Last week, citizens were reminded that racism is alive and well here in the United States. There are some citizens who were not surprised by the Neo-Nazi protest in Charlottesville, Virginia. On the other hand, the protest was a wake up call for some that racism thrives in the United States. However, every citizen who stands against racism needs to make their voices known publicly. We the people of the United States must take a stand against racism to preserve the safety of every citizen in this country.
The Black Lives Matter movement began in 2012 after the death of an unarmed African-American youth named Trayvon Martin. His murderer was acquitted, and this gave rise to the movement to stop the injustice towards black citizens. However, a portion of America decided to create their own slogan in response titled, "All Lives Matter." This response is extremely problematic because it desensitizes the Black Lives Matter movement. The title of the movement stems from the notion that America does not treat black citizens like their lives matter due to police brutality, mass incarceration, an unfair justice system, and other unjust treatment. Therefore, the phrase "All lives matter," takes away from the seriousness of black lives being treated poorly in America.
Last year, Colin Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, began a movement within the NFL to protest against police brutality. During a preseason game, he sat down during the singing of the national anthem, and it stirred attention with the media. He explained his reasoning by saying, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color." Therefore, his protest gained nationwide attention, and many athletes nationwide began sitting or kneeling during the national anthem. However, Kaepernick is currently unemployed due to the non-support of football fans across the country.
In the wake of the event in Charlottesville, many hate groups across the country are forming violent protests throughout the United States. One woman was killed and 19 others injured due to the protest in Charlottesville. Videos are emerging through social media of white citizens spewing the, "N word," at black citizens with anger. Confederate flags and statues are being taken down in various places across the country which angers white nationalists more. Tensions are high among citizens, and America is on the brink of a race war.
Therefore, our president needs to denounce racism and show that there is no room to tolerate racism. Instead, he issues statements via Twitter such as, "Sad to see the history and culture of our great country being ripped apart with the removal of our beautiful statues and monuments." The President of the United States is saddened by the removal of statues of Robert E. Lee, the general of the Confederate Army, and that in itself infuriates many citizens. There should be no place for Confederate statues and flags around the country because they symbolize people fighting to keep slavery. Therefore, this country needs to stand up to racism and treat every citizen equally.
Trump says, "There is blame on both sides." However, in the words of former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, "There are not two sides to bigotry and there are not two sides to hatred. If you choose to march with the flag that symbolizes the slaughter of millions of people, there are not two sides to that." Trump needs to understand this view, and speak against hate and bigotry along with the rest of the country. "The only way to beat the loud and angry voices of hate is to meet them with louder and more reasonable voices, and that includes you, President Trump."
