We would have all remembered the Black Lives Matter protests that took place last year.
With over 14,000 protestors being arrested, all at the hand of Donald Trump's instruction to the Federal Government.
Trump: “...Arrest anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument, statue or other such Federal property in the U.S. with up to 10 years in prison…”
[sourced from Donald Trump’s twitter account, which has now been suspended, years too late].
(Pictures of Trump Supporters who managed to break into Capitol Hill)
You would think that this same energy would be had for any future events. But not for his MAGA (Make America Great Again) supporters. Instead, for these rioters, who roamed freely around one of America’s “most historically and politically significant buildings” looting symbols of US democracy. They were instead told by Trump to “remain peaceful...remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order”.
But the fact is this party, being majority white people, was rioting because they were unhappy with democracy, and the fact that Trump would no longer be their president.
The Black Lives Matter protests were protesting for black people’s lives. Imagine having such a great amount of privilege that you can riot because you are upset with not getting the president you wanted, and not have to worry about any repercussions.
Police were seen escorting rioters out of the building with no force and especially no arrests, and police were even posing for pictures with the rioters
It honestly makes me feel sick that officers have time to take selfies, but black people were being dragged, tear gassed, and arrested (and worse). Hey, it must be nice to be friends with the police, and not frightened for your life.
Brandon Saenz - Lost his eye during a 'non-lethal' police round during the George Floyd Protests (click for more info)
I could sit here and list the differences in both circumstances, one being the security levels.
There are many questions being raised on why it was so easy to get into a confidential building, where Congress meets to create new laws, and presidents are inaugurated. Where was the tight security at the Capitol riots, that was seen at the BLM protests? Where was the National Guard??
“Also unsurprising is that the majority of the people who had to clean up the mess of the riots were black”.
I mean. it’s not really a surprise considering the differences in skin colour. Also unsurprising is that the majority of the people who had to clean up the mess of the riots were black.
It just continues to show that no matter how hard we fight for equality, something new will happen to show it is going to be a long time before we get any justice.
Realistically, No matter how many protests we have for basic human rights, this inequality will always be present.
Can you Imagine. First week of January. After the already devastating 2020 we have had globally & COVID infection rates were still peaking beyond belief. But this did not stop the (MAGA) protestors congregating for nothing more than their pride and bruised egos.
Can you imagine. This happened in the first week of January, and we still have eleven months to go; it is definitely going to get worse before it gets better (if that can even happen).
My main concern for this year is that we will be able to compare the inequalities happening way more often as we progress through 2021. I’m afraid for the effect it will take on the mental health of black individuals.
“It just continues to show that no matter how hard we fight for equality, something new will happen to show it is going to be a long time before we get any justice”.
That’s why I will leave a link to a website showing some mental health charities that could provide some support during this already difficult year -
By Niccole Wilson
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