#BlackLivesMatter
- I had no idea the Black Lives Matter movement was created or founded by 3 women!
- Using a school environment to help students and facility understand the inequities base on race
- Larger system that is not broken
- white-on-white crime
To be honest, before reading about Black Likes Matter and it's development, I wasn't aware of its true purpose or foundation. When I read that 3 women started the movement, I became very excited! I think it is refreshing and foreshadowing that 3 women started such a powerful statement. I am very glad I was given the opportunity to read more about Black Lives Matter movement and its true purpose, "Our goal is to support the development of new Black Leaders, as well as create a network where Black people feel empowered to determine our destinies in our communities".
When reading A District Profile. Black Lives Matter at School I was absolutely envious. I wish my district would have such a day, not only for our students, but for us teachers! There are times we hear stories about teachers calling our students "animals" or making snide comments about their futures or "lack" there of. I would love to have a day like the one experienced in Rochester. I feel like most of my students are the teacher in this topic and therefore this is a day for the teachers to learn and listen and gain some need perspective. If a day like this isn't able to work, than at least provide teachers professional development, because the mentality and teaching needs to change! Our students know it- it about time we catch up!
Why Teaching Black Lives Matter Matters was an article that challenged my thinking more than I had anticipated. In particular, one quote stood out to me, "points to a larger system that is not necessarily broken, but functions that way it was designed to" oppress the very people who were originally brought to the United States as chattel". This quote actually stopped me from reading for a few moments because I couldn't stop to think- "But my whole life I've been told that we need to fix the system- fix the system- the system is broken- fix it!" But what if the system isn't actually broken and is doing what it is supposed to!! I've been told the wrong thing by people I love and trust and admire. I think this article is correct and I've been blindly informed. The system isn't broken, it is doing exactly what its meant to. This means that instead of fixing the system we need to change it entirely!
Lastly, I watched the quick video on 4 Black Lives Matter Myths Debunked and the statement, "white-on-white crime doesn't exist" hit home. She is correct, it seems that most of the time when a crime is committed by a white person against another white person, it isn't categorized as white-on-white crime. This to me connects back to my first blog where whiteness being invisible was discussed. White-on-white crime isn't a thing because white is the "norm" the "typical" the "expected" and therefore doesn't need to be discussed when discussing crimes committed by white people. However, I think not categorizing white-on-white crimes is harmful, especially since everything else gets a category. I know this is a rough idea and I still need to process it more. I would love some input and different perspectives, I feel like I have a lot to learn here.
I too agree that these were great readings. The short video helped to summarize #Black Lives Matter by using comprehensible language to hit on the key points of the myths of BLM. I will comment on your "white on white crime". My new understanding of the #BLM is that it was created in a movement based on the injustices that exist in the recent past and the present. Of course there is a deeper history but with the violently senseless nonsensical obvious hate crime of a black kid wearing a hoodie and getting shot by a neighborhood patrol white guy who saw him walking is a good reason to start the #BLM movement. I understand it as this crime itself was the straw that broke the camels back for Alicia, Opal, and Patrisse. They have tunnel vision on this topic, as they should. They are not disputing white on white crimes, nor are they saying that blue lives do not matter; they are merely saying there is a pattern in today's society despite the evolutions and movements that have occurred throughout the past fifty years. My take away is that they are saying let's make an awareness to everyone to focus on the inequalities, and the obvious crimes that occur towards black lives that could be from blatant racism and that those who commit the crimes towards these victims should be held accountable, and change should happen as a result. Too many of us are not aware of what #BLM truly means and society as a whole do not understand. But, this too is normal. As time marches on and #BLM stands strong and spreads through outlets such that we have read about in this week's readings, it will begin to meet a broader piece of society. As an example, I discovered in my research that there will be a new drama on Netflix called "Seven Seconds" which was created based on the #BLM movement. Now, it will reach beyond the classrooms and beyond the media's interpretations. I feel this is a positive sign for movement in the right direction for more of society to really catch on to the #BLM movement. That's my thought anyway, and I am a part of society.
ReplyDeleteHi Dawn! I'll have to check out "Seven Seconds", it sounds like it could potentially be a great documentary, even for the classroom! Thank you for the suggestion!
DeleteBest,
Ellie
Thanks for your thoughtful post Ellie. I have lots of reflections on each of your 4 key points but for now, I'll focus on the second. Given the union action I hope that we can talk tomorrow about what/ how/ why/ why not this kind of district wide action might take place in Providence or receive endorsement from the PTU.
ReplyDeleteMy best
Victoria