Yes, Black Lives Matter

Thoughts on Slacktivism and the Black Lives Matter Movement

By Zoë Montgomery

If you didn’t already know, Black Lives Matter. You’ve probably seen this slogan plastered on all of your social media platforms and you might've even re-shared a few well put together, aesthetically pleasing, info-graphics explaining the harsh realities that Black people endure for simply being Black. Over this past month, I have watched the Black Lives Matter movement become some sort of moment for those to act like they genuinely believe in the cause. Slacktivist who simply smash the “re-share” button to raise awareness are not doing enough. What the Black Lives Matter movement does not need is White people to claim it in a way that preserves their comfort nor has no cost to them. Counterfeit White ‘wokeness’ without real action does nothing, especially if White people are not willing to challenge themselves. I’m not saying that posting on social media is a sham, but in doing so, make sure you bring that same energy into your everyday life. This means looking at yourself and challenging those around you who may carry a racist sentiment. I can’t tell you how to be a good person, but if you are going to truly support the Black Lives Matter movement you cannot have selective morals where you suddenly can’t tell the difference between right and wrong because you are not being affected. The best way you can be an ally right now is to listen to Black people, understand our history, and be okay with being uncomfortable. This is just one piece of the puzzle. In order to bring about real change and remedy the systemic racism that exists in this country is through policy. Not to sound like a pragmatist, but everything the Black Lives Matter movement is fighting for will not come to fruition if we don’t see our lawmakers put forth real legislation that changes the course we are currently on. So yes, in other words, voting matters and to be the change we wish to see we must use our voice at the polls and demand it.

Links to help create change :

Black Lives Matter: a discussion with Zoë Montgomery