Why Black Lives Matter (Melina Block)
‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law – justice, mercy and faithfulness.’
Matthew 23:23
*The recent killing in the USA of a black man, George Floyd, by the police has sparked a wave of protests and increased global awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement. This has caused many people to start learning more about the effects of racism and calling for justice for the many victims of police brutality. Something which also must be acknowledged is the more subtle and unfortunately ‘socially accepted’ ways in which racism manifests, including in predominantly white and middle class areas.
Racism is not only murdering black people, or outright saying you hate black people. So many people I have seen posting things on social media I know for a fact have engaged in more ‘subtle’ racist behaviour. Saying the n word because “it’s the lyrics” or “it’s just a joke between me and my friends”. Discussing how they just ‘don’t really go for’ black people when talking about romantic relationships. Talking about how certain places have a lot of black guys there as code for it being ‘rough’ or just generally not somewhere a white, middle class person would feel comfortable being. Being unable to tell apart black people who have no physical similarities. Dismissing things that are rooted in black culture (a very common example is the idea that ‘rap music isn’t music’).
Growing up as mixed race in a very middle class part of London I am fully aware that my lighter skin means I am privileged as a result of both colourism and the fact that the way I talk makes it a lot easier for white people to empathise with me (which is in itself both really racist and classist). But it also means that I have always been aware of the things I have mentioned, whether it comes from classmates, strangers, or friends. By all means post things on social media if they’re truly raising awareness, but please first begin unpicking the ways in which you yourself are both benefiting from and contributing to racism. There is no point in posting anything today and then next month continuing to behave in the exact same way you did before. We all need to do better.
A prayer: Dear God, help us to understand each other better and learn to listen, talk and accept differences. You made us all in your image, all of us unique and special. Please remind us that we all deserve respect and dignity. Amen
Melina Block
*Originally written for LVA Trust, 18 June 2020:
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