On an unfortunate evening in the month of May, the world lost an innocent man, George Floyd, due to the brutality of the American police. It wasn’t the first instance when a Black individual was targeted and exploited. Incidents like these have become common in the 21st century, something that astonishes me to the utmost extent.
Even after hundreds of years of Black struggle, protests, and fights, people are inclined toward practising racism. All of this points toward the fake morality that resides in our society.
While we constantly address the problems, we fail to act upon them. Year after year, administrations endeavour to build trust. However, that trust is broken when a person is discriminated against based on his/her skin colour.
Literature knows how cruel discrimination has been for the Black community. I hate to address my community as “black,” but I guess that’s what inhumanity coerces me to do.
I remember Wole Soyinka in one of his poems, “Telephone Conversation,” highlighting this issue. He details the scenario where a man is calling a woman in England to ask if a room is available for rent.
Prior to any discussion about the room, the woman questions, “ARE YOU DARK? OR VERY LIGHT?” The man is surprised, and he answers by saying, “Brunette.” The woman immediately keeps the phone on hearing about his colour.
That’s precisely what’s happening in the 21st century. And it’s VERY WRONG for humanity on the whole.
Black Lives Matter and Social Media are progressing hand in hand
After this incident, the United States administration is facing a backlash. News channels are continually reporting about the proceedings. Black Lives Matter on social media is a trending hashtag.
But there’s one piece of the puzzle that we are continually overlooking—mental health. Amidst all the chaos, people are unconsciously succumbing to psychological ailments.
Doesn’t it bother you when you hear about racist comments?
Doesn’t it hurt you when colour is considered a variable for justifying a human?
Doesn’t it anger you when you see administrations lacking in their efforts to put breaks on discrimination?
I’ll tell you—IT DOES.
Considering the current scenario, it affects more than ever. And all that we want is justice to be served. Along with that, we need to do our part in contributing to the cause of Black Lives Matter on and off social media.
But for that, we need to understand that we should be mentally healthy. Only a healthy brain can facilitate rational discussion and action. With news channels constantly debating the scenario, your mind might create an unwanted space. This space is characterized by uneasiness, anger, fear, anguish, and frustration.
The need of the hour is a break if not a distraction
Your right there! Yes, you reading this article. You need to calm yourself and look at the bigger picture. Your contribution to the Black Lives Matter cause is immensely important. For that, you must be oriented—you must identify your competencies—you must know your potential.
Let me be very clear here. Even if you are designing something and posting it on social media, you are doing your bit. A single sentence against discrimination speaks big. And if you want that statement to become massively significant, you must act now.
To cut a long story short, you must work towards your mental health.
What to do for ensuring good mental health in these testing times?
Switch off the T.V.
It’s essential that you let your brain create space for more important things. Constantly watching violence won’t do any good for your creativity. But switching off the T.V. or the digital device that dictates news will definitely help you in thinking better.
Use this time for learning
Numerous e-courses are available on the Internet for working on your competencies. Coursera, Udemy, Udacity, and even different universities are offering courses pertaining to several subjects at reasonable prices. In that light, there’s a lot in the store for you to work on your skills.
Think about new business ideas
The “new normal” will change consumer behaviour forever. As a result, you must prepare yourself for the challenging days ahead. Whether you work in a biscuit factory or earn your fortunes on the Internet, you must know that this is the time when you can bring your ideas to reality or at least spend more time on them.
Utilize your skills for the good cause
Instead of binge-watching, the videos spread across the world, you can invest your time in creating something in favour of #blacklivesmatter.
That way, you can make your contribution count.
I hope that I was able to convey my word in the best way possible. As you are well aware, I’m always all ears for feedback and suggestions.
In case you want to discuss something, you can always reach out. I can even provide you with some resources for keeping your mind healthy in modern times.
