Is It Racism or Philosophy?      

Words Hannah George

In 2020 we witness another outbreak of ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests. The question we should now be asking ourselves are; are the reactions based on racial prejudice or a philosophical mindset?

Shutterstock

This isn't the first time in history that the black community has suffered the loss of black lives. With the current lockdown, people have time to spare with little commitments or responsibilities. Therefore, people are going to protest much harder and longer than before.

In the attempt to show that the black community have become more unified they have instead revealed lingering grudges of oppression. The complex national identity of a black person is complicated as a result of colonialism resulting in the production of unprecedented identities. It has been pretty rigid for the ‘black’ culture because there is still an idea of being black.

Shutterstock

The undercurrents of neo-colonialism show in black communities today, a great example is the BAME initiative. By trying to show that they are equal they are ‘othering’ them. The fact that they are the ‘other’ does not mean they are the lesser rather it helps them to stand out more. It allows them make a more immediate impression. Use adversity to create something unique.

Supporting black businesses as a result of the protests is not an impressive response because when young people were struggling and dying on the streets before the ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests were brought to a global platform, there was very little attention to the black community. This is not to condemn any race but to acknowledge that strengthening the black community has always been a prevalent topic with little recognition.

Shutterstock

Thinkers will always rule over doers. The issue right now is that the doers (protesters) are not stopping to think for themselves. Thinking will allow you to strategise and deliberate new ideas. There's a thin line between worrying and thinking. If you worry too much you are more likely to act irrational and illogical. Your thinking will usually start where your parents or guardians stopped feeling. The black community should not uphold their ancestors feelings but rather show how far they have come.

Shutterstock

The Greeks continue to have influence in the world because of their philosophy, because they dared to question traditional conventions and to challenge the prejudices of their age. Emotional and irrational pride is stopping the black community from seeing the logic and progression that they have made themselves.

A few traits that define black culture are based upon R&B, rap stories or crime. There is more than just those stereotypes. However, it will only be shown if the black community moves forward. Using racism should not be an excuse anymore. It will be more impactful to not talk about the barriers but to break them. 

Shutterstock

The frontline of battle is in your homes not on the streets first. The common saying that your home is where your heart is, suggests that if all that lies within the hearts of the black community is hatred and distress they need to grasp and cling on to the idea that your current location does not determine your future destination. I believe the best thing to do is to love others by creating a future they can be a part of.

If the black community is going to talk about black history it would be worthwhile understanding the failures of the past so that improvements can be made for the future. History repeating itself does not mean that it is always successful. Now ask yourself the question again - is the issue racism or philosophy?

Hannah George - WOTC Online Editor