Brands posting about #BlackLivesMatter is important. Not because most will ever do any of the difficult work of dismantling systems of oppression, but because it’s no longer financially viable to be silent.
These statements, while possibly disingenuous and hollow, reflect a turning of the tide in public perception. #BlackLivesMatter is now positioned as socially acceptable and brands can’t afford NOT to post.
Before, brands and people were scared to post #BlackLivesMatter for fear of losing their career or customers. Now it’s the opposite.
Things are changing.
I can’t be so cynical that I don’t recognize and appreciate change. @Kaepernick7 couldn’t get a job because he peacefully protested by taking a knee. Now, many that condemned or were silent are taking the side of justice.
And... let me be totally honest. That includes me. I was essentially silent. I may have meekly supported his protest and spoke in private conversations but I never came out and supported him fully. I was afraid of the consequences I would experience.
Folks, that’s why they punish protest so harshly. If they make you afraid of the consequences, they make you silent. And they stop a critical mass from joining the movement. Now, you see why that’s so critical. If enough of us #RiseUp we can’t be stopped.
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