We’ve been hearing the phrase “black lives matter” a lot lately. Some seem to object to the phrase, and respond with a phrase of their own–namely, “all lives matter.” Assuming both sides uttering these phrases are genuine and acting in good faith, I wanted to unpack what these phrases mean, and where the disconnect may occur.
Someone on twitter had a good explanation for what people mean when they say “black lives matter” (or at least what she means–and I happen to have the same understanding):
People who object to the BLM phrase seem to be interpreting it as only black lives matter or black lives matter more than other lives; whereas I believe they mean black lives matter, too.
Off the top of my head, I’d say the real difference boils down the question, are African-Americans treated as if they have less value and viewed with more suspicion than other racial groups? If so believe this is the case, then chanting black lives matter seems wholly appropriate, while if you don’t believe this, it seems inappropriate.
There’s an implied (true) complicity as well, when we say black lives matter. People who insist on replying with “all lives matter” are avoiding complicity. It’s an understandable if despicable avoidance.
You mean, when non-blacks say black lives matter they’re acknowledging and owning up to their role in black lives not mattering as much as other lives?
Great cartoon, by the way.
Complicit in 400 years of systemic racism.
Something is really wrong with our country.
This is the time when the country could use leadership from the POTUS, but this is absurd to say, given that Trump continues to say racists things and works to divide the country. Man.