Black Lives Matter, also known as BLM, is a humans rights activist group that is specifically aimed at enhancing the rights of black lives. Sounds great, right? BLM was formed as an inadvertent counteraction to what many argue to be police brutality. Cops are facing criminals and acting in ways that some may have deemed too fast or unnecessary in response to the ways officers have reacted to calls regarding black suspects/offenders. For example, one well-known case is that of Michael Brown, a young man who was killed at the hands of an officer because he appeared to be pulling a weapon out. This case is only one of many. Arguments made in regards to this case are mostly shrouded in stereotypical nonsense. Individuals argue: “it was dark and these streets aren't safe, of course, the officer assumed it was a weapon.” Some citizens put forth claims that the officers were wrong and the suspects were, while not innocent, not guilty as charged. The violence seen and reported towards such suspects-turned-victims took part in the formation of the activist group, Black Lives Matter.

However, other cases are overlooked by citizens, assuming the officer is always wrong. This assumption that cops are bad led to the violence and hatred against officers of all kinds. Citizens hold signs scorning cops, throw things at them including bottles of bodily fluids paired with chants of hope that they’ll get hurt on the job. These anti-cop protests resulted in the counter-action and formation of “Blue Lives Matter” which is a group recognizing the importance of a cop’s job, preaching that not all cops are bad and it is not an accurate stereotype that they’re violent and power-hungry as a majority. Both groups are activist groups supporting and attempting to spread the awareness and respect of those involved. Blue Lives Matter has been seen as condescending and arguably mocks the Black Lives Matter group. Individuals involved in Black Lives Matter believe Blue Lives Matter is a contradiction, and a way to lessen the importance of Black Lives Matter.

Both groups have been mocking each other, dehumanizing each other, and spreading negative thoughts about each other. To Blue Lives Matter, Black Lives Matter is unnecessary and too exclusive. To Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter is contradictory and offensive. Both groups have gained endless support, understanding and spread countless amounts of awareness regarding both groups’ followers. Both groups have spent enormous amounts of time spreading negativity around the other. Time that could have been spent otherwise spreading more information, finding more peace, and gaining more support. So why? Why can’t we work together? Why does it have to be Black Lives Matter or Blue Lives Matter? All lives matter. All lives are fought for. Each and every one of us is a citizen of the same country, abiding by the same rules, living on the same soil. Peace, love, and equality should be universal; black or white, cop or criminal, no matter the situation. So why separate groups for peace and ultimately create groups that do nothing other than spread hate? Why does it seem to be one or the other? Why not both?