The topic of “All Lives Matter,” is a social misrepresentation.
Though it is true that “all lives matter,” the context in which it is used is
both hypocritical and unnerving. If one wanted to make the claim that “All
Lives Matter” now, then they would have to answer the question, “Where was “all
lives matter between 1619-1968?” Upon analyzation of this question, one must
understand these dates. In 1619, the first African slaves were stolen from both
their homeland, and their families, stuffed to full capacity on a boat, and
brought over to the Americas. For the next nearly 4 centuries, African slaves
would evolve into segregated African Americans. In 1968, their civil rights
leader would be murdered for preaching nonviolence against segregation. If all
lives mattered, this history would be non-existent. There would be no need for
the Civil Rights movement, because it would simply be understood that each
person deserves the right to their civility. Instead, Black people have been
beaten, murdered, and oppressed for hundreds of years, continuing into today.
All Lives Matter is a defense mechanism against the “uprising
of dangerous Black people.” These Black people are the mothers, fathers,
sisters, brothers, etc, of a young boy who was murdered by those who are put in
place to protect them. How can all lives matter, when police officers express
the exact opposite? How can Black girls and Black boys believe that they’re
valuable, if they have to fear for their lives every time they get pulled over?
In fact, the government has shown us quite explicitly, that all lives don’t
matter. What can be read between the lines of “All Lives Matter” is “Only White
Lives Matter.” According to Black Lives Matter.com, the movement “means we are
continuing the work of our ancestors and fighting for out collective freedom
because it is our duty.”[1]
Black people are entitled just as much freedom as whites. As Americans, we are
taught that the only lives that matter are those of heterosexual, protestant,
white, old men. If we inspect that grotesque irony behind these words, they can
prove themselves to be highly problematic. White males were the first to
oppress another group of people, based off the color of their skin. White males
decided hundreds of years ago, that through Manifest Destiny, they were
entitled to a mass murder and enslavement of Black bodies. Because slavery in
its purest definition no longer exists, White men have figured out a way to
keep Black bodies (specifically male) inferior. Through incarceration, Black
males are labeled with the persona of danger, rapists, and drug lords. Through
incarceration, White men have control over the lives of millions of Black men.
Except, now, it seems, that Black men are no longer given the “luxury” of
prison. Instead, they are shot down before they even see a police car. 17 year
old boys are gunned down from the back, running AWAY from police officers,
instead of coming towards them.
As soon as the term “Black Lives Matter,” became a household
phrase, White people began to be threatened that Black people were gaining a
dangerous amount of power. Thus, the phrase “ All Lives Matter,” was put in
place, to combat Black pride. Though it is true to all lives do, in fact,
matter, not all lives are being deliberately targeted in America. Black Lives
are being targeted and Black lives are being told that their lives are as
insignificant as the next Black body. One should not dare to disagree this
movement, claiming that All Lives Matter. Because, if All Lives Matter,
doesn’t that include Black Lives?
This article perfectly puts this "debate" into perspective. I went to a predominantly white high school where people who wanted to seem like they cared spewed the phrase "All Lives Matter", fighting against those who they felt were claiming only "Black Lives Matter". They failed to recognize that the "Black Lives Matter" movement wasn't trying to dismiss the value of others' lives, but instead call attention to the lack of care being shown to black lives. I grew up with two African-American stepbrothers and it quickly became difficult to hear white people dismissing their reality by saying "All Lives Matter". One of my stepbrothers, Trent, is my age and when we were both learning to drive I had to listen to his mom explain that he can't speed and shouldn't be reckless on the roads because it puts him at risk. I didn't have to hear that speech, because I'm white and in the eyes of the police I get a "free pass". Yes, all lives matter but currently black Americans are shown that their lives are not valued by the police and our white politicians nearly as much as white lives, and that is why the "Black Lives Matter" is important.
ReplyDeleteThis is a powerful blog. The "All Lives Matter," I think is definitely a way to undermine the goal of "Black Lives Matters," which just shows the progress that still needs to occur in the world. The goal of the original movement was not to try to overpower or attack white people, yet that's how it was seen in the eyes of the white male, unfortunately. The aim of calling attention to racial inequality that still exists was seen as a threat. We talked about this in class in reference to the Civil Rights movement, in which white people respond with anger and resentment to any sort of act that challenges their superior place in society. It's sad to think this same thing is happening in the world today. While the legality of it all has changed, the morals of many people are still severely flawed.
ReplyDeleteI loved this blog post. "All lives matter" has been an excuse for white people to once again take something that the black community has. "All Lives Mater" is distracting from movement to end police brutality. News coverage was focusing more about what "All lives matter" activists had to say more than "Black Lives Matter". It is white supremacists way of taking control of the situation and bringing the attention toward themselves.
ReplyDeleteI think that the topic of this blog post is powerful in more ways then just one. I think that while it is important to known that "All lives matter", it is also important to realize the white privilege that takes place within the "ALL" that doesn't take place for the other races. I think that it is also powerful that the "Black Lives Matter" movement makes white people uncomfortable. I believe that the most change comes when individuals are not comfortable. When individuals are comfortable, no change is taking place because they are not the ones being affected by the circumstances. "All Lives Matter" is absolutely a distraction from the real matters that are taking place within the society.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the "All Lives Matter" movement isn't really about valuing all life, but instead it was made as a counter to "Black Lives Matter." Yes, all lives do matter, but history and present times have shown that black lives have not been treated with equality. It's frightening to see people who feel threatened by the "Black Lives Matter" movement when its only purpose is to continue the civil rights battle for freedom. No one should have to feel afraid when pulled over by a police officer, but that's simply not possible when police brutality is still occurring. As King has shown, change only comes when we take action, and that is what "Black Lives Matter" is about; taking action for a brighter future.
ReplyDelete