In a response to the #BlackLivesMatter movement, opposers came out with #AllLivesMatter. Those in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement believed this to be another way of how America silences the black community. Despite the constant explanation as to why the #BlackLivesMatter movement is necessary, many opposers still believe that the #BlackLivesMatter movement is a way of saying “other lives don’t matter.” For those who do not understand the need for such a movement and are willing to understand, these three reads are a must:
1. Why It’s So Hard to Talk to White People about Race
This article written by Dr. Robin DiAngelo explores why white people harbor deep racial prejudices. In a society that, according to DiAngelo herself, “proclaims race meaningless, yet is deeply divided by race,” this article is a must read for all Americans. Dr. DiAngelo perfectly explains the reasons white Americans are socialized to be ignorant towards the issues marginalized groups face without justifying it. This article is an eye opener to those first becoming aware of their racial prejudices that developed.
2. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
The Jim Crow laws were abolished decades ago, but according to civil rights lawyer, Michelle Alexander, “we have not ended racial caste in America; we have merely redesigned it.” Alexander argues in her book that the criminal justice system in the U.S has used the “War in Drugs” as a tool to discriminate against African Americans as well as other minorities by mass incarcerating them. The book goes on to explain the consequences marginalized people face when they are disproportionately labeled as “criminals.” This book proves how racism in our country is very institutionalized on a national level versus on an individual level.
3. 5 Ways People Excuse Police Violence Against Black Youth – And What They’re Missing
In this article, Maisha Z. Johnson explores the way the media and people blame black children when they are subject to police brutality. She takes five common excuses the public give the police or other authority figures and why they aren’t valid. This is especially important because it exposes the way that we may treat children differently on the basis of race.
Race is a sensitive issue, but it is time that we start openly discussing how we can make our country a just and fair one. There is still a lot of work to be done and hopefully these reads are an eye opener.