Passive vs. Active: BLM Movement

Personally, when it comes to a situation where I have to be either passive or active, I normally choose to be passive. Confrontation or being physical in any way is something I choose to avoid because I would rather not make a problem out of something I know can be compromised. But in the reality of it, we can’t always be this way. Sometimes we can’t get what we want and what happens when we can’t agree on a compromise? We have to act and we have to fight. Sometimes the only option to get what you want is to be active or even violent. There are multiple accounts of this occurring in history, literature and of course today.

In history, most of the time people fight for an injustice that is happening to them. Oppression is one of the main reasons that people revolt and become active. The most evident examples can be shown through times in America when there was slavery, after until the Civil Rights Movement and now during the Black Lives Matter Movement.

In this society, people of color tend to be treated lesser than white people and it has been that way for many years. Whether it be implemented within the law or it be a social norm, people of color have had to struggle with this reality. This is why the Black Lives Matter Movement began.

I believe that although being passive and complying to an oppressive authority is the least violent, being active and physical (but not violent) is the best way to get a message across, prove your point and eventually getting what you want. On the Black Lives Matter website, I did some research about their beliefs and what they stand for. They state in their ‘Restorative Justice’ principle section, “We are committed to collectively, lovingly and courageously working vigorously for freedom and justice for Black people and, by extension all people. As we forge our path, we intentionally build and nurture a beloved community that is bonded together through a beautiful struggle that is restorative, not depleting,” (BlackLivesMatter.com, 2017). This movement is dedicated to being active about what they believe in. They have come to the conclusion that nothing will change about their oppression if they do not fight for the justice and respect they deserve. Their particular plan of action is a great example about being active about what you believe in because they defy their oppressors in a manner that is neither passive nor violent. Going out for peaceful protests, sit ins, and speeches can say so much about the foundation on which the movement stands. Even the presence of their website is a form of being active because it helps spread the word about the importance of this movement without resorting to acts of violence.

In regards to the Black Lives Matter Movement, if the first act is to be violent, the actions will be looked down upon by the oppressors. The oppressors of this movement tend to label African Americans as scary and violent and if they act in that way, then the movement would not be taken seriously. Assata Shakur, member of the former Black Panther Party, once said, “It is our duty to fight for our freedom, it is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains,” (Assata Shakur). In this sentiment, she explains why it is important for the movement to fight for justice because being active will liberate them. Being educated about this movement, I know there have been multiple instances where protests have turned into violent riots and are quickly labeled as the intent of the movement. Anyone who truly cares about what this movement stands for knows that the foundation of the movement is based on the ideals of expressing their right to freedom, equality, and justice.

The twisted part about the Black Lives Matter Movement acting violent is that if they are violent, the actions will be noticed but not respected. If the actions are peaceful, they seem to be ignored. These are the types of times where you cannot always be too sure about what is right to do and what is wrong to do and what is going to get you your ideal outcome. As of now, we have to see what will work but I will always encourage peaceful acts before complying or being violent.

Works Cited:

1. http://blacklivesmatter.com/guiding-principles/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/57925.Assata_Shakur