The fact that I am once again addressing an act of systemic violence in this blog makes me furious.
Before I begin to address the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philandro Castile, I would like to acknowledge that my identity as a white woman distances me from these tragedies. My feelings and reactions are undeniably different than those of people of color–I do not feel that I am under threat because of the color of my skin. However, the multiple acts of violence warrant productive discussion and action, regardless of race.
In wake of the two shootings, many people, myself included, took to social media to express their thoughts and feelings. On the one hand, it was affirming to see so many people reacting to the injustices the two men faced with anger and sadness. However, I realized that for a majority of the people who posted, their response would stop with the hashtag; that is, they would express condolences and frustration in words, but not act to change the systems that necessitated the hashtags.
College students not only have the opportunity but also the responsibility to take action and affect change. Hashtags, prayers, and condolences are not trends–they are motivators. I sincerely urge every person who reads this to find out what they can do to alter the systemic racism evidenced by these two shootings and make a more just world. It is within our power to do so.
Glad you are a voice in this conversation, and you have a place to express your thoughts.