...because some things are worth talking about. So here's some of my opinion on things.
Today is Black Out Tuesday. While this day is specifically in response to the shooting of a single person, my reasons for posting this are much more widespread. Every few weeks or months, there will be a case reported internationally where a person of colour is treated unjustly. In some of these cases the need for police intervention was indeed needed. In some cases, there was not. Yet always the response seems disproportionate to the need, and disproportionate to the experience of a person of other races. While single events can be debated and justifications offered, the pattern as a whole is unconscionable. While the degree to which racism may exist will vary from city to city, even between divisions, it is widespread enough to count as systemic. So too must it be that for every newsworthy case must be dozens more that were not reported, or only known locally.
In response to these events, has been slowly escalating number of protests over lives lost, for various people who were killed in various types of interaction. This time, the difference is that with many people staying home due to COVID19, this is a very good time to stand up and be counted. This time we can make a sea of people who say "No more hate."
I am not a person of colour, so I feel it is not appropriate for me to advise people how to help specifically. But I will always stand with those who are being mistreated. Today that means standing with those of colour, who are calling out for justice. I would hope people can look into their own selves and see how that support would fit for them.
With that said, my own personal hopes to all of you.
To any protesters: stay safe, and watch out for those around you. Show them a unified front and let them see your hurt. But please, be safe. Don't give them any excuse to vilify or dismiss this cause.
To any in police or military service: please do not hate, and never let discrimination go unchallenged. If you respond to these specific protests, remember too that that crowd is made up of scared people the same as you, and the anger they feel stems from the fear and loss.
To everyone else: please stand with those who call for help when they are being mistreated, whoever they may be. Today there is a call. What do you say to it?
I say "No more hate."