Why Black Lives Matter
I know that as a white woman I have immense privilege, not just in my ability to sit and analyse this from the safety of my own home but also that I have never and will never be judged, profiled or attacked because of the colour of my skin. I understand now more than ever the importance of angling these arguments from black people, elevating them and giving them opportunities to share their experiences and speak on this topic. These discussions should not be taking place without black people, the idea of that is as ridiculous as having 'women's panels' that are made up of only men. Why wouldn't you give the people who are experiencing this oppression the opportunity to talk about it and educate us on it? However, this post is written for my white friends and family who don't understand or feel scared of the term 'Black lives matter' this post is not intended to overshadow the movement, to silence black people or to take away from the main issue. Rather, this post is intended to educate and inform any person who doesn't understand this movement. As a white person, I feel it is my duty and privilege to at least try.
So the Black lives matter movement has been around for a while and as many young people know the topic of police brutality has been one consistently brought up in social justice arguments online for years. However, following the tragic and brutal death of George Floyd, the movement has been brought to the mainstream including extensive news coverage and debate. The phrase Black lives matter is a powerful and bold statement meant to empower and educate. However, for many people, it's become a source of fear and anger, for many people they believe that statement is meant to polarise and divide. Many people have responded saying 'surely all lives matter' and 'why is it just black people?' So why? It's a known fact that in the fight for equality and justice all people matter, regardless of creed, colour, background, religion, sexuality and gender. It's a fairytale however to pretend racism doesn't exist. In specific social justice movements such as this, it does nobody any good to blanket the movement arguing that all people suffer. It's like when you'd leave a bit of food on your plate as a kid and your mum would say 'people are starving in poorer countries' and yes that's true. People suffer all of the time, people experience different levels of prejudice and abuse. But this is about race, this is about white privilege. Specifically, this is about the abuse, pain and racism black people face every day. When you look at a movement like this that has been created based on the extensive prejudice and abuse that black people face and can still look those black people in the eye and say 'all lives matter' you are dismissing those experiences they face and telling them they don't matter. It's like telling the suffragettes that other people struggle too, it's always going to be true but it's counterproductive and does nothing to promote real change.
Black people have been fighting for equality for centuries and whilst society has progressed in certain areas, that doesn't mean the fight is over. Racism is a structural and complicated issue that plagues society, it's embedded into everything we do and it's a lifelong battle to unpick the weave of racism that has been sewn around us. Another thing is that we see the death of George Floyd and countless other black American individuals and think to ourselves, well that's awful but it's not the same in Britain. But that just isn't true. Racism is everywhere, it doesn't only exist in countries like the US. A lot of British racism is covert, subtle and exists within microaggressions that people of colour experience every day. However, police brutality, racially charged murder etc still exist within this country. And black people experience dangerous, calculated and divisive forms of racism every day. It's important to acknowledge the racism we have in this country, it's uncomfortable to admit and it's a lot easier to pretend it doesn't exist. If you have or will continue to turn a blind eye to racism, pretending it doesn't exist or ignoring it when it happens in front of you then you have to understand the privilege you have to be able to do this. For millions of black people and people of colour, they simply cannot ignore it. It is their reality.
It's important to keep an open mind and try and educate yourself as much as possible. Nobody is perfect and progression and change relies upon a journey. But the first step is admitting that this is a problem. It benefits no one to keep your eyes closed to this. Research, read, listen to black people and their experiences. Join the protests if you are able or feel comfortable doing so. Sign protests and share information online. We have a duty as white people to use the platform and privilege that we have to make a difference. You aren't wrong for using this phrase 'black lives matter' that isn't too bold or strong of you to say that. We need boldness and strength right now, we need to use this phrase because black lives do matter. They are important and they deserve to feel safe and protected in a world they were born into. If you feel like you're particularly ignorant and naive on this topic then make sure you consume as much information as possible to remedy that. Allow yourself time to change and grow but make sure the actions you take and conversations you have are joining in solidarity with black people to fight for a better future for all of us.
Thanks,
Molly
BOOKS TO READ:
- Why I'm no longer talking to white people about race- Reni Eddo-Lodge
- Brit(ish)- Afua Hirsch
- Girl, Woman, Other- Bernardine Evaristo
PETITIONS TO SIGN:
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