When an issue arises, our first instinct is to find some way to solve it. We speak up. We protest. We advocate for change. But then after a while, things simmer down. After you write a post with the trending hashtag for change, that’s it. Nothing is done after. You hold a one-off bake sale, raise money and donate it, and then find another charitable cause to support. You check off a box on your mental to-do list. The issue is either fixed or forgotten, left behind when everyone is chasing a brand new cause for action. This can be good, because we give many issues a voice. We start to make a change. But what’s the point if we don’t follow through. What do we do with half a solution?
In this case, I’m referring to racism. Legendary basketball player, author, and activist Kareem Abdul-Jabbar says, “Racism in America is like dust in the air. It seems invisible — even if you're choking on it — until you let the sun in. Then you see it everywhere. As long as we keep shining that light we have a chance of cleaning it wherever it lands.”. Racism has always been eminent in our modern society. Sometimes, it can be more obvious. Sometimes, it could be as subtle as a snide remark behind one’s back. It was briefly covered by the media, and then soon forgotten. Now, with the recent tragic death of George Floyd, the flame has been re-lit. People are protesting for change, on the behalf of the African-American community. This has the potential to change the way the system works, where everyone can be given an equal voice, and we don’t have to shout to be heard.
#BlackLivesMatter peaked with people from all around the world using the hashtag, tagging others to take part in #BlackoutTuesday. Celebrities like Taylor Swift and Halsey have spoken up and even taken part in the protests. A hashtag might be a good way to raise awareness, but what are we trying to achieve? For change to be seen in society, we need to make that change. It's horrific that police officers are abusing their powers. It's disgusting that people discriminate, because of race. This should be the reason why we speak up. As a global communtity, we use our voices to empower the unheard, not just post a half-hearted hashtag to seem charitable and well-informed. We should use our voices, to spark action, and never back down until a change is made. Instead of having a dozen halfway completed solutions for issues, we should form just one complete solution, just one law in place, just one attempt that we actually followed through on. By doing this, we can change the way society works, one cause at a time.
If this editorial resonated with you, please take the time to donate, sign petitions and raise awareness to the cause. Read up on the discrimination the Black community are facing, and also the rising issue of police brutality. Buy from Black-owned businesses. Help register and educate voters during the pandemic.
Here are petitions worth signing