Peace Over Violence

Opinion by Anonymous

When it comes to the Black Lives Matter movement, I 100% agree that we need change and I feel like it is a progression towards equality and justice in today’s society. However, I feel like some individuals have pushed the limits of what is right and are straying from the original point of the movement. For those who loot, burn, harm, and destroy, I am saddened. Violence is not the answer. Hate cannot be fought with hate and two wrongs do not make a right. At this point, those who do these things are no longer fighting for BLM, they are using the movement to justify their actions and poor behavior. The BLM movement was started in order to spread awareness for the injustice and racism found in society and encourage change. Now, I feel like the movement has strayed so far from the original point of it in the first place.

Also, I personally do not agree with ACAB, F.T.P., and sayings of similar meaning because although there are police officers who are racist and treat black individuals differently and violently, there are also police officers who want to be a part of the change, who want to fix the injustice in the system, who want nothing but the best for those part of the movement. Saying that all police are bad and by hurting them and their families and destroying and looting their houses is completely uncalled for in my opinion and I don’t think people have a right to stereotype all police officers for being bad based off of other police officers’ actions. I support BLM and I push and advocate for change, but for those who turn to new extremes and stray from the original point of the movement, I am disappointed and saddened by what our society has become. Everyone has become so divided on the issues and it is heartbreaking. We need to be peaceful and respect one another or we are only going to further divide our country.

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Credits

Emma Lee/WHYY