Introduction
Nowadays, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has become a major focus of social and political activism, especially in the wake of the protests following the death of George Floyd in 2020. This is an issue because it exposes a significant gulf between the public and the movement’s goals. Some people say that it is necessary to solve the problem of systemic racism and protect people’s rights because it draws attention to problems that have been neglected for too long.
Other people say they do not support #BlackLivesMatter but call themselves #BlackLivesMatter keepers because they have accused the organization of inciting violence. In my opinion, while BLM and the hashtag are meant to address racial injustice, stereotypes and implicit biases heavily influence radical movements, and strategies are necessarily adopted to improve understanding.
Why the BLM Movement Is Misunderstood
One reason I think that the exaggeration of extremism is attached to the BLM movement is the style in which it receives its visibility and activism. For example, in the 2020 protests, the majority of the protesters were peaceful. However, many media platforms highlighted violent incidents committed by a few protesters, thereby giving viewers a distorted picture of the protest.
However, black people want justice: “I have seen white men presiding over trials, presiding over corporations, presiding over many countries in the Western world” (Gay 2014, 1). This means that selective reporting positioned violent protests in the spotlight, diminishing the peaceful character of the majority and showing the effect of media narratives on public perception. Therefore, I think an effective strategy to increase comprehension of the BLM movement is to implement media literacy programs that teach critical thinking about the news and emphasize the importance of exploring other sources before making judgments.
Another reason I think that can be attributed to the misconception about the reasons and ways the movement works is the conflation of the lone events with the overall objective. For example, engaging in violent activities may occur on some occasions by individuals associating with the movement; these actions do not represent core values and principles of racial equality and justice. This means that a few individuals’ behaviors do not make the entire movement peaceful, and it shows the importance of constructive activism and of not judging the movement based on a few people or pieces of information. Therefore, I think the movement can gain more followers if it offers discussions and educational programs that clearly articulate its goals and activities.
Some people say that BLM’s political activism is involved in the justification of accusations of extremism. They say that by making systemic changes, the movement resolves challenges to existing power structures, and so they deem this radical approach extremist. Gay (2014, 1) says, “When I see a white man ambling towards me on the street at night, or when I am in an elevator with him, or when I see him in the car next to mine on the interstate, I often think I should be afraid.” it shows how important it is to provide quality for everybody. Their idea is right in some ways; however, I disagree because systems that enable change are fundamental to democratic societies. The movement’s message of progress through nonviolent means and political involvement is its strength and should not be confused with extremism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I believe that the Black Lives Matter movement, posited as a hashtag or an organization, is in the fight for racial justice and equality. I think that media improvements, implementing educational programs, and promoting open dialogue are important steps toward better understanding the movement’s mission and tactics. These strategies are significant because they address misunderstandings and prejudices, thereby building a more just and empathetic society that treats all its citizens with equal respect and consideration. Through education and communication, we can make the biases against Black people decline, and White people know more about the truth.
Reference
Gay, R. (2014). Lawns, softball, bourbon and privilege: I have feared white men and I have loved them. New Statesman, 143(5231), 1-3.