"Black Lives Matter" - it's stupid. Just cut the crap.....

[Chocolate Cake]

You sound like one of those college students who will go to a public forum and ask a question, then will rile up the crowd to the point that a response is unintelligible due to inconsiderate actions of the crowd. People have opinions and just because you don't want to hear them doesn't make them racist anymore than your statements.

Time for the Safe Spaces to open up.

 

[Serrina89]

You sound like one of those college students who will go to a public forum and ask a question, then will rile up the crowd to the point that a response is unintelligible due to inconsiderate actions of the crowd. People have opinions and just because you don't want to hear them doesn't make them racist anymore than your statements.

It's funny how debating whether there is something wrong with a justice system for people who look like me is a discussion for you but reality for me. It must be nice for many people to outcry foul play but you can make up reasons why and justify why the victim deserved it. Many of you will never feel scared one of their relatives will be the next hash tag. I have nightmares every night of being unjustly detained. The part that scares me the most is not what happens but that nobody listens when I cry foul play. I have trouble staying focused at work knowing how racist ppl who I once called friends are. Thanks for ruining a place of relief for me and FYI this is a political thread and not the place for this judgement. I will not be responding to this anymore because no matter what is said for you this is a discussion and for many others this is life.

 

[Chocolate Cake]

It's funny how debating whether there is something wrong with a justice system for people who look like me is a discussion for you but reality for me. It must be nice for many people to outcry foul play but you can make up reasons why and justify why the victim deserved it. Many of you will never feel scared one of their relatives will be the next hash tag. I have nightmares every night of being unjustly detained. The part that scares me the most is not what happens but that nobody listens when I cry foul play. I have trouble staying focused at work knowing how racist ppl who I once called friends are. Thanks for ruining a place of relief for me and FYI this is a political thread and not the place for this judgement. I will not be responding to this anymore because no matter what is said for you this is a discussion and for many others this is life.

Before you go, can you at least quote the hate speech going on in this thread? Don't run away. Educate. Tell us what is so hateful in this thread that it needs to be shut down.

 

[usd2bmd]

If the goal is coming together to tackle the problem, it's particularly unhelpful to raise the premise on the basis of a construct that inherently creates an us versus them mindset. Police misuse of authority is something everyone should be concerned about. It certainly won't be solved with the execution of random police officers based on the fact they're wearing a uniform and appear to be Caucasian. That's not a gain for anyone. This isn't a fire that's going to be doused with hate.

I don't believe that I said that it would be solved by executing police. Police misuse of authority is (IMO) something everyone should be concerned about. There are too many people that either !. don't see a problem because they are not directly affected or 2. Don't care about about a problem because they are not directly affected. I also don't believe that the #blacklivesmatter movement creates an us vs. them mindset. But everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

 

[Chocolate Cake]

The part that scares me the most is not what happens but that nobody listens when I cry foul play.

To be honest, I can see why people don't listen when you "cry foul play".

Because if you call this thread "hate speech", then people in real life probably don't take you seriously.

They probably think that you Cry Wolf all of the time.

 

[Bluestars]

Then why can't some people, maybe you, IDK, but certainly not just you, admit that there is a problem with systemic racism within our law enforcement and criminal justice systems.

The police aren't always in the right simply because they are police, any more than they are in the wrong for the same reason.

People want to search for reasons why the police are always justified in shooting and killing minorities, even if it means vilifying the dead person or outwardly calling witnesses liars.

Philando Castille for example. How many people have tried to imply that his GF was lying or omitting certain facts. Just like everyone wants to offer the benefit of the doubt to the officer, why isn't the victim offered the same courtesy? Philando Castille was a crappy driver. He has been ticketed more than 30 times. There was never any indication that he was violent in any of his many interactions with the police. He was legally carrying a weapon. Yet, this time he ended up shot multiple times and dead. In front of his GF and 4 year old child. Something does not add up here.

Unless we open up and learn to accept and acknowledge the points of view of others than we cannot begin a dialect on eliminating this long standing problem in our country.

Saying that black lives matter doesn't mean that police lives don't matter. It isn't an either/or situation.
When people are saying, "This is my experience, this is how I feel as a result of my experience," we need to acknowledge them and try to understand what has brought them to this instead of telling them that their feelings are, as the title of this thread so eloquently stated, "crap."

I hear what you are saying. I think racism does exist and have seen it. It's a terrible thing. When a group of people perceive they are being targeted and mistreated, I think others should listen. There has got to be a better way to communicate these feelings without intimidation, aggression, and violence and without the police feeling like they are targeted. There are many very good police officers, just like there are many minorities who are just wanted to be treated equally. No group should ever feel like they are being targeted for abuse or violence. There needs to be a truly peaceful way to deal with these issues.

Near where I live, protesters shut down a bridge on a major highway, surrounded police, got on top of 18 wheelers, and ignored requests by the police to leave the bridge. This accomplishes absolutely nothing and isn't fair to the people who just want to drive home in peace. It creates resentment and does not persuade anyone to listen to their concerns.

 

[DLandgirlie]

Omg, @roseaster I love that comic you put up! Totally needed that laugh, esp. after reading through this thread.

Do we have to have a preschool discussion about BLM vs. ALM? I'm talking about the words. Not the people behind the movement, not the hate behind attacks on the movement. Just the words. Black Lives Matter. Please show me where in that 3 word statement it says whites, asians, hispanics etc. do not matter. Those who are rebutting with All Lives Matter are choosing to assume exclusion. Instead of listening to the worries and concerns of those affected, they are responding with 'what about us?' Is this a popularity contest to figure out who is more oppressed? BLM is asking for inclusion, to be included in justice. Can we revisit how this country was built on bloodshed of slaves? I know, no one wants to talk about that cause they're tired of focusing on the past. How can we move on if we haven't learned from our past? The very fact we have BLM is proof we haven't learned. Violence/destruction during protesting is not productive, but how can we vilify those who are using that same tactic that has awarded us this country? Yes we have come a long way, but we still have much to learn; silencing those who are crying out is causing the violent outbursts during protesting. We need to focus on the message of systemic racism, which is the heart of the issue. Now, for those who feel there's no such thing; congratulations, you are apart of the problem and therefore have no voice in this conversation for change. You don't get to tell someone how they should feel about the injustice you don't even acknowledge or have ever experienced. No constructive convo is going to be had by people with that viewpoint.

 

[JoeA]

For the life of me I can't recall hate speech, anyone accusing someone of lying, etc.

I did mention the young lady on the tape but was looking/asking for factual statements...never once did I or anyone question her in specific.

It's hard to have dialog and learn when people who may not like what you have to say put words in your mouth to suit their narrative and then take their ball and go home.

 

[roseaster]

I hear what you are saying. I think racism does exist and have seen it. It's a terrible thing. When a group of people perceive they are being targeted and mistreated, I think others should listen. There has got to be a better way to communicate these feelings without intimidation, aggression, and violence and without the police feeling like they are targeted. There are many very good police officers, just like there are many minorities who are just wanted to be treated equally. No group should ever feel like they are being targeted for abuse or violence. There needs to be a truly peaceful way to deal with these issues.

Near where I live, protesters shut down a bridge on a major highway, surrounded police, got on top of 18 wheelers, and ignored requests by the police to leave the bridge. This accomplishes absolutely nothing and isn't fair to the people who just want to drive home in peace. It creates resentment and does not persuade anyone to listen to their concerns.

...and here is my point, and before anyone gets it twisted, I do NOT advocate violence in any way, but can't people see why people are frustrated and angry? I am not saying any violent or destructive methods are in any way acceptable or effective, but just using this thread as an example, can't people see why others have the feelings they do?

Various people on this thread from different ethnicities, minority, or not, from all over the continent, from different socioeconomic groups have given examples of mistreatment by law enforcement. They have been met with people telling them that, at worst, they are outright lying, at best they are exaggerating.

Can't we see why people are so frustrated and angry. People of color all over this nation are saying, "This is happening, this is unfair. We want to be treated fairly," and they are being disregarded.

 

[katie01]

Moderator, is there anyway this thread can be closed? As a African American, I personally feel that this thread is a form of hate speech. BLM started as a hashtag to bring awareness to the unnecessary violence, pro-filing, and unfair due justice of the court system and became a platform or movement to demand due process of the law. Not all people who associate with the BLM are right and some are plain wrong, but it doesn't detract from the fact that racial profiling and unfair due process of African American by police officers and the justice system exists. Until you live 1 day in our lives, how could you make that judgement and say that this issue doesn't exists. This forum is one of the only places I have left to escape from the daily humdrum life. Please dont let this thread become a platform for hate.

I just wanted to let you know that I truly do care, for your feelings, and for all of those who experience racism. I don't want any more innocent lives taken, black or white or any of the human race. I do believe racial profiling is an issue and no one should be pulled over for driving while black, and they definitely shouldn't be shot during a routine traffic stop! As you said, not all who associate with BLM are right, and I think that's where the confusion and fear enter in. This morning I was trying to understand the movement more, I was trying to find a mission statement or what the goals were (as in, what would success look like? By what benchmark does BLM determine if they have achieved what it set out to do?) From what I found (and please correct me if I'm wrong), it was described as an organic movement, fueled by social media--a new form of protest which does not, in fact, have a stated set of goals. With that in mind, I checked out some links to the social media platforms, and saw comments from members saying things like "all cops need to die", and "nothing was ever truly achieved in civil rights without violence", and (I am not making this up) "America needs to be destroyed". I think you can understand, too, how scary that can sound to anyone reading it who is just trying to figure out what BLM is all about?

Since then, I have read other statements that show me that this is NOT representative of the entire group, and that many (most I hope?) denounce this violence. That's why I think this thread is important, to have this discussion. I do think that the thread title could be changed as it incites anger and isn't how most of the commenters feel. I do think there are probably some comments that are insensitive, but I haven't seen all out hatred here. I hope we can continue to have a good conversation and figure out how all of us can work together to make the world better for everyone.

 

[disneyjunkie]

If the Black Lives matter's movement there would be outrage in the inner cities where shootings are daily occurrences. Yet the Black Lives Matter movement is concerned with Police actions. Those actions that are fueled by the media and politicians rushing to judgment before a local or federal investigation is completed. The Black Lives Matter movement is a bunch of crap.

Do you live in the inner city? Do you attend church in an inner city? Do you take part in community services and/ or youth programs that are I the inner city? If the answer to all of these are no, please shut your mouth the "lack of outrage" in the inner cities. You don't live, teach, raise children here, so have no idea what you're talking about.

Believe it or not, some people can walk and chew gum at the same time. I'm outraged out the crime in my community, BAD cops killing young black men and women AND and the asses who target police officers.

 

[PrincessNelly]

Moderator, is there anyway this thread can be closed? As a African American, I personally feel that this thread is a form of hate speech. BLM started as a hashtag to bring awareness to the unnecessary violence, pro-filing, and unfair due justice of the court system and became a platform or movement to demand due process of the law. Not all people who associate with the BLM are right and some are plain wrong, but it doesn't detract from the fact that racial profiling and unfair due process of African American by police officers and the justice system exists. Until you live 1 day in our lives, how could you make that judgement and say that this issue doesn't exists. This forum is one of the only places I have left to escape from the daily humdrum life. Please dont let this thread become a platform for hate.

I highly doubt they'll close it. As an African American, I'm definitely shocked and slightly offended at some of the things that have been said here.
I think some posters and even the moderators may not even realize that some of what has been said was prejudice/racist.

The moderator stated this would be a way to open dialogue but if I'm being honest, the majority of posters don't seem to feel unchanged about their previous feelings. Myself included.

I've decided I'm officially done with this discussion... I have to defend myself enough everyday, I never thought I'd have to defend myself here too.

*Shrugs*

 

[JoeA]

I highly doubt they'll close it. As an African American, I'm definitely shocked and slightly offended at some of the things that have been said here.
I think some posters and even the moderators may not even realize that some of what has been said was prejudice/racist.

The moderator stated this would be a way to open dialogue but if I'm being honest, the majority of posters don't seem to feel unchanged about their previous feelings. Myself included.

I've decided I'm officially done with this discussion... I have to defend myself enough everyday, I never thought I'd have to defend myself here too.

*Shrugs*

I say this in sincerity - what has been racist? Please give us one example and for the love of God, ask the poster what they mean. It's the freaking Internet and such a flat medium that the poster can type one thing and have it be read differently on the other end.

Honesty, having these posts about, "OMG the racism...I'm leaving" is telling me something you probably don't want to hear. And it's not about race.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I say this in sincerity - what has been racist? Please give us one example and for the love of God, ask the poster what they mean. It's the freaking Internet and such a flat medium that the poster can type one thing and have it be read differently on the other end.

Honesty, having these posts about, "OMG the racism...I'm leaving" is telling me something you probably don't want to hear. And it's not about race.

Not agreeing with a poster's POV, can get you labeled. Sad, but it can be that simple

 

[ASchwa]

Omg, @roseaster I love that comic you put up! Totally needed that laugh, esp. after reading through this thread.

Do we have to have a preschool discussion about BLM vs. ALM? I'm talking about the words. Not the people behind the movement, not the hate behind attacks on the movement. Just the words. Black Lives Matter. Please show me where in that 3 word statement it says whites, asians, hispanics etc. do not matter. Those who are rebutting with All Lives Matter are choosing to assume exclusion. Instead of listening to the worries and concerns of those affected, they are responding with 'what about us?' Is this a popularity contest to figure out who is more oppressed? BLM is asking for inclusion, to be included in justice. Can we revisit how this country was built on bloodshed of slaves? I know, no one wants to talk about that cause they're tired of focusing on the past. How can we move on if we haven't learned from our past? The very fact we have BLM is proof we haven't learned. Violence/destruction during protesting is not productive, but how can we vilify those who are using that same tactic that has awarded us this country? Yes we have come a long way, but we still have much to learn; silencing those who are crying out is causing the violent outbursts during protesting. We need to focus on the message of systemic racism, which is the heart of the issue. Now, for those who feel there's no such thing; congratulations, you are apart of the problem and therefore have no voice in this conversation for change. You don't get to tell someone how they should feel about the injustice you don't even acknowledge or have ever experienced. No constructive convo is going to be had by people with that viewpoint.

When Bernie Sanders tried to use the words All Lives Matter during his bid for President, an outcry took place that said how dare he say that, and that he was coopting the movement and how racist and wrong he was. Sanders backed away from those words. BLM made sure that it was exclusively Black Lives Matter. There was no attempt to be inclusive. This was in July 2015. Some other candidates tried also, but were made to understand the exclusive nature of BLM. A President of the United States should care about All Lives and not be intimidated or swayed to just one group. We are all United States citizens and we all deserve our rights. As for slavery, I haven't experienced it, neither have you since slavery in the United States ended in 1865. The Civil Rights movement, maybe you had relatives or yourself that participated in it, did help to make things better in Black lives but not perfect. I am not saying that there isn't miscarriages of the Justice System, there was an example about a month ago that someone was in jail for a 2 dollar fine or bail that served 6 months in jail. There are racists in every community including Blacks, and to protest this peacefully is everyone's right, but Free Speech doesn't allow for incitement. The leader of BLM, Patrisse Cullors, aligned BLM to the Palestinian movement and BDS, which both call for the destruction of Israel. That is not being inclusive because a lot of American Jews fought for Civil Rights for Blacks in the 1950s and 1960s. Some even died for it. Are their lives not as important or their dignity? Do you have a right to tell me I can't be part of this conversation because I think of BLM as a divisive movement in which the narrative is based on lies such as Trayvon Martin being killed by Police and the ever slogan "hands up, don't shoot" which didn't happen? That since I have never experienced injustice I don't have a say? People were killed on lies in the past, it seems that lesson hasn't been learned, 5 officers in Dallas have testified to that.

 

[disneyjunkie]

I highly doubt they'll close it. As an African American, I'm definitely shocked and slightly offended at some of the things that have been said here.
I think some posters and even the moderators may not even realize that some of what has been said was prejudice/racist.

The moderator stated this would be a way to open dialogue but if I'm being honest, the majority of posters don't seem to feel unchanged about their previous feelings. Myself included.

I've decided I'm officially done with this discussion... I have to defend myself enough everyday, I never thought I'd have to defend myself here too.

*Shrugs*

They know, they just don't care. I have been a DISer for a long time. This is actually pretty mild. I think the 2008 election season really opened my eyes to the hate.

 

[PrincessNelly]

Not agreeing with a poster's POV, can get you labeled. Sad, but it can be that simple

As I stated I'm done with this thread. But please note... I never labeled anyone. I specifically said somethings "mentioned" were racist/prejudice.
You don't not have to agree with me and I do not have to agree with you. Its very simple, you are free to think and feel whatever you like.

 

[Chocolate Cake]

I will not be responding to this anymore because no matter what is said for you this is a discussion and for many others this is life.

I specifically said somethings "mentioned" were racist/prejudice.

Before either of you stomp away from this thread, can you please, please, please quote all of the hate speech/racist/prejudice remarks?

An open dialogue works wonders. And sometimes we don't want to hear what others have to say. But come back with a valid argument. Quote those that you are accusing of being racist on this thread. Quote the hate speech. Call the person out and then talk it out.

Or is it just easier to accuse those that don't agree with you as being racist? And then run away?

 

[JoeA]

Before either of you stomp away from this thread, can you please, please, please quote all of the hate speech/racist/prejudice remarks?

An open dialogue works wonders. And sometimes we don't want to hear what others have to say. But come back with a valid argument. Quote those that you are accusing of being racist on this thread. Quote the hate speech. Call the person out and then talk it out.

Or is it just easier to accuse those that don't agree with you as being racist? And then run away?

I admit I'm looking at this through the lens of a middle aged white guy but I'd really like to know what is offensive.

 

[disneyjunkie]

We Wear the Mask
BY PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR
We wear the mask that grins and lies,
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,—
This debt we pay to human guile;
With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
And mouth with myriad subtleties.
Why should the world be over-wise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while
We wear the mask.
We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries
To thee from tortured souls arise.
We sing, but oh the clay is vile
Beneath our feet, and long the mile;
But let the world dream otherwise,
We wear the mask!