Protests supporting Black Lives Matter have happened all over the country following the tragic death of George Floyd. Many of these protests have brought positive change. But some people choose to use these powerful movements as a way to promote racism even further.
Just last month, Americans witnessed a black man dying over a petty and nonviolent crime. George Floyd was accused of using a counterfeit $20 bill — which is something he may not have even realized he had. That small accusation led disgraced police officer Derek Chauvin to kneel on his neck, making George unable to breathe. The whole incident was caught on film, and it's utterly hard to watch.
Unfortunately, some residents of New Jersey still can't understand how serious of an incident this was and took to mocking it in the middle of a peaceful protest. Perhaps it was an immature way to get attention, or maybe they're following false leadership. But they certainly made a scene in Franklin Township. The people were gathered there to make a difference but instead realized the true cruelty of some of their neighbors.
It's important that these incidents get reported. This was a human life that these adults were disparaging.
The videos showed a group of friends. One man was on in his front lawn, kneeling on another man's neck the way that Derek Chauvin did on George Floyd. The other individuals around him were laughing, refusing to show support the protest marching in front of them.
They also had a banner that said "All Lives Matter." While that statement may technically be true, it's unhelpful for this movement. Right now, all lives aren't being threatened. Black lives are. We need to focus our attention to make sure that black people get the same amount of respect as everyone else.
Many people don't seem to understand why this phrase is offensive. But it's quietly muting black voices. The black community needs our support more than any other community right now. So "All Lives Matter" is taking the attention off the people who really need it.
"Look at that — if you don't comply that's what happens," the kneeler yelled out at the protesters. "If you don't comply this is what happens right here, look. He didn't comply. He didn't comply. If he would've complied it wouldn't have happened. That's why he's dead."
But it gets even worse. After hearing the crowd yell out "Black Lives Matter," a friend in the racist group claimed, "Black lives matter … to no one." Just think about that statement for a little bit. This group of people made a point to showcase their intense racism during a rally that begged the community to give black lives a voice.
The good news is that action is being taken to further identify those who tried to disrupt the protest. Mayor John Bruno and Police Chief Brian Zimmer created a joint statement in which they referred to the comments as "revolting." They wanted to make it clear that the words and actions created by these residents didn't reflect their own views.
"The Franklin Township Committee and its Police Department are appalled and saddened by the revolting actions of certain individuals after Monday's locally organized Peaceful March," they wrote. "This is not who we are as a community." Soon after the video was posted, one of the men was identified as a New Jersey state corrections officer.
NJ.com reports that he has since been suspended from his position. He was also identified as Joseph DeMarco. Another man in the video was identified as a FedEx employee. He also lost his job after the video was circulated.
Governor Phil Murphy made sure to address the issue specifically, noting how their actions were callous and disgusting. "Mocking George Floyd's murder in effort to belittle the calls for justice from our Black and Brown communities is repugnant," he said. "I condemn this behavior in the strongest terms possible. We won't let the actions of a few distract from our progress toward dismantling systemic racism."
While these videos are disturbing, there's still a lot of good that has come out of these protests. In Toledo, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz has already been discussing policy changes when it comes to the city's police officers. He, along with the police chief and several activists, sat down for a meeting. And they made it clear that these meetings will continue.
On June 7, according to Vox, Minneapolis dismantled its police force in an effort to change. Vox also reported that in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Denver, Colorado, police officers have been working with their communities to reach agreements and improve their accountability. They've proven that they want to change.
After George Floyd's video went public, it also changed the overall opinions that white people have over whether or not the police treat black individuals differently. A recent poll showed that 57% of Americans and 49% of white respondents felt as if the police do use excessive force when it comes to handling the black community. Having it be the majority perspective is huge.
So while there are a few people determined to destroy the incredible message that these protesters are trying to share, the protesters are still winning. They're using their voices to create a much-needed change. Together, we're trying to create a world where everyone gets a fair chance at life.
It's also a good reminder that racism will no longer be tolerated — and expressing racist views in public, especially views that express violence — may very well cost someone their livelihood. We should never let these voices try to deter much-needed change.
