Opinion Piece by Saira Khan
For those of you who know me I'm an incredibly opinionated person. When I'm passionate about something there is no shutting me up and the BLM cause is no different. Don't stay silent. Although I haven't been posting much on social media, I have been signing petitions and starting really interesting conversations with other people about this issue.
What's happening in the world right now, and has been since the beginning of time pretty much, disgusts me. George Floyd was a victim of an issue that some people refuse to admit still exists. Although you may not be a victim of racism there is no denying that it is still so prevalent in this world, even in Ireland. As a person of colour and a Muslim, racism is no news to me. But we have such a prime opportunity to utilise the fire that has been ignited and push for reform. We are in 2020 and living in a supposed liberal society yet people are still being brutally murdered for their race and religion. I just don't get it. Please don't be passive in your efforts. We need to use whatever privilege or voice we have to put pressure on those in power to change this because it cannot go on any further. Yes Derek Chauvin was charged with 2nd degree murder, but the fight isn't over. Society plays such a huge role in this issue. According to the autopsy he didn't die from lack of oxygen even though he had a knee to his neck for nearly 9 minutes. Yet an independent medical examiner said it was asphyxiation and lack of air reaching his lungs. Always cross check the information before you repost it. We should utilise this opportunity to get some justice for those who were victims of racism and police brutality in previous generations and improve it for the future generations. George Floyd's murder ignited the flame and it's our duty to pass it on.
To those saying that the protests are violent and focusing on the looting, the media is focusing on the violent protests instead of the majority peaceful protests and the most of the looting is done by those out of state and not there for the cause. Children shouldn't have to grow up in fear of their lives because of the colour of their skin. Society needs to wake up and smell the roses because this is not ok. Racism is present all across the world, maybe not to the extent as America but it is. It doesn't help that some people in power brush it off or believe that it is ok to be outwardly racist, ( cough* Trump cough* ) but I'm not here to name names. Use your constitutional right to vote to vote for those who actually care about your well-being and your rights. Racism has been a major issue for a long time and it's about time that we become anti-racist. Your silence gives power to the oppressor so please don't be afraid to speak your opinion and use your voice. Spreading awareness of social media is so important but it only does so much. So please educate yourselves and always double check the facts before you post, because posting something without context could be dangerous.
Also let's not forget the people other than George who lost their lives to racism and police brutality. The American declaration of independence was supposed to be a promise to guarantee people of all colours the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Well that doesn't seem like the case to me.
“I have a dream that my four children will live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Such words were said 57 years ago yet we are still stuck in the vicious cycle of racism with no reform. So stand up and speak out, regardless of what colour you are, for we are all human.
United we stand and divided we fall. And what a better time to be united.
Photo source: @blmprotestdublin on Twitter
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