Items
topic_interest is exactly
BLM
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2020-09-08
Disconnect from our Core Values
This assignment is part of the American Studies classes at California High School in San Ramon, California. -
2020-06-02
The Mask Wars
This article discusses the mixed ideas surrounding the wearing of masks. Some people see it as a show of “scientific authority” and respect for the safety of others, but another portion of the public thinks it is a sign of weakness, submission, and cowardice. Masks in America are an extremely political point of conflict. And although the majority of people protesting against the killing of George Floyd wore masks to protect their community from transmission of the virus, the rest of the nation is still in turmoil over the issue. I have experienced my own difficulty with this as well; we have had to avoid unmasked neighbors several times, and when relatives come, we have to be the enforcers of distancing when they visit and remain outside. Mask wearing should not be politicized; it should just be something everyone wears with the safety and health of themselves and others in mind. -
2020-09-06
Just like Mom
In 2020 I was extremely excited to see VP candidate Kamala Harris on the ballot. It was revitalizing to see that in 2020 while all the protest were occurring, racial disparities were brought to light, and the urging to pass social reform in our major cities. When Kamala went on an interview to discuss her early life this picture came across the screen. My mom had an identical pose and hair style she wore as a teenager. This was the first time it really hit home that I could possibly have someone who looks like my mom and other black mothers that looked like mine. That as an African American we had the opportunity to see someone like us hold such a high office was very impactful and motivated me. -
2020-08-24
What the Coronavirus Pandemic Means for the Future of Broadway
This article from the New Yorker touches on what the long-term effects on Broadway plays may be due to COVID-19. It touches on multiple issues facing Broadway actors, such as the recent deaths of Nick Cordero and Terrence McNally due to complications from COVID-19, the strain on the Actor's Fund due to the financial aid needed by unemployed actors, and how actors are continuing to try to perform during the pandemic. The end even touches on the Black Lives Matter movement and its possible implications on Broadway. -
2020-06-02
Protests amid a Pandemic
When George Floyd was murdered, the country erupted in a way I had never experienced in my life before. I thought I had seen chaos with the multitude of protests that followed the US 2016 election, but I was wrong. People who had always claimed to not be "political" were posting, sharing stories, and there was outrage. In the first week, in Ohio, we were met with violence. Being immunocompromised, and fearful, I stayed behind when I was in Columbus. Some of my good friends got arrested downtown. Others got maced, shot at with wooden bullets with a rubber coating, and went to the hospital in an already stressful situation. When I moved back to Cincinnati, I was no longer living with 4 roommates, and I decided if I wore a mask, and brought hand sanitizer and disinfectant, and did my best to stay 6 feet apart from everybody, I needed to get out there. The protests I attended over the next two months included vigils, organizers meetings, community panels, and celebrations of Black lives. My parents were unhappy with my decision, due to the news coverage, and several people I know getting arrested. However, this was too important. Growing up, I heard the names Trayvon Martin, Eric Gray, Tamir Rice, Sam Dubose, Sandra Bland, and many more. This was the straw that had broken the camel's back. The pandemic had meant many were furloughed, and out of work, leaving more time to read the news, watch the news, and research issues. Many were angry at how the pandemic disproportionately affects Black and Brown communities, and for this blatant, act of police brutality to be filmed and shared across the world, it was too much. In Cincinnati, over 300 people showed up to hastily planned protests, and some of the more organized and advertised ended up with well over 7,000 people. The protests themselves were nothing like what I had seen on the news. Every 10-15 minutes, a fellow protestor would offer everyone cold water, snacks, hand sanitizer, and masks to anyone who did not have one. There were always medics with a first aid kit ready for the people who overheated, twisted an ankle, or got maced. I learned the ratio of baking soda to water that many carried if people were to be pepper-sprayed again. It was a community of people who cared about each other, took care of each other, and want the world to be better. I want that story to be told, because it never hit the media. The compassion I witnessed every single day. The groups of people meeting up every night, individuals carrying someone who was having an asthma attack to a shady area and giving them cold water, a ring of people around a young girl who stepped on a piece of glass that pierced through her shoe into her foot. Immediately, there were bandaids, water, alcohol wipes, and help to be given. The medics tent, offering granola bars, fruit, and snacks if anyone gets hungry. Food not Bombs catering many events, giving full meals to anyone who needed one. The care packs we had made for the friends who had been arrested, the community resource pages which allowed people to express needs and them being taken care of, from needing cat food to needing to pay rent. The resource guides, the calls and letters and emails to public officials. Although this is a weird time, strangely it was one where I had felt the strongest sense of community, in my 21 years of living. -
2020-07
Political Activism in the Midst of a Pandemic: BLM Billboard in Utah
Seen while driving out of Salt Lake City. This image really showcases what political activism can look like during a pandemic. It takes many, many forms but I really liked this form because it truly stood out to me and everyone on the road against this empty landscape. -
2020-06
Political Activism in the Midst of a Pandemic: BLM March Columbus Circle
A Black Lives Matter Protest is disbanded early due to the city curfew. I left this particular protest at 7pm to get home by 8pm but many people chose to stay. The NYPD started mass arresting groups of people who were out protesting after curfew. -
2020-08-08
Protest your faith.
If you were to take a stroll down Main St. of Huntington Beach, you might be surprised by what you see. I work in downtown Huntington Beach. Protests around these three topics has been quite regular. With a vast mixture of people wearing and not wearing facial coverings as mandated by the state. On this particular day there was a "black lives matter" protest, which was accompanied and/or countered by Christian evangelists as well as a single individual protesting for the re-opening of California businesses. In overhearing a conversation amongst the Christian group, it seems they feel that Covid-19 has been brought on as a punishment to those who have not repented for their sins. Here God is used as an authority figure to insight fear and shame to outgroup members or non-Christians. The pandemic seems to have had an impact on the effect of community in religion in that members that choose to gather in person must view the pandemic in a light that cannot effect them. -
2020-07-05
Church Orders in California to Slow Coronavirus
California is currently experiencing a surge in cases, and the state government has taken certain precautions to provide a safe environment as it tries to open up. This has been specifically targeted at areas where people are gathering in large groups and where social distancing can prove somewhat difficult. Both users seem to be questioning the targeting of churches while people are able to still gather to protest. This item was added TAGS v6.1.9.1. I originally searched under the hashtag #california. Within that search, I have chosen to add the following tweet because it describes the current separation that is present on the mask divide across the political spectrum. -
2020-07-03
Understand What Privilege Means
A contrast between people protesting for a haircut and protesting for the right to live. -
2020
Stay Awake
This meme encourages people to stay woke. -
2020
Please Wear Your Masks While Arresting the Cops Who Killed Breonna Taylor
A reminder to wear masks even when fighting social justice issues. -
2020
BLM and Wear Masks
Local business has signs in window, Black Lives Matter, RIP George Floyd, and directions for entering the store during pandemic. -
2020-07-03
Comparison/Contrast of Looter and Bankers
When the early BLM protests during the pandemic led to some instances of looting we saw it on the news and the BLM movement was blamed. However, it is common for rich executives and bankers to get away with much larger crimes. Picture depicts a young masked man stealing a TV, across the street from an older man wearing a suit leaving a bank stealing a large bag of money. The older man says to the younger man, "amateur". -
2020-06-09
D.C. Wants All Protesters To Get A COVID-19 Test
Excerpt from article: While COVID-19 was on the minds of nearly all, many — including some medical professionals and public health experts — saw it as a risk worth taking as the country faces "two public health crises." -
2020-06-08
Even In A Pandemic, WHO Believes That Public Protests Are Important
Excerpt from article: Modelers say it's difficult to assess how the protests will influence COVID-19 infections. Because COVID-19 generally has an incubation time of up to two weeks, public health officials think it will take a couple of weeks before they see the impact. -
2020-06-09
Coronavirus: more than a dozen US states see record high of new cases
Excerpt from article: A total of 14 states and the US territory of Puerto Rico have recorded their worst week yet for new coronavirus infections, with Texas hitting a record high in Covid-19 hospitalizations, all while restrictions to curb the pandemic are being relaxed across America. -
2020-06-03
Protests spark fears of new COVID-19 surges
Excerpt from article: As demonstrators flooded streets across America to decry the killing of George Floyd, public health experts watched in alarm - the close proximity of protesters and their failures in many cases to wear masks, along with the police using tear gas, could fuel new transmissions of the coronavirus. -
2020-06-11
We Told Our Son Not to Protest. He Did Anyway. Now What?
An advice column asking how to handle a young adult who defied his parents to protest. -
2020-06-26
Everyone at the CHOP is Safe From Covid
This is a conversation captured about the CHOP stronghold in Seattle. -
2020-05-07
Mitt Romney participates in BLM protest
Politician Mitt Romney joins in protests. I am weary when a high profile politician joins protests. Are they genuine? Or is this some sort of political move? -
2020-05-05
DC Mayor Fights For Control of Her City
Amid tensions with the president over his deployment of federal officers during protests, Washington’s mayor had “Black Lives Matter” painted near the White House in an unmistakable assertion of control. -
2020-05-31
Reflection From a High School Student
As an Asian American, attacks like these are infuriating and spread only hate and racism. My family and I are scared to go out because we are afraid something like this would happen. In today's society, racial inequality and xenophobia still exist. This pandemic is worsening the tensions that are already occurring. In addition to this, there are many riots and protests that are happening near my neighborhood due to the death of George Floyd. My social media is filled with the Black Lives Matter Movement and many horrific actions that are taking place. As a high school student, I thought I would only have to worry about AP exams, virtual prom, and online schooling. However, there are so many concerning issues and violent events that I can't ignore. Everything feels surreal and absolutely crazy.