In the past year, this country has been dangerously divided by the violence that has enveloped our communities. Social media feeds are flooded with angered citizens pleading for change. Ever since the death of Michael Brown, there has been a fight to restrict the availability of weapons to the public. As a result, social media brought about movements such as Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter, and All Lives Matter. My duty as the writer of this piece is not to side with one movement or the other, but rather to encourage social media users and fellow countrymen to stand together as one in this most difficult time.
Each movement possesses a very clear and positive message in its own right. However, while attempting to bring people together, these hashtags are pulling this country further and further apart with each post. In recent weeks, social media has sparked tense debates between members of each party. Friendships have been lost over difference of opinion. This is the exact problem that has contributed to the violence and animosity between the supporters of each movement. Not all, but too many people have used these stances to draw battle lines between anyone with a different viewpoint than them. Social media has become a battleground where entire communities have constructed social barriers that no longer welcome change and conversation. Instead, they welcome hatred as well as violent words and actions towards those whose opinions differ.
Though passions are understandably high, it seems that many have lost sight of the objectives that these movements are trying to achieve. The pain and bitterness of loss has caused many to forget that each party is simply asking for equality and respect. Too many of us have become convinced that any person who supports one cause or another, is an enemy and it is that way of thinking has kept us from moving toward social reform. We as a nation need to hear each other. Take time to listen, to those who have been affected by these acts of violence and do not see their difference of opinion as a threat to your own. Listen to each other so that you might understand your differences and unite rather than separate. The only way we will move closer to resolving the issue of violence and racism that exists in our world today is by unclenching our fists and using our voices to move toward social reform.
In closing, I urge each and every one of you to let your voices be heard. If you choose to support one movement or another, fine, do it. But do so in a way that contributes to the goal of ending the senseless violence that dominates our damaged nation.
