It’s 2016 and it seems that the vicious cycle of violence is only worsening worldwide, ranging from the terrorist attacks in Paris and Nice to the Orlando shootings and death of Alton Sterling and three officers. This cycle of violence has gone on for too long, and it is time for us, as Americans, to start speaking out to end the violent chaos that is taking over our country.

It Starts with You

In a world where violence is portrayed in almost every aspect of the media, whether it is in movies, music, books, television, or many social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, ending the cycle of violence may seem like a far-fetched, impossible task, but this is far from the truth. If we would just learn to love rather than discriminate, love would surpass all the violence. Gandhi once said, “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind,” which still rings true today. Today, violence is portrayed as an acceptable behavior when it is done within a certain context or for a specific reason. Today’s generation are taught that if someone throws the first punch, you must punch back, but this tactic only promotes more violence. How can we expect change and the violence to end when all we are doing is instilling violence in our youth. Is this how we want our future children to view America? A place where they cannot walk outside without turning on the TV and looking at another murder story. Something has to change and it starts with you.

#ALLLIVESMATTER VS. #BLACKLIVSEMATTER

This slogan is one of the most trending topics on many popular social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and has quickly become a topic of color rather than right and wrong. Sure, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but does that mean we should place the blame on a single race? Does that mean we ostracize and criticize one race because of certain situations? The issue is not found in the color of a person’s skin, but by his or her character. Not all cops are bad and certainly not all African Americans are criminals. I am tired of seeing race being somehow tied together in every problem or situation that arises. If Martin Luther King Jr. has taught us anything, it is that all lives matter, not just one life that conveniently fits our dilemmas. The Black Lives Matter Movement is not only concerned with black lives and the violence towards them, but it strives to promote equality and justice among all. The bottom line is that all lives matter, and isn’t it time that we start loving each other as brother and sister instead of indulging in trivial matters regarding a person’s skin color?

Be The Change

So many people spend time complaining about the problems and chaos of America, but how many actually take the time to reach out to the community and be a hero. It’s time to ditch the TV remotes, put down our cell phones, and do something. As with anything, nothing happens overnight, but it can happen when we acknowledge our ways and have a strong desire to change. All it takes is one person to start a chain reaction. Together, we can move forward to help break the cycle of vicious murders and instead promote love and peace. America is screaming out for help and it is up to us to answer the call.

“Be the change you wish to see In the world”- Mahatma Gandhi