Black Lives Matter. All Lives Matter…all lives do matter. However, all lives can’t matter until all lives are valued.
2020 has proved a difficult year for us all. During the COVID-19 crisis, when we needed to unify as one, racism and prejudice plagued and divided America. This divide, however, did not appear out of nowhere. For over 400 years, racism has been prevalent in our country. But why?
There isn’t one answer. No one explanation exists for hating someone because of their skin color. It is a fact that children aren’t born racist. Racism and prejudice are taught. Children pick up and develop this behavior from those around them, following in the footsteps of family, teachers, mentors, and peers.
We need to overlook our differences and identify our similarities. We must discontinue stereotyping, generalizations, and separatism. CNN anchor, Chris Cuomo, said it best: “We aren’t allies. We are brothers and sisters. I’m not better than you, you’re not better than me. Together we are better than this.” There are often many misconceptions about the “Black Lives Matter” movement. Black Lives Matter doesn’t mean that Black Lives matter or deserve more than others. It means that Black Lives Matter Too. Black people in America are struggling on a daily basis with police brutality, economic inequities, systemic racism, gentrification in poor black neighborhoods, unequal work opportunities, and many other factors that restrict African-Americans in America. These countless social burdens weigh on the youth’s shoulders, making it difficult for them to transition into stable adulthood. No one should have to forgo these challenges for the majority of their life. So why is it okay for black people?
Back in March, Breonna Taylor, an EMT, was killed in her apartment by law enforcement while sleeping. For six months, many people have demanded justice for her death. However, only one police officer was charged for her death, and instead prosecution for murder, he was charged for wanton endangerment. Numerous protests and cases of social unrest in Louisville, Breonna’s hometown, have initiated a state of emergency.
African Americans aren’t the only people who face discrimination. Many other minorities and groups struggle with these challenges as well. Many racial issues in our country are yet to be solved and changes need to be made immediately.
So, how can we be better as a nation? Simple: we need to love and appreciate one another. Empathy should be rooted in our daily interactions. One of the main things that makes America beautiful is the culmination of different people from various backgrounds. Diversity, equity, and inclusion need to be a focus to improve our current social state. When we are all equal, we can make the world a much better place. Love is the answer.
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