It is important to recognize the lives that are undervalued. Black lives are not valued in the United States the same way white lives are. By suggesting that black lives matter, the claim is that black lives matter too. Stop neglecting black lives because they also matter in addition to white lives that are already highly valued. Saying black lives matter, does not lessen the value of other lives, simply asserts that black lives matter and need to be held to the same regard.
Saying that "All Lives Matter" in response to "Black Lives Matter" is misunderstanding the issue at hand. It supports the colorblind theory that all races should be seen as equal, or not seen at all, which ignores the existing issues that were created on the basis of race. Pretending we are post-racial does more harm than good: just like those who support "All Lives Matter."
What is the impulse? I often wonder this. How can white people look around, see themselves on tv, hear themselves on the radio, know that they are the ones making the laws, and then feel the need to say their lives matter too? No one is doubting that! We all KNOW white lives matter! It has been made abundantly clear every second of every day.
ReplyDeleteI think it's true that white people get this urge because they fear that their power and privileged will be taken away. They might not think of it like that, they might deny it, but what other possible reason could a person for refusing to stay inside of their damn lane? I really do think that white people subconsciously see black lives matter and fear that there will come a day when they will be treated like they treat black people.