It was nice to have an honest discussion about the black lives matter movement and police brutality in front of our classmates. So often we discuss these issues with close friends and family and we are not accountable for the things we say. I believe when we have other people questioning our opinions we are much more understanding and able to see a different point of view. As a young white American I hear and encounter so many other white people who ignore racism because they believe not acknowledging it means it does not exist. I was almost brought to tears when the student was talking about how her little brother is taught to interact with police because he is black. My brother is 16 and this is never something I would have even considered. There is such a sad and frustrating racial disparity is this country. However, I do think that discussion is a small step toward equality and change.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-halstead/dear-fellow-white-people-_b_11109842.html
I agree; it was nice to have that discussion about the black lives matter movement. There are many injustices in the black community and it's hard to give an opinion when you aren't the one being attacked. It's so sad to see all the injustices. I personally feel like instead of moving forward and becoming one big united community, we are becoming more separated. Our society needs to open their eyes and acknowledge the fact that racism still exists. If we ignore the problem, it will only get bigger.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. Hearing that her brother has to be taught how to interact with police gave me the chills. I think a lot of the problem that is dividing us even further is when the violent protests occur because that's what people see more than the peaceful protests. The news loves to only show negative things. I also find it hard for me personally, because I see the point completely but it is also really hard to hear people bash the police because I have family that are police who would never do what we have been seeing. There are 100% good cops and bad cops but it is hard for cops too now who may supportnthe BLM movement but still have to fear for their lives when they are only doing their job. Their families have to worry even more now when they leave the house which is only drawing the divide further.
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