The ongoing violence that exists in America is the sensational news story, fuel for cries of revolution, and fodder for media outlets. It is nearly impossible to scroll through social media without seeing posts about the violence and reading the brilliant exclamations for solutions that accompany them. There is no shortage of news coverage and general opinion pieces about the topic.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing; I am personally glad to see that social media is being used for something more meaningful than sharing cat memes and speculating over the latest celebrity news gossip. I would even go so far as to say it is a step in the "right direction" if it weren't so clearly based in dreams that may not be attainable.
What is wrong with "Lives Matter" movements, you ask?
Frankly, they are fads. There are some people who genuinely do have a vested interest in these equality movements that should be noted and applauded, especially in a country like ours. Unfortunately, ideas this important aren't given enough staying-power to mean anything in the long run. As a country, we are too easily side-tracked and distracted by the next "big thing," be it in technology, entertainment, or even human rights movements. Yes, there are times when we stick to our guns, but they are few and far between. The proliferation of mindless media has made us complacent and easily led astray.
"Lives Matter" movements are steeped in good intentions. The need to further the cause of equality among all groups is real and urgent. But they mean little in America for one reason.
We don't value life.
It is impossible to take the notion that we believe any lives matter when we so easily kill ourselves and each other. We are slaves to society: we become what others want us to be in that moment. Right now, it is trendy to be part of any equality movement, be it for black lives, all lives, or transgender lives. The reality is that these movements don't mean a thing because we are corrupted from the top down, from government all the way to the perceptions we allow our children to absorb about others.
The biggest issue in this country is that we don't care about each other. We use one another, abuse one another, and kill ourselves with the ingestion of dangerous "medicines" and chemically-laden foods. We don't speak up as a country; we are fragmented groups of ideals that needlessly conflict with one another for the sake of "being right."
As a country, we've proven that life doesn't matter to us. I can't have faith in any "Lives Matter" movements until we prove otherwise.
