The current narrative consuming North America, and perhaps the world, is allegedly about stopping racism and discrimination. I fully support that, however it would appear that certain groups are working to make the narrative regarding racism about only one group. Are Blacks the target of racism? Absolutely, but they are not the only racial or ethnic group who is the target of racism. Are Blacks the subject of discrimination? Absolutely, but they are one of many groups who are discriminated against. 

I am concerned that people who make the statement “all lives matter” are shouted down, attacked in person and online, and called racists. If racism is about the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to dominate others, or that a particular racial group is inferior to the others, and hatred or intolerance of another race or other races, then it seems hypocritical to shout down someone who supports the notion that all lives matter. It would seem to me that embracing the philosophy that all lives matter is a giant first step in the fight against racism. 

If the call is to end racism and discrimination, and we can accept that discrimination is, “Treatment or consideration based on class or category, such as race or gender, rather than individual merit; partiality or prejudice.” then it would seem that the philosophy that all lives matter is a good first step in eliminating discrimination as well. Discrimination is about more than race. Discrimination is also related to gender, weight, sexuality, disability, religious beliefs, profession and other areas. In fact one of the byproducts of the current narrative is that law enforcement officers are being discriminated against, attacked, disparaged and banned from businesses simply because of their chosen profession and their uniform. 

We are seeing politicians in some locations working to take money from police department budgets, which I am opposed to, and promising to use them for programs to support blacks in their communities. Politicians are elected to represent all their constituents, not just one group. Prioritizing one group to the exclusion of others who are also lacking access to affordable housing, health care and quality education seems to be discriminatory, and possibly even racist. It also begs the question “Why now?” Why did they all of a sudden become interested in helping the under privileged people in their communities who they, the politicians, have long neglected?

We are also seeing a large number of professional athletes once again jumping up and screaming about the injustices to a single race. Are they not also concerned about the other groups living in poverty and subjected to racism and discrimination? If those millionaire professional athletes are truly concerned, and a few are, then what are they doing to utilize their personal wealth and influence to make meaningful and lasting impact in the areas of housing, education, health care and job skills training in disadvantaged communities. What are they doing to address the growing issue of young men in those communities growing up in single parent households? What are they doing to address the gang violence and escalating murder rates plaguing so many low-income communities? A few are doing great work in those communities. Too many are doing a lot of screaming and yelling from the comfort of their posh mansions in their gated communities.  

Let me be very clear. I fully support the philosophy that Black lives matter. I do not in any way however, support the organization Black Lives Matter. 

My concern is that we are going to create even more divides and problems in society if we focus solely on one race in the fight against racism and discrimination. 

P.S. If you think I am a racist for writing this then take a deep breath and go back and reread the full post a few times. If you still think I am a racist after that, then all I can say is I am sorry you feel that way. 

What’s Important Now? See people, all people, as people. Continue to work to eliminate racism and discrimination against all people. 

Take care.

Brian Willis

www.lifesmostpowerfulquestion.com

Maximizing human potential through Life's Most Powerful Question - What's Important Now?

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