“The global movement for Black Lives Matter gained renewed urgency on an unfortunate evening in May when the world lost an innocent man, George Floyd, due to systemic brutality. This human rights crisis wasn’t the first instance when a Black individual was targeted; such incidents of racial discrimination have become tragically common in the 21st century, a fact that astonishes me.
Even after centuries of struggle and civil rights protests, the inclination toward racism persists, highlighting the fake morality within our global society. While we address these social justice issues, we often fail to implement the policy reform needed for lasting change. Administrations claim to prioritize community building and equity, yet that trust is broken every time a person is discriminated against based on skin color.
Literature reflects the cruelty the Black community has endured. I remember Wole Soyinka’s ‘Telephone Conversation,’ which highlights how social inequality functions. When a man seeks a rental, the immediate focus is not his character, but whether he is ‘DARK OR VERY LIGHT.’ This blatant prejudice is precisely what continues to plague us in the 21st century—it is a failure of humanity that demands immediate advocacy and action.”
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.