This blog is called “It’s in the Journey” because transformation doesn’t occur by simply arriving at a place. We change when we reflect on the trials and errors experienced along the way.
But of course, it’s not that simple. Brain-science tells us that humans are stubborn creatures who prefer their own personal status quo. We want to keep things “normal,” even if a person’s normal includes being mentally or physically abused. Hence, why people in abusive relationships find it difficult to leave. They’d rather hold onto what they know instead of moving forward, even if it’s sure to improve their station in life.
It took much too long, but right now the world is yelling WE NEED TO MOVE FORWARD. However, some people are simply looking at WHERE we have ended up and not analyzing HOW we got here.
In fact, I think we are all actually on the same page, but we are shutting others down before we get the chance to listen to them. Here are my thoughts:
- We all agree that George Floyd was murdered. I haven’t read/heard one person say that what that cop did was justified (please correct me if I’m wrong).
- We all agree that some people are using the chaos to commit horrific crimes, which IS NOT right.
So, why are we still arguing?
- Some believe that those who support the Black Lives Matter Movement also support the riots and violence that are erupting. That isn’t true. You can support BLM and denounce the riots. It’s not an either/or situation.
- Some are grouping rioters/looters with protesters. Most of the people supporting this movement are protesting peacefully and are actually angry with the rioters. People committing crimes in George Floyd’s name are TAKING AWAY from the movement! That is not what anyone wants.
But if we all agree that the murder of George Floyd was wrong, what’s with the protesting?
At this point in history, it isn’t enough to bring justice down on one group of officers who killed one person of color. No. This is a systemic problem, and these protests are meant to bring attention to that. BIG change needs to happen.
In ten years, when kids learn about the year 2020 in textbooks, I guarantee that historians will talk about how this was the year when all the elements mixed together to create a perfect storm:
- Covid-19 pandemic, with many people dealing with mental issues, job loss, illness, etc.
- Donald Trump as president- very controversial, especially in terms of race relations
- The Amy Cooper video- a woman who was practically saying “I’m going to use my white privilege to put a black man in jail”
- The killings of Eric Reason, Dominique Clayton, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd by police officers within the first 5 months of 2020
We are in the middle of this journey, and oftentimes it is hard to see clearly in the eye of the storm. But we need to work at it. We need to do better. That’s what all this protesting is about.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this below and encourage you to add to this dialogue in a respectful way.
WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER. What affects one group of people affects ALL of us. If we don’t learn anything else from this year, let’s at least learn that.
You are right that although the crowds are asking for justice for George Floyd, it is not just about him and the way in which his life was so so evilly and callously snuffed out for the world to see. It’s about the countless murders and heinous acts perpetrated by the police against people of color that continue to go unprosecuted with ever increasing frequency across this country. His murder was the tipping point in the midst of a international crisis affecting human beings from all walks of life, all races, all across the world who are themselves feeling scared, powerless, defenseless and vulnerable. Maybe the individual cannot do anything to combat Covid19 or the resulting financial crisis. But those who have felt powerless and stymied with forced inactivity have something they can now do, which is to raise their voice in solidarity against systematic institutionalized racism, bigotry and murder. Unfortunately, rioting and looting has also resulted. I don’t sanction these actions of violence and criminality. I do however point out that I am not surprised just disappointed how these acts are apparently more important acts than the vicious murder of a Non-Caucasian Man by police officers to many of our concerned American citizens. I am willing to talk about them and my thoughts about the divergent catalysts for these actions. However, by placing our focus on the crimes of the riots and looting and taking it off of George Floyd’s Murder, I feel we grant another success to the entities that would like to keep the establishment of institutionalized racism, bigotry and murder in place.
Well-said, Karen. And I am right with you… I don’t agree with the riots/looting and hate that the murder of one man has brought on more violence, I get why it’s happening. I HATE that it’s happening, and yet I understand the series of events that led us here.
Perhaps you do Jen, but I fear many do not understand. I know many people are uncomfortable hearing about how their neighbors, friends possibly even their family and themselves may contribute to the ongoing problem if by doing nothing more than saying nothing when offensive comments are made ‘in private’.