Because Im gonna be busy for a while, from time to time Ive decided to have guest bloggers. Today I have my first guest blogger, Melissa Malcolm, who will share some of her thoughts and experiences on some very important subjects.
Melissa Malcolm is queer woman of color who has been sharing her experiences of homophobia and racism throughout social media.
Please Dont Justify the Hate, by Melissa Malcom
#Pleasedontjustifythehate
1. There are many wonderful Police Officers and other Law Enforcement Professionals. They go to work and risk their lives to help everyone. I have personally seen some wonderful Police Officers who have gone above and beyond their call of duty. They work with youth and families to create safe communities . The media will never highlight these individuals . The Media will only show what people will watch because just like everyone else ,they are a business looking to make money. Killing Police Officers because of the actions of other Police Officers is not justified and should not be condoned. #Pleasedontjustifythehate
2. There is a serious issue throughout this country with Young Black Men being killed at the hands of law enforcement. This has resulted in the Black Lives Matters Movement. Many people feel that it is racist to focus to say only one life matters. The BLM is not say only one life matters. It is trying to bring attention to situation that needs to be fixed. For example , if someone is drowning in a pool , you would say "so and so is drowning" lets help them. This does not mean the rest of the people in the pool don't matter. During the Holocaust millions of Jews perished in horrific ways. Before the Jews , people with special needs and other groups were killed at Hitlers Command. Remembering and honoring those who were Jewish and lost their lives and were survivors is not diminishing the other lives lost. It is saying to everyone that this act was wrong and we stand with you. Also people of ALL races march ,protest and get petitions signed in honor of Black Lives Matter. Those use BLM as a reason to harm and kill others do not represent the movement they represent hate.
#Pleasedontjustifythehate
3. I have noticed an alarming trend in regards to Social Media. People have gotten what I like to call " Media Muscles". They like to say unkind,homophobic, prejudiced , racist and demeaning things about other people. They hide behind their devices like the KKK hides behind their hoods. I am asking all my family and friends to #thinkbeforeyoupost. The words you say and share can cause someone to want to kill themselves. Tyler Perry once said (quoting his grandmother) " Take God with you .....and wherever you can't take God don't Go.....". I would also add " Take Kindness with you and wherever you can't take Kindness don't go". #Pleasedontjustifythehate
4. I am a person of color and every day I am targeting because of my race. I am targeted by my "own people" as much as I am targeted by those who think I am another race. I have recently heard several friends tell me that racism doesn't exist anymore or that it is thing of the "deep south". I am here to tell you that racism does exist and it effects my life each and every day. I realize that it is easy for someone to deny something that they don't experience or understand. If you would like to discuss this with me , I am a open book. #Pleasedontjustifythehate
Thank-you for reading ! If you wish to comment , feel free but please keep the tone respectful and remember #Pleasedontjustifythehate