adventures of a typical high school student

Hello everyone!

Normally I try to stay away from being too political in my posts since my blog isn’t focused on politics or similar issues, but today I’m going to get into it a little more. If you haven’t seen my last two posts (poems about the George Floyd protests and situation), you should check those out too if you want to get a sense of my beliefs.

Frankly, our country is in shambles right now. The coronavirus has rocked the world, but even that has to take a backseat when describing the injustices and institutionalized racism that thrive in our country everyday. I do not condone the violence that occurred/is occurring in protests and understand that some of these people are acting out without actually protesting for the cause, but something has to be done. It’s foolish to think that protests will always be peaceful, and with a huge injustice like this, it does make sense why things got out of hand. For people wanting to protest, I suggest you participate and use your voice peacefully and watch out for the people who are committing acts of violence, but I understand people need to do what they need to do.

I am disgusted by President Trump’s failure to address the situation in a humane way and respond, but I’m not surprised. During his presidency, racism and hate has been encouraged and exacerbated in our country, and it will continue to be unless he is gone. I can’t believe we have a president who tweets out garbage like “when the looting starts, the shooting starts.”

Our country was built on the principles of freedom and equality, but it’s clear from our history up until now that those principles are not applied to minorities as they should be. It’s time to break the system and the attitudes of people and shape our country into what it’s supposed to be but never really has been.

It’s also important for me to acknowledge that I am not a POC. That being said, I am an ally and I am here to stand up for POC and others accountable to treat everyone as they should be– equally.

For those of you who can vote (I wish I could), PLEASE show up to the polls when the time comes. Vote for candidates who are going to bring change, who want to make the United States of America a better and safer country for ALL people, regardless of race or gender or any other factor. Please don’t let Trump win– with another term for him, that brings our country closer to an authoritarian regime and a one-party system (but that’s an issue for a different post).

Please take action. Sign petitions, speak up, peacefully protest if you are able. Enough is enough, and we need change. Do it for George Floyd, and do it for the countless other lives that have been lost unjustly. No lives matter until black lives matter. Please stay safe and healthy out there.

Brooke