Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said “Darkness cannot drive
out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can
do that.”
While I usually do not comment on controversial topics, politics
etc. as that is not what this page is about, as an anti-bullying activist and
mental health advocate, I cannot be silent about what is going on in the world
at the present moment; especially as it is a matter in which major bullying is
present and something that is most definitely affecting and will affect the mental health of many.
Before I dig in I want to start by saying firstly, I am in
absolutely no way against peaceful protests or standing for what’s right; that
is not what this post is about. Rather,
this post is meant nothing more than to simply emphasize the
importance of compassion and empathy right now more than ever and to remind everyone
that violence, hate, disrespect, for others and our communities only makes
matters much worse instead of better. Secondly, I am also in no way
shape or form implying or saying that what happened to George Floyd is okay; it’s
not and I do not stand for it. However, we must talk
about the consequences of the violent and even fatal nature of some of the protests
and riots going on now.
It is completely understandable that many are feeling extreme
distress, fear, grief, anger and a wide range of emotions right now not just
with the numerous effects of the coronavirus pandemic but now, the tragic death
of George Floyd and the violent protests surrounding it. It is completely valid
to feel whatever it is you’re feeling in response to or as a result of all of
the events that have occurred in the past few months, weeks, and days. However,
by responding to these events with hate and violence, harming innocent people,
taking innocent lives, destroying the property and businesses of innocent
people, we are only creating a recipe for disaster, creating a world of even more
hate, discrimination, stereotypes, judgments, and violence. Not to
mention, while I do not stand for this level of hate and violence any day, I
also want to reiterate again that many are still in a state of crisis from the
pandemic and if not a crisis, the effects are still there and will be for a long
time as I’ve been saying for weeks. People are still grieving from the losses
endured by COVID-19, and now many are being faced with unjust and completely
avoidable loss by murder of innocent people who are mothers, fathers, kids,
family members. Further, people are finally returning to work, and much of the
world is re-opening in less than a week only to be shut down again. People who
couldn’t get to the store or afford food, are finally able to get food again
but now they can’t because food stores are forced to close due to the fear of
safety for their employees and consumers. People are having possessions that
they’ve worked hard for stolen or damaged. Streets, communities, businesses,
homes, are being completely destroyed.
Again; anger, fear, rage, disgust, infuriation, are all OKAY
to feel, feel it. Standing for what you believe in, peacefully protesting, or standing
for the rights of someone’s life that was taken unjustly is absolutely OKAY, but
it is NOT okay to attack innocent people who have absolutely
no association with the event.
As mentioned above, when you attack or murder an innocent
person or police officer, you are taking away someone’s mother, father, etc. inflicting
even more grief and pain than there already is in the world. When you burn down
a building, you are taking away someone’s business that worked for years to
build it and leaving many without jobs. When you burn down or wipe out a store,
you are also taking away goods and necessities people need. When you spread
this level of intense hate and violence, you are inflicting even more fear, anger,
anxiety, depression, grief, and anguish, increasing mental health concerns that
are already on the rise. By acting in such ways, we are sending false messages
that encourage acts of bullying, hate, and violence; especially in the younger
generation who cannot possibly begin to understand what is going on in the
world.
Yes, change needs to happen. Yes, discrimination and
racism need to end; but change cannot possibly happen in this way. We are not
enforcing change by taking innocent lives, attacking others, destroying communities,
burning, or stealing things. We must change the narrative. We can get justice
for Floyd and many others through means of compassion, and love, rather than
hate and violence.
Yes, a police officer did a bad thing and yes, other police
officers watched and yes, all of that was completely wrong and thankfully in the
age of cell phones, a brave citizen recorded the incident but that does
not mean that all police officers are bad. Look at the millions
of good police officers out there; the ones who are out there right now trying
to simply protect the rest of the world from this chaos, the ones who sit with
people in pain, or go out of their way to brighten a day. They don’t deserve to
have their cars burned or lives taken just like an innocent person doesn’t deserve
to have their life taken.
I will close by thanking all of the amazing people out there
serving us and doing good for the community in these most uncertain times. To our
police officers out there protecting us not just today but every day. To the nurses
and healthcare workers who are not just on the frontlines of a pandemic anymore
but also this violence that is leading many to ER’s, hospitals, etc. To the people protesting in a proper manner; peacefully and respectfully. To the citizens
volunteering their time to clean up the aftermath of these attacks and care for
their communities and so many more. May we remember that there is still good in
the world and make every attempt to spread messages of positivity, compassion,
and kindness instead of hate and violence.
Finally, to the people, families, lives, businesses, homes,
and possessions that have been attacked or taken, thoughts and prayers are with
you in these times of loss, pain, despair and so much more.
If you are struggling or have been affected by all that’s
going on, you’re not alone. Text “SHARE” to 741741 to be connected to a live
trained Crisis Counselor. You don’t have to struggle in silence.
Will you help me spread these important messages of
compassion and kindness by sharing?
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| Credit: unknown |
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| Credit: Unknown |
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