Thoughts on "All Lives Matter" artical


I remember when this debate was in the news a while back and I guess this topic still comes up now and then.  This article argues that it is counterproductive to respond to "black lives matter" with "all lives matter" because doing so overlooks the point of bringing up why "black lives matter" is being uttered.  The reason being because of the instances of black lives being treated as less worthy of attention, concern and empathy than other lives.

The problem with the analogy that the article presents is the reality in America is not "Everyone else is getting their fair share and only I am not" it is: there are multiple people not getting a diner and instead of saying everyone should get a dinner you respond with I should get a dinner.  Yes I agree there are still racist and biases that overlook the value of people because of their skin but there are also homeless people and junkies that die and do not receive attention, concern, or empathy.  There are many more factors that are overlooked in regards to what people do and do not get concern; it is not just race.

This is why "blacks lives matter" receives protest because it presents themselves as only highlighting black people as the ones that are being mistreated in America while there are more factors that are getting discriminated against than just race, gender, and sexual orientation.  I will agree that instead of people completely ignoring what is being brought up in regards to the mistreatment of black people in parts of America we should listen to what has to be said.  At the same time I think those in the "black lives matter" movement should also try to understand where "the all lives matter" people come from it isn't just them being ignorant or trying to ignore the problem.

Last time I checked it seems like this has become one of those "with me or against me" divisive stances in this country.  Maybe one on one people can discuss these different opinions and have a civil conversation but it seems to have become too politized.  I am afraid that people might not think that there can be a discussion or different opinions on this topic and to me that is incredibly scary for the future of this country.


Comments

  1. Dr. McKameyFebruary 19, 2019 at 4:23 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. Dr. McKameyFebruary 19, 2019 at 4:38 PM

      Hi Dion,

      Can you say more about the two sides --
      Why do "All lives matter" vs. Why do "Black lives matter"?
      You have written about the importance of recognizing slavery as a part of US history. How does this historical reckoning jive with "all lives matter?"

      Delete
  2. Lauren ZanfardinoFebruary 22, 2019 at 8:47 AM

    What they are getting at with this article that all lives do matter, including black lives because they can be so mistreated. So when they say Black Live Matter they are saying it with "too" at the end.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Alexandra BrooksFebruary 24, 2019 at 3:00 PM

    Dion, I think what the article was trying to explain is the reason why it's called "Black Lives Matter" is because what you mostly see in this country is the people of African American descent being severely mistreated. I don't the author or creator of the group meant that "only" black people are being mistreated because mostly everyone in the country realizes this is not true. The saying "all lives matter" contradicts the "Black Lives Matter" because the movement was started as a "we matter as well" so by people saying "All Lives Matter" they are going against the"too" part that is unspoken.

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