "increased zest, a sense of empowerment, a greater knowledge, an increased sense of self-worth, and a desire for more connection" (338). She gives examples of teachers and her students who, when involved in meaningful discussions about race, feel happier and with a great decrease in the fear they felt. I have seen people become passionate and motivated, with greater self-worth, when they begin to learn how to speak out against racism. I've witnessed many of these instances especially in the recent light of today's Black Lives Matter Protests. Kids have been speaking out on their social media platforms every day. I have been actively teaching myself about my privilege and how to speak out and argue since seventh grade, and as a rising senior, I find I have gained confidence and some inner purpose to speak out whenever I can. When I get serious anxiety or nervousness when debating topics pertaining to minorities, I am reminded how much simpler and easier that conversation would be if I had just stayed quiet. As Tatum writes, "silence feels safer, but in the long run, I know that it is not" (339). In the long run, I know that the key to a happier person and a happier nation is speaking out.
How do you find the courage to speak out and use your voice in today's movement? For Tatum, learning about the lives of civil rights activists of the past like Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells, and Angela Davis inspires courage (340). She recommends people who have been miseducated or not educated enough to educate themselves. She writes, "we can learn the history we were never taught, we can watch the documentaries we never saw in school..." (340). In today's age, educating yourself has never been easier thanks to the internet and social media. As someone who has felt failed by the American school system's diversity in education, I am passionate about learning the history of minorities on my own. If you are passionate about social justice and feel frustrated by your lack of education on the matter, the answer is simple: educate yourself.
Finally, Tatum imparts some impactful words of wisdom: "We all have a sphere of influence. Each of us needs to find our own sources of courage so that we will begin to speak. There are many problems to address... we cannot continue to be silent. We must begin to speak, knowing that words alone are insufficient. But I have seen that meaningful dialogue can lead to effective action. Change is possible" (342). In the spirit of the past weeks' protests, we must use our voices for positive change for the sake of our society and its people. Black Lives Matter.
Works Cited
"Criminal Justice Fact Sheet." National Association for the Advancement of Colored People,
www.naacp.org/criminal-justice-fact-sheet/. Accessed 5 June 2020.
"A Decade of Watching Black People Die." NPR/NHPR, National Public Radio, May 2020,
"A Decade of Watching Black People Die." NPR/NHPR, National Public Radio, May 2020,
www.npr.org/2020/05/29/865261916/a-decade-of-watching-black-people-die. Accessed 5 June
2020.
"Minneapolis to Ban Use of Chokeholds by Police." New York Times, 5 June 2020,
"Minneapolis to Ban Use of Chokeholds by Police." New York Times, 5 June 2020,
www.nytimes.com/2020/06/05/us/george-floyd-protests.html
action=click&pgtype=Article&state=default&module=styln-george-
floyd&variant=show®ion=MAIN_CONTENT_1&context=storylines_live_updates#link-
5b3b0b4a. Accessed 5 June 2020.
"Police Brutality and Black Health." US National Library of Medicine: National Institutes of Health,
"Police Brutality and Black Health." US National Library of Medicine: National Institutes of Health,
May 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5388955/. Accessed 5 June 2020.
"Quick Facts: United States." United States Census Bureau, 1 July 2019,
www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045219. Accessed 5 June 2020.
"Quick Facts: United States." United States Census Bureau, 1 July 2019,
www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045219. Accessed 5 June 2020.
A strong post, and certainly timely thoughts.
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