Black lives matter.
We know the slogan. We’re seeing the protests, and we feel the pain. Maybe we also feel a bit lost. As a brown person I want to help but, I don’t know how. There are some things I’ve been asked that I don’t know the answer to. Coming across a lot of content, I have tried to compile things to have a better understanding of the black lives matter movement. Here are some ways we can help, and explanation to why it is so important.
Why not “All Lives Matter!”
“All lives matter” is often used as a response to “Black lives matter”. Stop! Saying all lives matter negates the cause and is dismissive of the emotions and importance of the BLM movement. “Black lives matter” does not mean that only black lives matter or that black lives matter more. It means black lives matter too! Because for too long and too often, their lives have been undervalued and abused by others specifically by the police. The slogan calls for equal rights and opportunities.
Are there other minorities that are undervalued and abused in society? Of course, there are! However, right now the conversation is focused on police brutality that has historically targeted black communities unfairly and with undue force. You won’t go to a breast cancer fundraiser and shout, “What about brain cancer? All cancers matter!” Just as well, you don’t go to black lives movement protest and shout ‘all lives matter’. For more reasons to stop saying all lives matter, click here.
What can we do
Listen to what black voices are saying.
Listen to what the oppressed are feeling- with an open mind and without being defensive. There are many articles and books written by blacks we can learn from. Right now, it is not our place to say what black folks are feeling or how they should act. That is up to them and their community leaders. Imagine the average boy telling a girl how she should manage her period pain. Or a person who has never been called a racial slur tell a person with melanin it doesn’t matter. Don’t do that. Just listen.
Educate yourself.
Look things up. It is not the responsibility of our black brothers and sisters to teach us. They have spoken about this for year and years. Dig up speeches of MLK and Malcom X. Do your own research. Play the devil’s advocate in your mind and then research the response. Don’t wait for someone else to hand you your thoughts on a silver platter. Some of the things you may read will be hard to swallow, but push through. We have turned our backs on things too often because they made us uncomfortable.
Educate those around you.
Begin having conversations with your family members and coworkers. Do not use vile and accusatory speech. That shuts down connections. If you watch the news together, discuss what is being shown. Talk about how the protests are affecting your lives and then discuss the heavier and deeper effects that black communities have been suffering. One conversation might not convince someone, but if you present your case with compassion and intelligence maybe you can plant a seed of change in their mind.
Admit and use your privilege.
We are all privileged in ways we don’t understand and realize. Sometimes when our privilege is pointed out, we get defensive. There is nothing wrong with not being black. We just have to acknowledge that we have access to opportunities and experiences that African-Americans do not have. Black families in America were not able to inherit wealth from their enslaved ancestors or those redlined into a cycle of poverty in the 1930’s. With systemic racism and implicit biases, they are nowhere near the opportunities given to the average white American. So understanding the role of privilege should motivate us to raise those without it, and level the playing field for them. Call things out. Be a part of the solution. Be an ally. Use your voice to lift up others.
Diversify your content consumption and creation.
If all the book you read have generic white voices, try to expand your bubble by reading something written by a black voice. (Recent favorite: Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler). If the models advertising your clothing line are of one race and color, change it! Expand your brand! Remember representation matters. It is only by being surrounded by diversity that we become normalized to it.
Donate.
Money speaks. Support and lift causes that know the best way to help. Also, stop supporting organizations that promote hate. If financially possible, take your business elsewhere. Support black businesses. We see a lot of people unfollowing certain instagrammers for posting content that supports the black lives movement. We should similarly take our attention and money away from those spewing hate.
Vote if you can where you can.
Take the steps in the right direction. Local elections have a greater impact on laws and legislations. If you live in the US go to Ballotpedia and understand what’s coming up on your ballot. Research the candidates. See if they have voted in favor or against civil rights cases and police funding. Govtrack.us lets you see voting records and bills sponsored of your senators and representatives. Prior to election day have a buddy system that holds you accountable to go and vote. Sign up on Rockthevote to get reminders of when the upcoming elections are.
There are many resources online that can guide you better. Check them out here and here and here.
Why Should I help
After all this if you’re still thinking, “Why should I help?”, “I don’t even live in America,” or “Police brutality will never affect me,” I urge you to think that not helping black lives or calling out racism gives a free pass to the oppressor. It’s only time before your rights are threatened too. Holding strong against the injustice of one race or community builds an immunity against other forms of injustices. We need to help because of sheer human decency. We can only raise ourselves by raising others.
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
If I have written anything which could could be improved upon, please send me a message.
