The truth is that the murder of George Floyd has been the source and cause for deep-rooted societal unrest, riots, more killings, arrests, and protests nation-wide. Within my earlier writings I felt that Floyd’s death should not be a reason why the public, groups and activists should once again bring forth social movements, or categorizing a death to become symbolic of such a movement. In this case there are many points for analysis. Such as: does the family of Floyd want his memory to become a public symbol, that is used to give rise to such movements? But on the flip side we have to think why are such movements coming to rise?
does the family of Floyd want his memory to become a public symbol, that is used to give rise to such movements? #ShaziaBlog #Quote #GeorgeFloydProtests #HoustonProtests #Texas
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The root begins with how Floyd was killed by Police officer Derek Chauvin. It is reported that PC Chauvin placed his knee on Floyds neck for about 8 minutes and 46 seconds and it is within 2 minutes of this time that he became unresponsive. It is also within this time period that he also said, I can’t breathe. His death / murder has been labelled as unjust, by someone who is wearing a uniform, in this case: a police uniform. It goes without saying the police officers or anyone who is in the line of duty know that their life is also in a position of sacrifice. You could say that is comes with the job. But there is also duty, honor and sacrifice involved. However, when a police member is shot, killed or dies because of the badge they wear; it is interesting that as a society we offer our thoughts, prayers, a funeral, and in a sense a send off that meets all the criteria of honoring these who have served for a nation. We don’t really hear much to bring forth political / social movements to raise awareness for the killing of our military members, national, international, police officers and so on.
His death / murder has been labelled as unjust, by someone who is wearing a uniform, in this case: a police uniform. #ShaziaBlog #Quote #GeorgeFloydProtests #HoustonProtests #Texas
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There is also the argument that we can look to, which is the systemic injustice that is found with policing systems. There is no doubt that racial profiling exists, and those who have experienced the criminal justice system will know first- hand: Once you are on the system, essentially you become a target. As there are more reasons to be targeted, categorized and labelled, because of records that are kept within policing systems. Or another point is sometimes it just depends upon who the Police Officer is. There also comes to question: is it right to judge, stereotype, and label, just on the basis of previous records? Maybe there needs to be a case by case analysis? But there is more inclination to do so especially upon a record basis. But what would one say in the case of this murder, and the rise of social movements again?
Taking a step aside from what the family wishes or even the rise of movements – I thought what would we think from a Godly and all-loving God perspective? Well of course there has to be condemnation for such a killing, but then God is also a forgiver. I myself felt upset and sad that once again a murder has become the cause and source of anarchy. Creating social unrest. I became exhausted. Thinking that if I don’t write about the matter, would I be labelled a racist? Maybe or maybe not? As I have written previously, with attention to research on topics such as race and culture from a psychological, teaching and learning perspective. I have come to realize that these are the same cycles of violence that repeat. If you take the time to analyze, you will see that movements and protests are common found through patterns.
I thought what would we think from a Godly and all-loving God perspective? Well of course there has to be condemnation for such a killing, but then God is also a forgiver. #ShaziaBlog #Quote #GeorgeFloydProtests #HoustonProtests #Texas
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But what do movements such as these do? Do they achieve anything or not? Well as I am writing upon the topic, this is an example right here. We can argue and question, what is right or wrong, but then I thought about the Tree of Life. One generation to another. What movements such as these do provide room for is the teachable moment, for children / students. But should it have to take movements, violence and uproars to bring about change? What a collective voice can do is to spark, accelerate and create rapid change. Even with the collective voice – the change of systems and processes begins from within. Those from within systems can bring forth change, but many do not speak-up, especially because there are consequences in terms of job sources, job security, and being able to provide for the family. This is where leaderships from systems are called to act, set the tone for the organization.
What a collective voice can do is to spark, accelerate and create rapid change. Even with the collective voice – the change of systems and processes begins from within. #ShaziaBlog #Quote #GeorgeFloydProtests #HoustonProtests #Texas
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Justice lies in the hands of those that possess the ability to do so. However, movements such as these can also be viewed as human threat, especially because of the survival of a particular race has become threatened. But maybe without the collective voice – there might not have been a quick arrest, charge, and different outcomes, from the judicial system. How we choose to act or stand might not be the same as everyone else, but it also takes a courageous mind to note that, there have been many injustices that have been silenced, that have concerned radicalized persons, or class-based, that are not based on race. So really with the inclusion of honoring Floyd’s death it is also a time to reflect upon life and death. Whose life matters? Which race segments are worth rallying for? Which population segments / collective narrative voice matters the most? How do movements such as these create further divisions and divides?
Floyd’s death it is also a time to reflect upon life and death. Whose life matters? #ShaziaBlog #Quote #GeorgeFloydProtests #HoustonProtests #Texas
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It is also with these reflective words that I once again offer my thoughts of prayer and condolences to the family members of George Floyd, and all who have taken a stand to raise awareness for his killing. Maybe his life was a sacrifice to raise awareness of the mis-use and abuse of power that exists within the police forces. And it is also with these words we offer our thoughts to police members who have taken a stand to be an active communal voice. As well as our on-going appreciation and gratitude to members of the police force, military and all who serve with honor, loyalty and truth. Thank you for your service.
Connection to Coronavirus – Whilst there have been many violent and peaceful protests nation-wide, we can question whatever happened to COVID-19? And the necessary precautions that were put in place such as social distancing, closing and shutting everything down? Have there been any reported cases of Coronavirus from individuals who have been protesting together? I haven’t heard of such. This is why we have reached the questioning point of the fear induced from the Coronavirus.
Have there been any reported cases of Coronavirus from individuals who have been protesting together? I haven’t heard of such. This is why we have reached the questioning point of the fear induced from the Coronavirus. #ShaziaBlog #Quote #GeorgeFloydProtests #HoustonProtests #Texas
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- Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on June 2nd 2020.
- Image 1 – Credit
- KTLA 5 – At least 11 killed during U.S. protests
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My Thoughts To Share With Love & Kindness!
{HEART'S, FOREVER!} 