From social media posts to a full-scale global movement, the advent of Black Lives Matter has gripped the nation and held sway across the globe. What began as a 'call to action' in response to police violence and racism in American society has evolved into a global initiative to confront widespread racial inequalities and injustice.
The month of protests still continues till today, making the movement the largest ever in the history of the US. The introduction of social media has created a platform to voice this interconnected struggle, forming a fusion of social media and social justice.
Yet, systemic racism has existed for centuries, so why now are people waking up? Police brutality and unlawful killings are not something new. Where was this surge of activism when African refugees were drowning in the Mediterranean? When queer black women were murdered in Brazil? The world did not stand up for them. The power of social media to build transnational movements for political and social change is unprecedented and undeniable. Yet, it may be argued that real change and solidarity is achieved beyond western media deeming what tragedy is worthy of social outrage.
Often, displays of activism meant to ‘dismantle systemic racism’ are limited to a black square on Instagram and a couple underwhelming posts. These individuals who shame and denounce others are propelled by a high ground of righteousness, and choose to ignore their own racist actions. Yet, although some have engaged in counterproductive performativity, others choose to stay silent on social media and in reality. This unwillingness to dismantle privilege is damaging and destructive to the cause- worse than those on Instagram enabling 'slacktivism'.
Often, even corporate responsibility is limited to words and announcements, creating a dilemma of businesses exploiting the cause as a way to gain profit. This low-cost tokenism manifests itself as performative activism and cheaper marketing- it is financially in their favour to show support. These actions are unhelpful and meaningless towards the cause, and work to undermine the countless efforts of those seeking to create real change and solidarity. Active change comes from within workplaces, from the learning and improving of environments, when a person of colour is held at the same standard as a 'white'.
Acknowledge the systematic and historical trauma, look at yourself in the mirror, even if it’s cracked. Demand the same response from international bodies when Riah Milton- a black transgender women- was killed in the US, when Semira Adamu was suffocated by a police officer in Belgium or when Ousman Sey died in custody hours in Germany. Currenty, the hashtags for 'blackouttuesday' have been exploited by individuals on social media simply because it was 'trending'. If you post on social media and advocate for the movement, yet don’t exhibit a real change and implement your education on racism in real-world environments, you are not an ally to the cause. While your awareness on social media may be considered as support, your silence in reality is not.
“In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist” - Angela Davis
