This post isn’t something we’d usually write about, but we have always said that we will remain authentic towards who we are as people. I physically couldn’t remain quiet on this matter (and if you follow any of our other social media, you’ll know that we haven’t been quiet about it either). Black Lives Matter.
Black Oppression and White Privilege – Black Lives Matter
On May 25th, 2020, George Floyd was murdered by a white police officer, who was assisted by 3 other police officers. Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into George Floyd’s neck for nearly 9 minutes, whilst Floyd repeatedly said “I can’t breathe” “please don’t kill me”. Every single person, regardless of your race should be outraged that an innocent man’s life was taken without a second thought. What’s worse, this is not the only instance of police brutality towards black people.
The police are supposed to protect the public, and yet time and time again (especially in America) they have shown disdain towards all minorities, but more specifically towards black people. However, it isn’t just police that show this disdain towards black people. On February 28th, 2020, Ahmaud Arbery was shot and killed by a white father and son whilst out for a run. These are just 2 examples of a LONG list of black men, women and children that have been murdered not just by the police but by racists who know they will get away with it.
I know a lot of people have probably seen the current situation in America and gone “well that’s not our problem, we don’t live there” but that isn’t the case. There is still a huge race issue in the UK, regardless of whether you believe there is or not. Unless you are black or an ethnic minority, you cannot confidently say that the UK is any better than the USA.
The whole reason I am writing this post, is because it needs to be said. I am lucky to be in a privileged position, if you are white you are instantly more privileged than any other minority. People also seem to be taking offence when described as privileged, but being privileged is not saying that you have not faced difficulties. I have been bullied, sexually harassed, judged by my sex and my age but I am still privileged because I am white.
So we should be using our privilege for good, to support and fight those that do not have the same privilege as us. By using our privilege, we can begin to make racists fearful again because they know that no one will tolerate their toxicity.
If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.
Desmond Tutu
I have seen a number of influencers keep quiet on the police brutality and protests taking place all across the globe right now, and it makes me so very sad. We should be using whatever platform we have to scream at the top of our lungs that what is happening isn’t right.
I also understand that the current covid situation is still very scary and difficult for a lot of people, but black people have been dealing with this racism and oppression for hundreds, if not thousands of years. So why not use the current situation to educate yourselves on the Black Lives Matter movement and ways that you can better help support those being oppressed. I have included a number of petitions and go fund me pages below, and if you would like me to point you in the direction of some truly helpful and insightful Instagram pages and books that will really help you to understand.
I really hope that you read this and understand that whilst you might not agree with what I’m saying, that the black community across the world (but more specifically the USA) need our support more than ever. Black Lives Matter.
- Justice for George Floyd : change.org petition
- George Floyd Memorial Fund : Go Fund Me page
- Prosecute police who murder unarmed inidividuals : change.org petition
- Justice for Belly Mujinga : change.org petition
- #JusticeforFloyd : colourofchange petition (this is an American petition, but I easily googled an American area code to use)
- @showupnow : linktree it various memorial funds, petitions and reading materials.
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