Black Lives Matter: Is All Lives Matter offensive?

By
Trevor Sherwood

The tragic death of George Floyd has sparked Black Lives Matter protests across the world.

Footage appeared online of Derek Chauvin a police training officer kneeling on the neck of Floyd while three other officers appeared to do nothing to stop it.

Chauvin faces murder charges while the three other officers face charges of aiding and abetting murder.

The murder of Floyd has sparked Black Lives Matter protests across the world including here within the United Kingdom.

What is Black Lives Matter all about?

Black Lives Matter is an international human rights movement, which was originated in the African-American community, that campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards black people.

The movement was started in 2013 following the acquittal of George Zimmerman after he killed Trayvon Martin in 2013. Today, the Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc. is a global organisation that’s active across the world and has a UK-based charity. 

The guiding principles are to eradicate white supremacy and intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities through advocacy, fundraising and education.

Why can the saying “All Lives Matter” be offensive?

When you see Black Lives Matter it may feel natural to say no all lives matter. We even had to ask the question to our followers after using the phrase within a tweet.

So we set about researching the phrase and the meaning behind why the phrase can be offensive.

The truth is that black people are disproportionately impacted by police violence and systematic racism within the United Kingdom.

Statistics show the black people are more likely to be stopped by the police and officers are more likely to use force when arresting black people.

Figures also show that black women are four times more likely to die during childbirth because their needs are not listened to.

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Figures also show black women are seven times more likely to be arrested that a white woman.

The phrase “all lives matter” ignores the reality that black people face and ignores the systemic racism that exists both in the UK and the US. 

Campaigners say the term “Black Lives Matter” isn’t equivalent to saying other lives don’t, but rather that Black lives should matter as much as white lives.

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Black Lives Matter explained

What did our followers tell us about the reason for “All Lives Matter” being offensive?

Everyday really is a learning day and today our followers helped us understand why All Lives Matter is offensive.

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Why are British people protesting?

Protests for Black Lives matter began in the United States, the purpose of these protests is to highlight that systematic racism is as much of a problem within the UK.

But what about the lockdown?

Therefore action was needed last weekend supporters stood in solidarity with George Floyd and others suffering police brutality.

Mass gatherings remain forbidden and lockdown restrictions are in still in place.

Government and Police have warned against the protests from going ahead.

However those attending the protests have been advised to wear face masks and bring alcohol Gel.