First off, let me just say that you do not have to agree with me. I'm sure a lot of you won't, and that is completely OK. I respect your opinions, and you should respect mine too. I'm Caucasian. I'm from the South. I attend college. Yes, I am privileged. No, I don't fully understand the racism African Americans endure in our country. No, I'm not ignorant. Please quit acting like I am.
I'm dumbfounded by what our great country has become. We have turned our backs on each other, and ultimately resulted to violence to "resolve" issues. It's not OK, and I don't think it's going to get much better. The Black Lives Matter movement has a wonderful purpose. Their website states, "#BlackLivesMatter is a call to action and a response to the virulent anti-Black racism that permeates our society." This is a worthy cause, by all means. I realize that racism in America is a problem. However, I don't think that a lot of African Americans realize that white individuals, like myself, do see this problem. I truly believe that most think we are all racist and have no empathy for them or their situation. It's not necessarily their fault considering that is what the media shoves down our throats every day. I understand that our perceptions have been altered based on what the media wants us to know and believe.
Honestly, every human being should be treated equally. Should be and are, are two different things in this world. I am well aware that the Black Lives Matter movement has all intentions of being good and creating change, but it has been abused. This is the problem.
It has been used to destruct by many. People have the wrong idea about what it really stands for. It has been used as an "excuse" and a "valid reason" during riots and acts of violence. The problem, I believe, is that it has been completely transformed by society and used for the wrong purpose.
Many assume that white people are the only ones encouraging racism and making things worse, but I disagree to some extent. Yes, there are many white individuals out there who will encourage this, but honestly those are the ones who will never agree to change or be persuaded to alter their views on this. However, has anyone thought about how a lot of this has been encouraged by other black individuals?
For example, Reverend Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and the Black Panther Party to name a few. They all encourage African Americans to "take action," usually violent action, at that.
Racism against blacks is an issue in America that we cannot ignore, but now with all of the media focusing on the horrible things (seemingly all) white people have done, racism against white people is increasing. From the graffiti boldly stating "Kill more cops," to the threats of violence against white people, it's obvious that this country is only heading downhill.
Learn to listen. Learn to think before you act. Learn to lean on one another.
But most importantly, learn to love all people.
