Jun 18, 20204 min read

Black Lives Matter

It disgusts me that in 2020 I am having to write this article as there are continued issues of race and the existence of white supremacy groups. I live in a predominantly white area and I have had many conversations with people who are simply ignorant to the racism that still exists as they do not see it first-hand. People believe because laws are in place racism does not exist. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement are fighting for a fundamental reordering of society where Black lives are free from systematic dehumanization.

George Floyd is just one case out of thousands of examples of racism. If anything good is to come out of Floyds death, it will be the catalyst for a change of attitudes towards racism. Despite supposed legal equality for black and white people in America and nationwide, that is certainly not the case. It took a mass media surge and protests for George Floyd’s murderers to be arrested. Protests and social media are vital to bring awareness to issues.

(Joe Jones Photography - @jtj_j)

The 1960s protests to end laws of segregation were led and supported by predominantly black people. In 2020 there are an overwhelming amount of white people joining the protests and sometimes making up the majority of protesters. It is crucial for white people to involve themselves in the movement as to dismantle white supremacy it must be those in privileged positions to speak out and help dismantle black discrimination.

The BLM movement is pushing to change people’s mindsets and beliefs. Slavery only ended in America in 1865 and the segregation laws in 1965. That means there are people alive today who hold racist views and believe in white supremacy, they will bring their children and grandchildren up to have the same beliefs. This is what we must fight against. Hundreds of years of beliefs need to be systematically changed.

(Joe Jones Photography - @jtj_j)

There are many extremist groups that still exist with the most obvious being the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). The KKK is an American white supremacy group who discriminate and are violent towards African Americans, Jews and Catholics. They have performed violent crimes against black people including lynching, burning, rape and slaughter. They refer to themselves as the ‘Invisible Empire’ as many members often have roles in government or the police force, giving them more power and protection. Many Klan members hide their identity by wearing conical hats, yet they have now become so bold and arrogant to show their identity. A white policeman knelt on George Floyd’s neck until he died. Derek Chauvin did not hide his face, he was in public, in broad daylight, whilst being filmed murdering a black man. If anything, this is regression. I am not saying Chauvin is a member of the KKK, but it is obscene that the police who are meant to protect citizens, inflict violence themselves. This was a hate crime that the KKK would support.

America prides itself for being a free country, hence the ability for the KKK to exist, yet they have committed thousands of African American murders which surely aligns them with terrorist groups such as ISIS. The KKK lives due to many of Americas leaders being racists themselves, with the most obvious example being Trump who continuously uses his twitter platform to post racist remarks, calling black people thugs or implying they are not “real” Americans. People look to leaders as role models, so it is essential for movements such as BLM to continue their momentum to ensure white supremacists do not reach roles in government.

Many people are ignorant in thinking racism is just an American problem. In the last few days we have seen far-right groups emerge in Britain to stand against the BLM protests. These Neo-Nazi groups are extremely violent not only against the marches but against the police, using smoke bombs, hurling objects and shouting racial abuse. They are racist thugs who need to be oppressed.

(Joe Jones Photography - @jtj_j)

The BLM movement has accomplished many arrests of police officers using unjust violence against black people and much more. But it is so much more than getting justice for individual cases; it is ensuring it never happens again by changing people’s attitudes from silence to actively fighting back against any level of racism. It is about making everyone aware racism still exists, we cannot be blind to it as silence is compliance. In Britain black people are being dehumanized by the media, disproportionately imprisoned and dying in police in custody. We are fighting for solidarity and mutual support.

If you are tired of hearing about the movement, think about how tired black people are of experiencing racism, having to retell stories of injustice and relive their grievances every day. There are many more combats needing to be fought along with the BLM movement and we will fight for them and continue to push for a fairer, more equal society. Today we must fight for black lives.