#hashtages

Let’s talk about this. 

There seems to be a constant back-and-forth on social media between the two movements and I thought I’d share my own opinion. But not just stating it... really explaining it. 

Both “black lives matter” and “all lives matter” are true statements. And while I know both movements have been abused and used to inflict damage, but right now I’m focusing on the core of each movement. 

Let me put this as a hypothetical situation. Saying “all lives matter” in response to “black lives matter” is like going to a fundraiser for leukemia and shouting “Cure all disease!” Yes, we should cure all disease; that’s a true and accurate statement. However, right now, the focus is leukemia. That’s what the fundraiser is for, and saying “cure all disease” is taking the focus away from the group at hand. 

In this way, #AllLivesMatter is like #LikeABoy and #HeterosexualPrideDay. All these hashtags and movements are valid thoughts and ways to feel, but the way they’re used isn’t OK. They’re all taking the focus away from the group that has the most need. Yes, it’s valid to say that all lives matter, or to be proud to do things like a boy or be proud that you’re straight. 

The thing is, males and straight people aren’t in need of the same help females and the LGBT community are. Those hashtags/movements are taking away from the help and attention those groups need. And that’s what #AllLivesMatter is doing.

Yes, all lives matter. I don’t deny that. But blacks are still facing the aftermath of back when they were treated as property; racism is still a major issue. They face issues right now that aren’t the same as other races, so while “all lives matter” is an accurate statement, right now the main issue is black lives and the issues they face.