So, this has been weighing on me to write this. I’ve gone over it in my head on what I want to say. I know that some who choose to read this may roll their eyes and disagree, that’s fine. If you have the right to disagree with me, I don’t care. Some of you may choose to read this and agree with me. That’s cool too. I’m not writing this to spark an argument, but to simply get this off my chest.
We all know what is currently going on in our country. 2020 has been a whirlwind with everything going on and we’re only at the end of May. Everyone has opinions and thoughts on everything. I mean it’s part of what makes us human.
Anyway, in regards to what’s going on with the riots and looting, I say this.
I don’t want to see a city up in flames. I don’t want to see people looting, stealing, and destroying a city. I don’t want to see any of that. Do I personally agree with it? No, because I know it’s causing more violence and destruction to a city and a country that’s already facing turmoil.
However, I’ve never been in a position where I’ve felt so unheard or under valued to feel like all I have left is to riot and burn buildings. I don’t know what it’s like to be so angry and fed up with something to resort to rioting. I could sit here and say that if I did ever feel like that I wouldn’t resort to that, but I would never know until I was put into the position.
From what I’ve seen by during research, this particular protest started out peacefully. People were gathering and holding signs demanding justice for yet another unharmed black man who was killed by police for no reason. All of these people chose to go out during a pandemic because they felt they needed to. Most of them were also wearing masks, as well.
It wasn’t until those protesters were tear gassed and shot with rubber bullets that things turned into what you see now.
Yet, when people were protesting lockdowns and stay at home orders they were carrying guns. They were shouting at police and forcing their way into government buildings, yet the police did nothing. I’m not saying that every protest was like this, but there were multiple.
So, what caused one peaceful protest to be tear gassed and not the other? If the protesters would have guns, would that been okay? That should make you think a little bit.
Riots aren’t a new thing. They weren’t invented by the media. They have happened in history. Riots are caused by people wanting to invoke change on a matter and it’s the last result because they have gone unheard. Now, I’m sure some are just joining in because they want to cause harm and could careless about the reason behind it.
But just think of this, if riots hadn’t happened during the Civil Rights Movement, where would we be today? Still in segregation? I mean racism still exists despite everything that’s “changed”, so more than likely. If Stonewall hadn’t happened, where would the LGTBQ community be today? If the Boston Tea Party didn’t happen, would there have even been a revolution?
Things still aren’t perfect in this country, but change starts somewhere. I know some of you will say, but what about all the other violence and killings, etc.
Those are wrong too. Anyone who takes someone else’s life should be brought to justice. But again, when someone takes an oath to serve and protect; they should be held accountable when their actions go against that oath. Also, for those who take the same oath and stand by doing nothing.
I could keep going on about this, but I’m going to wrap it up and leave with this.
We need to look at things from all sides, not just ours. We need to have more empathy for people and understand that our experiences are not the same. We need to be willing to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves and stand beside those who can.
Strength comes in numbers.
Change happens when we allow it.
To those who have read this far, thank you. ❤️
To the African American community, I hear you. I see you. I stand by you. ❤️
To the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, I hope your family gets the justice they deserve. It will not bring them back, but it will hopefully bring a little bit of comfort. ❤️
