It seems as though the new “trigger” phrase we hear a lot these days is Black Lives Matter (BLM). The one instant rebuttal you are more than likely to hear from the opposition is “All Lives Matter.” When I hear that, it makes my soul tremor.
I reckon the words Black, lives and matter were in existence long before the organization. However, Black Lives Matter does not mean all other lives do not matter. When you hear the mantra Black Lives Matter, it is a cry for help. It is a feeling of hopelessness, anger, frustration and determination all wrapped up in one emotional package. Honestly, when the response to BLM is All Lives Matter, it makes one appear to be grossly out of touch, dismissive and — yes — even racist. This obtuse mindset seems as though Black people can’t think for themselves. Black people do not need a leader to speak for all of us. The captain-save-a-hoe must stop.
Have you noticed when someone makes a stupid, insensitive or racist comment, the common protocol is for them to go to a notable Negro — like Rev. Jesse Jackson — and make an apology? As if all Black people are led or influenced by a bought-and-sold preacher, a community activist or a poverty pimp hustler. The right thing for them to do is to go directly to the people they have offended. If the offender is sincere in their apology, let that sentiment illuminate.
Left Wing or Right Wing has nothing to do with the progress of Black people
We cannot rely on any political party to bring about the fundamental systemic change that is necessary for Black people to survive and thrive. History, and at times, current events, have taught us that the ideological distinction between conservatives and liberals is blurry at best. The Republican Party is all about crushing labor and bargaining units, paying less-than-livable wages, being strongly pro-corporate and appearing to be anti-working man or woman.
The Democratic Party promotes dependency and has an infatuation for funding failed social programs, and a record of taking Black voters for granted, making big promises but throwing us scraps from the table instead of a seat at it. Both parties have a tendency of crushing the middle class in part, because the conservatives are in love with lowering taxes for the country’s top earners, while the liberals’ go-to tactic is to raise taxes that tend to hurt middle-class taxpayers the most.