With the recent police shootings, trending hashtags have been created to distinguish the conversations, but not all are productive. Those against police brutality, not the police, have spoken with #BlackLivesMatter, and in response, some people began using the "inclusive" hashtag #AllLivesMatter. But all lives can't matter when members of the black community keep getting killed in the streets.
Attempting to redirect the conversation does nothing to address the issue of police brutality — or the shooting of police officers. And the stigmas associated with these groups have only caused more tension. More important, using these hashtags doesn't indicate whether or not you are racist. #BLM doesn’t equate to black supremacy; people want safety. #ALM doesn’t equate to white supremacy; it's just an idealistic view of the police force. #BLM doesn't mean you're anti-cop or that you enjoy police officers being shot, and #ALM doesn't mean you're anti-black.
The divide has thus far resulted in a stalemate, and after each life is lost there is an argument, but not about how to stop the violence. It's about "waiting for all the facts," because people only care about whether or not the cop was in the wrong. Nothing gets done and nothing changes. (Except the established protocol of telling an officer exactly what you are reaching for; that has disappeared with the death of Philando Castile. He was shot while attempting to get out his identification, despite having explained that he was carrying a pistol and had a license to carry but he was simply getting his documents.) These contradictory issues have left many people in a no-win situation.
The movement is hindered and progress impossible when people refuse to admit that some cops make dangerous mistakes, have fatal overreactions, and are destructive. Yes, there are good cops out there who put their lives on the line and make their families worry every time they go to work. There are also people who joined the force because they like power, and they misuse it to bully others and assert their dominance. While this usually stops at giving someone a hard time or mild harassment, the media has become more and more sensitive to when situations escalate.
Yes, all lives matter. I’m not saying black lives are the only ones that matter. I’m not saying they matter more than any other lives. What this movement is broadcasting is: stop treating black lives as if they do not matter. Black lives matter because black people deserve safety and security.
Until everyone can walk down the street safely, some lives need more attention. Black people have been trying to climb up to the ledge of equal and fair treatment via the bodies of their late brothers and sisters, but we keep burying them with more fallen friends. We need to reach down and help them up. We need to be able to stand together as one people, no matter the race. Until then, Black Lives Matter.
