The world is done with it: #blacklivesmatter
Let's be honest, it's no longer just about the death of George Floyd. It was the last straw. As George Clooney aptly wrote: racism is the true pandemic. It has been infecting us for years and still, no vaccine has been found against it.
This had to happen. Being silent is no longer an option. It doesn't matter how big your reach is, you could be the person who changes someone's mindset because you are the person the other hears it from. Racism must stop. Hollywood is also standing up.
George Clooney
‘There is little doubt that George Floyd was murdered. We saw him take his last breath in the presence of four police officers. That is why we are once again dealing with provocative behavior towards the systematic brutal treatment of a part of our fellow citizens. Just like we saw in 1968, 1992, and 2014,’ he writes. ‘We do not know when the protests will subside. Let's hope that no more people are murdered. What we do know is that little change is going to come. The anger and frustration we see on the streets remind us that as a country we have hardly grown since slavery. We need a systematic change in the police and the criminal justice system.’
Kim Kardashian
‘For years, with every horrific murder of an innocent black man, woman, or child, I have always tried to find the right words to express my condolences and outrage. I empathize with the families and victims. Even though I will never feel their pain or know what it is like to survive in a world plagued by systemic racism. I know I can use my own voice to amplify other voices, so that’s what I do.’
Adele
‘The murder of George Floyd has caused a global shock. But there are countless victims for whom that was not the case. Protests are being held all over the world to draw attention to this,’ says Adele. ‘Be angry, but stay focused! Keep listening, keep asking, and learning. It is important that we do not let ourselves be discouraged or manipulated now. This is about systemic racism, police violence, and inequality. And that does not only happen in America. Racism exists everywhere.’
Harry Styles
‘I can do things without having to be afraid. I am privileged because I am white. Being not a racist is not enough, we must be anti-racist.’
Billie Eilish
‘I have a huge platform and I really try my best to be respectful and take the time to think about what I say and how I say it... but... holy fuck. I'm just going to say it now. If I hear one more person say ‘All lives matter’, I'm gonna lose my fucking mind. No one is saying that your life ‘doesn't’ matter. No one is saying that your life isn't hard. This isn't about you. Stop always making everything about yourself. BUT YOU ARE NOT IN DANGER.’
Beyoncé
And of course, Queen B. is also standing up. The singer has been explicitly committed to the Black Lives Matter movement against police violence and racism for years. Some people hate her for it. I love her for exactly this.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAy-W0cAvWV/
2020, the year everything changed. Finally. Enough is enough.
