An anonymous group of students of color here at GPHS speak on issues that plagued this country for countless years, but additionally focus on the events that have been occurring today regarding the Black Lives Matter protests.
REST IN POWER, GEORGE FLOYD.
A massive civil rights movement is currently happening on a national and global level. The topic of black people and discrimination against them by police has been a hot topic on almost all media platforms. Let's hear a discussion on these issues from people of color from our very own school. Click on the tag lines below to read more.
The words “white privilege” are two words that are quite complex in America. What is white privilege? White privilege is when we view a white person as privileged simply because of their skin color. This especially comes into play when we see “successful” white people or when we see a white person receive better treatment than a person of color. This, however, does not imply that white people have a different set of rules or they have not experienced complications in their lives. White privilege is when a person's skin color does not affect the way they are treated in society or by the police.
It is more common for a black person to be stopped by police, or face police brutality, than a white person. It is more common for a black person to be followed around the store because of the workers “suspicions” towards them because of the pigmentation of their skin color. According to the bipartisan Council on Criminal Justice, black people are incarcerated 5 times more than white people in the United States. Statistics highlighted by the NAACP show that the drug usage rates are the same for blacks and whites. However, black people are imprisoned for drug charges 6 times more than whites. Black people are more likely to have a higher bail set. Black people are more likely to be killed by police than white men.
White people have the privilege of having a positive relationship with the police and society generally; they have the privilege to escape violent stereotypes associated with that race. They also have the privilege of not having to deal with oppression and racism. For example, in 2018, Kaitlin Bennet, a white student, posed in a photo wearing an AR-10 rifle on her back at Kent State University, but she faced no consequences. However, if a black person did that, people would report to police and many would complain about feeling in danger. That black person would face consequences. That is white privilege.
White privilege allows white people to have a non-political existence and still be fine. Their wealth, race and abilities allow them to live a life that is free of being a target from genocide, attacks, or police brutality. It is time people recognize their privilege and use it to help people. Privileged people need to stand with the black community right now to speak up with them and protect them. When they speak up, it has more impact and helps the people of color.
It is time for people to stop using their privilege only for their benefit and use it to help the people of color. How can people’s participation help? As human beings, everyone’s participation is essential. How can you help more? You can help and be an ally-- by attending protests led by POC (People of Color) and BLM (Black Live Matter) leaders and listening to their requests. Do NOT incite violence or initiate looting. Start educating yourself and the people around you. Do not just get your information from the news channel. Research on your own from various other sources. Social media is often considered “bad” or “misleading” but, in this case, social media is more reliant because this generation is all about change and for justice. You will get more reliable information from social media than news channels these days. You can also start donating (bail funds, black owned nonprofits, organizers) and, most of all, start signing petitions. Petitions are a great way to start being an ally and bringing more awareness. Try to call local jails/public officials to demand the release of those arrested during protests. Most important of all, starting calling out people who are being racist or spreading false information. The change will start with you. Otherwise, your silence is violence. If you don't think racism exists, then you are blinded by your privilege.
George Floyd’s murder was the tip of the iceberg for the black community. This was the breaking point for the black community. Many black people have been murdered for the color of their skin-- because police are simply “threatened” by them. George Floyd’s murder was what really put police brutality into people’s eyes and that is when the community knew: racism is still alive and problematic.
The reason not all cops were originally fined with Floyd’s murder is because, before he was pinned to the ground, Floyd began suffering from a heart attack. During the heart attack, he was tragically being murdered. When an autopsy was done on his body, they found out he had suffered a heart attack and found fentanyl in his system.
All involved cops should be charged for Floyd’s murder because, if he needed medical help, they should have never pinned him to the ground and should have seeked medical help. Putting a knee on someone's neck is not how police officers were trained. A knee should never be on someone's neck-- especially for 8-9 minutes. That was absolutely unneeded.
Floyd was simply accused of forging a 20 dollar bill, which was later proven to be a false accusation. If Derek Chauvin killed George Floyd for a suspected 20 dollar bill forge, there is something wrong with that cop. There was no reason to attack him and hold him down as he suffered. George Floyd pleaded for air and constantly said, “I can’t breathe.” The other cops around him did not even bother to move Chauvin’s knee from Floyd’s neck.
It is problematic that no cops were originally charged, fired or arrested for this injustice. Their arrest only happened because the public demanded justice and started protesting, providing a look at the injustices and police brutality embedded into the justice system. If people did not fight for Floyd, the officers would still be walking around freely. Even after Chauvin (the cop who put the knee of Floyd’s neck) was arrested, he was only charged with third degree murder. Finally, after more protests demonstrated the people’s refusal to stay silent, second degree murder charges were finally placed on Chauvin and he was arrested. Along with him, the other three cops, J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao, were fired and arrested for aiding and abetting Floyd’s murder.
It is disrespectful to say or insinuate that all protesters are rioting and looting. A very small percentage of people are doing so. This small sub-population of protesters started to loot Target because protesters were getting tear-gassed and Target would not let them get milk. Target denied help to people in pain. Since then, more destructive protesters have looted businesses like Louis Vitton and Nike.
Looting is absolutely unnecessary, but the media is choosing to bring more attention to that practice than to the peaceful protests. Many protesters have been, in fact, stopping others from looting by standing in front of stores to protect them and not letting anyone in. Many protestors have even stated that the protests have been peaceful until the cops attack first, which have turned the protests into chaos and make it seem like the protestors are wrong. Undercover cops have dressed as normal people in protests. Some people have stated that those undercover cops are the most aggressive-- starting fires and encouraging looting.
Arguments exist which state that riots are the wrong way to protest. However, riots have been proven to work in the past. For example, the Stonewall Riots, the Boston Tea Party, and the Detroit riots were violent movements and riots that did lead to change, where change could not be made peacefully. In the case of more modern racial injustices, when people have tried to protest peacefully, like Kaepernick kneeling to bring attention to oppression and police brutality, they have been asked to stop and have been called many terrible names. Kepernick’s career was caught under fire.
The point is that there will never be an acceptable way to challenge a system. For example, activists have tried many times to bring attention to the Black Lives Matter Movement, but it has always been ignored or shut down. When people say this is an overreaction, they are wrong. There is no overreaction to 400 plus years of second-class citizenship and dehumanizing treatment.
One thing that the media does not talk about is how many people start rioting or cause destruction after a Super Bowl or other sport-related event. In Philadelphia, Eagles fans celebrated the Super Bowl win and caused an abundance of property damage, but there was no action taken by the police. No tear gas or rubber bullets emerged. Why is this the case? Wasn't that a violent riot, too? Another example is when people have protested the COVID-19 quarantine and demanding that governors reopen businesses during a pandemic. These people were asking for their rights to re-enter society. However, many people did not see this as a threat of spreading the virus. More importantly, governments did not see the need to set curfew and tell them to go back inside. However, when people try to protest for black lives, asking for justice, all of a sudden people call them “careless” for trying to spread the virus or call them “Thugs,” even though those protests are peaceful.
After slavery was abolished, white people burned down black people’s homes and towns and murdered many of them. The KKK burned down homes, churches, businesses and people for years. Somehow, history has shown that people stay silent about violence and riots instigated by white people but, when unrest arises in the name of blacks, the public says it is unnecessary. People need to understand that riots are needed, in this case, in order to bring reforms.
Black people are angry. They are frustrated and tired of being treated like this. They are scared that they could be the next dead person. They are scared that the next person we will be seeking justice for is going to be them. They are mad that they still have to deal with racism--even in 2020. Open your eyes. Don't be blinded to their pain. Change is not going to come by just asking for it. Fight for your brothers and sisters. Radical change calls for radical action. If the white race was ever oppressed as much as the black race has been, this country would be burning and people would not stay silent or stay at home talking against the movement. People would not stay silent.
Unfortunately, many people are ignoring the fact that the black race needs our help. We need to stand united and help them gain justice and rights because there is no freedom until we are ALL equal. By this point, all 50 states, and over 13 countries, have protested in support of BLM. The U.K has talked about putting a pause on their import of rubber bullets into the U.S. These protests have had massive impacts and are becoming the biggest marches and protests across the whole nation. In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., “A riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it that America has failed to hear?... It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met.”
Our president, Donald Trump, has said that martial law will go into place if all governers do not comply with bringing national guards into their states. Martial Law enacts a military government and involves the suspension of ordinary law. Under this vision, all citizens' rights would be taken away, which means that we would have no freedom of speech and no more right to protest at all. Congress and the court system have no control over what happens. America would become a military-run country and would no longer be known as “The Free Country”. The army would be in every city and our president would have full control over us.
Donald Trump has also encouraged police and the army to shoot any and everyone if protests get out of hand. When people were peacefully protesting in D.C, he had them tear gassed and shot with rubber bullets, so he could take a picture with a Bible and have a photo op. The main coverage that reached the public was mainly from the protestors themselves, who released videos on social media which show what really took place. The police were attacking them with tear gas and rubber bullets, even though it was a peaceful protest. Because of the lack of media coverage in Washington DC, it looked very peaceful to any outsider looking in. However, the police were extremely harsh and brutal with the protesters.
During these times, the world needs their president to address the issues but, instead, he is hiding in the bunkers of the White House. People say that he makes America great again, but does he really? If he does, then why are people still fighting for black rights and justice in increasing amounts in 2020? Why was there a protest in the first place to get justice for George Floyd and now many other victims? The justice system hesitated to give justice to innocent black lives. They decided to take no action. There would be no action taken against those officers if people did not protest, riot or show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
At this point, people have to take the issue into their own hands and fight to get justice for black lives. This should be the government and the courts’ job. At this point the government and the police are hurting their own people for trying to peacefully protest. Some cops even took a knee to get the crowd closer to them and then started spraying them and shooting rubber bullets. Why are some cops turning off their body cameras and hiding their badge numbers? If they do this, they obviously know that they are doing something they should not be doing. They are trying to protect themselves because they know they are wrong. When people say “Blue Lives Matter” there is truth to this statement. It is important to note that cops have chosen to put on their uniform. They put their lives at risk the moment they choose that job. They can take off their uniform and stand for what is right. Black people cannot take off their color.
About ACAB: there are good cops in the world and not all cops are bad. However, the policing system as a whole in the United States is the issue. When some good cops do not say anything about how the protestors are being treated, that makes them implicitly support bad cops. Those cops who fall into this category should know not to be brutal to the protestors. They should stop their mates when they see them being aggressive. Because of a few bad protestors, people label the whole movement bad and violent, but when a few cops commit murders or are racist, it is wrong for people to label all cops bad. One bad protestor labels the whole movement, but a few bad cops are never supposed to represent all cops. What type of logic is that? That is very hypocritical.
Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old black boy, got shot at a playground by a cop because the cop thought he had a gun, but the child actually had a water gun toy. He got shot for playing with a water gun that the police thought was an actual gun. If that does not make you question the police system and the justice system, you are choosing to stay ignorant and be blinded. The problem is that, originally, police were first created to actually round up and capture runaway slaves. Even to this day, the systematic racism surrounding the police and justice system is still alive. This is what people are protesting against. At the Grants Pass protest against racism on June 2, people with rifles stood on the opposite side. The day before, there were people with rifles in Medford.
Protesters guarded the flag with rifles in Grants Pass. Now imagine if black people were standing with guns, standing up for themselves or trying to protect the flag. Everyone should know how that would most likely end up. The black guy would certainly get arrested or the cops would treat them aggressively. White people can use their rifles and utilize the right to own guns to stand up for what they believe in and the cops stay calm. However, cops feel threatened when they “think” that black people have a gun on them. This is unjust.
The best action that good cops take during these protests is to PROTECT the protestors and guide them through the state. Clear their way of cars and spread awareness that this is happening. Stand united with the people. Stand with them, not against them. Arrest the violent people, the looters and people who start fires-- NOT the peaceful protestors. The moment the police show up in riot gear and point guns or throw tear gas bombs is the moment the protest turns violent and police decide to turn their back against the people they swore to protect.
What is the Black Lives Matter movement? Is it a phrase people use for attention? Is it saying that other lives don't matter? Black lives matter is a phrase and a movement to bring more awareness to how black lives are being taken away due racism, hate crime, or police brutality.
When people say “All Lives Matter”, it is true. All lives do matter, but people who tout this phrase in response to Black Lives Matter are choosing to ignore the facts that black lives have faced significant oppression that they still battle to this date. They are choosing to ignore all the racism against this group of people. They are ignoring the fact that they are facing more and more police brutality. Black people feel like their lives do not matter due to the racism and so much injustice against them. Therefore, all lives as a whole can't matter until black lives matter.
When people say “All Lives Matter”, it is embarrassing and offensive. For example, imagine your child is dying and you are giving an eulogy explaining what your child meant to you and how special your child was, but then someone grabs the mic and says, “Actually, all children are special…” or let’s pretend your house is burning and you call the firefighter but then your neighbors ask you, “What about my house?” but their house is not burning. They reply, “No, but doesn't my house matter?” Black Lives Matter was not created to show that other lives do not matter.
Black people are tired and exhausted from fighting yet, to this day, they still face injustice and police brutality. They are angry with decades of injustice. Black lives have faced many injustices and are treated worse as a group than groups with more privilege. That is why this movement is here: to bring awareness and changes. Black people are constantly in danger and, by using this phrase, we are trying to point to a topic in our nation where injustice is continually occurring and diminishing the value of black lives. People should not be offended by this phrase. Instead, they should have compassion for their black brothers and sisters and stand with them to fight for their rights.
The news and media have mostly chosen to show the negative parts of protests and not the positive parts. They have often not shown police being rude to peaceful protesters and shooting them with rubber bullets. The news people have not shown how a State Senator, Zellnor Myrie, got pepper sprayed and handcuffed by the police. New York arrested their OWN SENATOR. The senator said, “Police brutality is in the DNA of this country and that its roots go back decades.”
News channels are more vocal about the looting and the violence than the Black Lives Matter movement, the peaceful protestors, and their own people coming together and standing united to make a change. They are not showing the injustice that police are inflicting upon their own public. They only show the rare protests that get out of hand. To bring more awareness about this to children, even Nickelodeon had a 8 minute and 46 second pause time to show how long George Floyd had a knee to his neck.
Governors have put a curfew in place, only in certain cities. The curfews are unreasonable and unneeded. There were no curfews when fans started riots over sports celebrations, so why instate curfews now, when people are talking and asking for human rights and justice and an important change? Why now? Why were there no curfews when people were protesting the COVID-19 lockdown?
If you are tired of seeing your social media or all new channels full of talking about these protests and movements, imagine how tired black community is of experiencing them. They live in fear of getting killed. They have to deal with this their whole life. At this point, teens on social media are more willing to fight for equal rights in this country than the president.
