Not really tech support, closer to a tip than anything but no less important. In fact, this is more important.
Will this seem out of place? The black sheep, if you will? Yes and no. This is maybe not what you were looking for when you clicked or tapped on the story, but hey ho - keep reading.
Black Lives Matter. This is not up for debate. I do not want to hear "but all lives matter!" and all that whining, because we know. The point is, we want equality for black people. "All lives matter" misses this point, as if racism is not an issue.803Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoYN83vUIf
It still very much is. If you are a white person, you are not in a position to deny racism exists, because doing so would be spitting in the face of every person of colour who has experienced the foul beast.
Remember that black sheep metaphor? I wonder if you read that and skipped over it like nothing. Or maybe you remembered that the term means "someone or something that's out of place", and that it's often used in a derogatory way. The English (UK/US or otherwise) is littered with subtle racism, so mind how you go with figures of speech around your black and poc friends, even if you didn't mean it.
"All lives matter" is, quite frankly, ignorant and dismissive. Black lives matter does not mean only black lives matter, but it empowers the campaign for black people to have equal rights. In some countries, legally, yes, it may seem as if all people are to be treated the same, but the harsh reality is that this is not reflected in many institutions ("institutional racism" -- where prejudice still exists, like in police forces and law courts).803Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmrkUUoZjD
Prejudice is lampshaded enough so that it does not break the law, and this puts black people in danger.
Talking about examples of this will make readers uncomfortable. I know, and am sorry -- but then again, this is the world we live in and must confront. If you are white and can't deal with this, then imagine having to live with the very real threat as a person of colour.803Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6pG7W9icj
So, trigger warning for references to traumatic events with themes of violence.
Yes, I will reference George Floyd. Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor, Trayvon Martin among the most famous, and so many, many more lost to police violence in the US. Surely in any case you'd agree, just because a person is suspected of crime does not mean police have the right to use detainment methods so violent, they result in death. Even an "All lives matter" protester would agree with that, right?
Even with actual killers, the criminal can be detained without death. I found this on a social media feed and have fact checked:803Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShGHqSeYH7
Dylann Roof was arrested safely after he shot up a church. He's white. If he wasn't, people would be using him as an excuse for the police to use force.
Something has to change with the US police system, but it's going to take a lot of help. Even if you can't donate, there are ways to raise money without leaving your home. (I used a video from Zoe Amira, but I can't find it now so here's another example.)803Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9do8kpI2pr
Even if you have a small following -- as I do -- you never know who your share could reach. 803Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnWAifPbvx
You can still use your time to sign petitions (thank you to biancaxgarcia on Instagram for this list.)803Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwwJvn3RoJ
This is not up for debate, but a matter of human decency. I know for a fact I have been leaning on my white priviledge for long enough. I will stand beside my black friends and the black community.803Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3AnYN3ZTF
That's all for now. Stay safe!
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