Black Lives Matter: Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Discuss Fairness And Justice
Even though we are in the twenty-first century and now have cars that can literally drive themselves, somehow in this supposed advanced millennium we are still debating racism as if it is a new thing. It’s almost laughable albeit unbelievable to think that despite generations of slavery, decades of social injustice and clear examples of discriminations, we are still having to explain equality. Alongside sexism and economic prejudice, racism has undeniably been around for the longest time. The only difference nowadays is that instead of turning a blind eye, we all have portable cameras to capture such scenarios.
We listen to Michael Lofthouse’s pathetic excuse with a grain of salt, but what about Vincent Chen? We listen with reasoning to Amy Copper’s poor apology but what about Breonna Taylor? We are repeatedly having to listen over and over again to the same scripted apologies, and for the most part are having the same disapproving reactions. Yet despite our tiredness, little to nothing seems to be changing and in a week, we will undoubtedly all move onto the next incident. Did it really have to take the death of George Floyd for the world to wake up? Did we really have to watch a black man struggle for his own breath of life, for his own human right to decency for us to realise enough is enough?
This is a lesson centuries overdue and the most heartbreaking thing is, it wasn’t enough.
Despite the international coverage, global rallying and even a fast moving hashtag- there are still arguments on whether or not racism truly exists. This pinnacle movement on multiple occasions has been labelled as a “trending pity party” for criminals and any mention of this historic time being a fight for social liberty, the warrant for fake news is quickly played. To a vague extent, it can be said that everything going on at the moment is rather fresh. With the momentum recently generated it is providing a quick learning period for individuals to catch up on logic and understand that racism is actually choice that can be undone.
Perhaps it’s naïve thinking but gradually in spite of the chaos going on, this new found awareness that all skin colours and cultures have a right to human dignity is beginning to challenge our conditioned hierarchy of class and status. Slowly but surely we will one day reach a time where people matter equally and there will be no argument against. All lives can’t matter till Black Lives Matter too; and that’s all that’s being asked of. Not special treatment, not seniority, Black Lives just want to matter.
Admittedly writing this is difficult as the frustration for such a simple request cripples my typing hands with rage, pain and confusion. I have taken a long break from social media and am avoiding the news for the time being. The abundance of hate and opposition has become overwhelming so much so that I am not alone in this state. The strain of this racial milestone has recently spiked mental health statistics across the western world. 2020 has been rough and despite the need for active participation, it’s genuinely okay to take a break and allow your mind to stop worrying.
As you focus on yourself and work up the courage to fight for what’s right once more, rest assured that there are capable allies currently on the battlefield. To list each activist during this historic moment would be near impossible. We have leaders who will walk the line and bear our struggle, people that will provide hope and comfort during this difficult time and figures whom can bear public scrutiny on our behalf. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for example, a mixed race couple with the world’s entitlement at their fingertips have not been silent in this conversation and for that we as a collective are so appreciative for. In a dark era, where political leaders and governing power players have so much control, having celebrities come to the defence of the common man and woman finally gives us a platform to speak and be heard from.
To have royalty fight on our behalf and call out behaviour sets an agenda to the entire country and in doing so, delivers a message to the rest of the world. Their voice in this matter, coming from two different cultures and backgrounds speak volume on the topic and gives validity to anyone else’s shared opinion. The rich and famous are often described as out of touch and impossible to relate too but its instances like seeing Prince Harry and Megan Markle, high figures of the commonwealth discuss race and their open supportive stance is when we all begin to realise that despite acclaim or royalty, we are all human and all have the right to be treated as such.
Long story short #blacklivesmatter
Words / QUADE AU