Black Lives Matter
The Black Lives Matter movementbegan in 2013. However, it has recently returned to the forefrontof public discussion during lockdown. This was sparkedby the death of George Floyd, an African American whose final words were “I can’t breathe” as a police officer knelton his neck.
Since this event protests have taken place all around the world. I have many friends who have attended; from California to Vienna, and Melbourne to Birmingham. In my opinion, the international range of these protests and also the situation the world finds itself in has resulted in the movement getting the attention it deserves. During the pandemic this topic is harder to ignore, and though it may be uncomfortable, it should be faced and talked about. If you think about it, it is outrageous that an event such as this is required for people to stop and consider if the systemis unjusttowards those who aren’t white. Black lives matter always, not just when we are shown footageof people dying.
As a white female, I have been trying to educate myself and broadenmy worldview. This can be as simple as watching certain TV shows, followingsome accounts on Instagram, listening to podcasts or even doing the old-fashionedthing and reading a book. Here’s a post on Instagram with interesting resources that I would recommend if you have the time. You may be able to find them in your own language or you can use it as more materialfor your learning.
Glossary
1. Movement (noun)
A group of people working together to advance their shared political, social, or artistic ideas
2. Forefront (noun)
The most important position or place
3. To spark (verb)
To cause the beginning of something
4. To kneel (verb)
To put one knee or both knees on the ground
5. Protest (noun)
Action expressing disapproval or objecting to something. Often protests involve marching and holding banners, which you can see in the photo
6. Range (noun)
A set of different things of the same type, in this case cities
7. To find your/it/him/herself in or doing something (phrase)
To realise you are in a place or doing something without intending or planning to. Another example is: I found myself still in the library at 3am
8. Pandemic (noun)
A disease that has spread over multiple countries or continents
9. Uncomfortable (adjective)
Causing or feeling unease, awkwardness or pain
10. To face (verb)
To deal with a problem or situation
11. System (noun)
The political or social order, and the set of principles by which countries are organised
12. Unjust (adjective)
Not morally right or fair
13. Matter (verb)
To be important
13. Footage (noun)
A piece of film that shows an event or place
14. To broaden (verb)
To expand one’s interests, activities, or knowledge
15. To follow (verb)
When you follow somebody on social media means you will see what that person or group shares on their page.
16. Old-fashioned (adjective)
A style or type of something which is not modern
17. Material (noun)
Information or ideas for something. For example, Michael Lewis got great material for his first book – Liar’s Poker – when he worked on Wall Street.