So, I know that this is a divisive topic that has divided people from all walks of life, but I wanted to share my opinion on it.
On this topic I feel very conflicted between my head and my heart.
I am not going to pretend to comprehend or even understand the prejudices and discrimination that BAME communities face on a daily basis.
I understand that while George Floyd’s death is being reported on, it is good to strike while the iron is hot and highlight the adversity, racism and missed opportunities that these communities face.
It angers me that in the 21st century people of colour still do not receive the same privileges that people like myself get, based purely on the colour of someone’s skin and not because of their ability, achievements or accolades. This also stretches to other ethnic minorities as well.
Racism is not just limited to white on black people – unfortunately, it stretches to all different ethnic groups including Pakistani, Muslim, Bangladeshi, etc – and it is well founded that racism happens within these communities towards each other. During a discussion with a colleague of mine I discovered that racism is absolutely rife in South Africa with black people in particular being racist towards white people. And another endured racism from an ex-partners family purely because she was not from the Bajan community.
The part that I am struggling with is these protests are happening in the middle of a pandemic, this virus is a global issue. In fact, statistics have shown that people of ethnic minorities are actually more at risk of contracting the virus. This is a vast amount of people congregating together who are not practising social distancing and either not wearing PPE, using masks that won’t provide adequate protection or using it incorrectly (i.e. wearing face masks under their noses).
I’m so concerned about seeing a second wave occur because of instances like the protests, people going to the beaches and congregating in areas like Soho in London due to pubs reopening.
I also have an issue with these protests turning violent and looting and vandalism being carried out. Innocent bystanders being beaten up, business owners having their livelihoods snatched away in a moment and innocent horses having bricks thrown at their faces. All these actions have consequences.
I know that the majority of the protests have been peaceful and that these people who are carrying out these acts are a minority. I don’t believe these people are fighting for the cause, in fact I think that they are opportunists who are going out looking to create trouble.
I believe that violence just breeds violence. These acts detracts the focus away from the cause and it is an ineffective way of getting a message across, instead the message gets lost and overshadowed. Who’s the winner in this situation? Because the cause certainly isn’t.
There is no place or room in society nowadays for any discrimination towards any ethnicity, race, religion, sex, sexuality, disability, etc.
I don’t think that we will ever reach that perfect ‘utopia’ that people are so desperate to achieve, because while these bigoted people are still ‘breeding’ and having children their views and moral compasses will be passed on from generation to generation.
Love Charlotte
The rants, quips and anecdotes of a twenty-something year old
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