Something’s Gotta Give
For starters, I couldn’t be more proud of the protesters who have the courage to be the change they want to see. I can’t commend those enough for taking action to be out in the streets and protest against the horrifying murder of George Floyd at the hands of the police. I’m also very proud of people who are financing those in need of bail and those who are giving food and resources to operate. In times of need, where organization is vital towards making the impact we want to see in the world, those who choose indifference are those who only seek the maintenance of the status quo. It’s where celebrities are shoved in the media to encourage peaceful protest (as if those who did protested peacefully haven’t already tried and been willfully ignored or shot down, figuratively and literally) or, even worse, trying to push an “all lives matter” narrative. As easy as it is to dismantle those viewpoints, what bothers me the most is those that are trying to keep up the standard norm.
People have sat back and observed the police murder innocent Black men, women, and children for far too long. It’s an exhausting cycle that beat down the desire to want to fight back. There’s been attempts to combat the pattern such as kneeling. That silent option never led to anything except for the expulsion of Colin Kaepernick and the targeted harassment of Eric Reid. Listening to the empty words of faux leaders like Shaun King never amounted to anything. Letting celebrities be some form of leadership isn’t feasible. The rich aren’t out there on the streets or funding these movements. It’s against their agenda. To lose a surplus of money and to stand up against injustice in a meaningful way doesn’t equal more revenue. What’s there to do when people you might’ve looked at as leaders turn out to be nothing more but cogs in capitalism? The change has to be shifted to the people. Leaning on celebrities and brands to be a consistently reliable source of guidance leads down a road of empty nothingness. It’s how we end up with livestreams and Instagram posts but no action. It’s always been up to the people to take initiative.
With the “all lives matter” people comes a mountain of headaches. Something about Black people aspiring to be viewed as equals and not wanting to deal with the constant fear that the police, the biggest gang in America, is intimidating to a lot of white folks. It’s never been about one set of people mattering more than YOU. It’s always been about equality. It’s always been an overwhelming need to not be overlooked by white folks when Black people are dying at the hands of white supremacy and “policing.” Yet, it’s “all lives matter.” It’s derivative of the bigger point. Black people are predominantly targeted by law enforcement. This isn’t about YOU, white people. What you could do is be supportive through existing privilege and monetary means. Listen to those who have to deal with racial injustice every moment of their lives. Dismissing Black people makes you no better than the oppressors. You’re actively working against progress.
As far as the argument that it’s not all bad cops is completely missing the big point too. Even if what is said is theoretically true, the job of that “good cop” is to not only protect the people, but to also root about bad policing. The idea that there are good cops is contradicted when there is still Black men and women dying at the hands of law enforcement. Complicity at the sight of coldblooded murder makes “good cops” no better. Yet, it’s the mentality that they need to stick up for each other that maintains the cycle. The locker room sort of mentality is harmful in the face of progression. This goes for any profession but especially law enforcement. Most importantly, being a cop means there is no room for error. There are fucking lives at stake every second they are at work, mistakes simply can’t be made. Stated plainly, not everyone is suited to be a cop. Ultimately, though, a lot of people in the field of law enforcement are craving one thing: power. That gun and badge gives people who aren’t suited to be cops the authority to brutally beat Black people up. They’re giving free will to take the power into their own hands without second thought in the name of law enforcement. The current implementation of the police is unacceptable, the change must be radical and swift. The question is, where do we go from here?
Simply put, we are the change we want to see in the world. Celebrities can’t do it for you, you can’t wait for it to come, and you damn sure can’t rely on the fucking white supremacist in office. As much as the president wants to use racially charged, coded language like “thugs”, what the protestors are is brave. The true genuine leadership and companionship I’ve seen at work is truly a beautiful sight to behold. It takes tremendous strength and courage to be out there and battle injustice face to face. The cycle has to break, something has to give. The status quo can’t remain the same anymore. It’s important, now more than ever, to be there for one another where we can and to be informed, updated, willing to help however it’s needed. A thread of links for Bail Funds is provided below. Please be safe out there.
