America is known as a “Melting Pot” of cultures and traditions. A constitution built to protect its people. But in reality, not all Americans are welcomed in this “pot,” and many Americans are still being harmed under the same constitution made to protect its people. When we take a look at the political climate of America right now, it is clear that not all Americans are viewed as equal. Recently, I was taking the train to go to work when I realized the person across from me had dropped their passport. At first, I found it strange that a person is loosely carrying their passport around with no suitcase or travel items, but then I realized. People are taking precautions just in case they are stopped by immigration officers. Not all Americans have to protect themselves like that. A detail that may seem small to others is major for minorities. Our government targeting one group of people based on bias goes against our standing as the “Land of the Free.” The government fails minority groups, and it goes unrecognized a lot of the time.
Systematic racism is a form of racism embedded in our laws and practices under the government. It results in unfair treatment and disadvantages to people of color. People of color are being stereotyped and treated unfairly solely based on what they look like. Accusing them of crimes, assuming they aren’t a “American Citizen”, making them uncomfortable in social situations, or treating their native culture as “unprofessional” or “undesirable.” These actions are usually swept under the rug or have gone unrecognized. There were many times when I was followed around stores because I was perceived to be a “threat” or “thief.” White women and men do not have to worry about being followed around in stores or being treated with a lack of respect or told their cultural practices are unprofessional. This is why civic engagement is so important. Civil disobedience is about seeking change; it shines a light on experiences the majority may not be aware of. Exercising our First Amendment right is important to making a change in our government. This means voting in elections, protesting against unfair situations, or speaking out against things that have been left in the dark. In the past, protests and speaking out for what’s right worked in their favor. This infamous time period is what we know as the Civil Rights Movement. A series of civil disobediences led to injustices being called out. This created a legal change. Segregation became illegal, allowing people of color to engage in all activities that they were permitted to before.
In the present day, utilizing our First Amendment right has continued to show its success in creating change. A great example of this is the Black Lives Matter movement. On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was wrongfully murdered by the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. His death sparked outrage for Americans all over the country. His death displayed yet another wrongful death of an African American in the hands of our justice system. Around 2 months earlier, a similar occurrence happened to a woman named Breonna Taylor. Breonna Taylor was killed in her home after the Louisville Metro Police Department forcibly entered her home and was ultimately shot 8 times while she was unarmed. After George Floyd’s death, millions of people took to the streets to exercise their First Amendment right to protest against these wrongful killings. These acts of civil disobedience created a community when we thought our lives were at a pause during the Covid -19 pandemic. I was grateful enough to be a part of one of these protests.
On June 3 of 2020, I was grateful enough to witness and be a part of such a beautiful protest. Thousands of protesters walked down the street I live on. I felt honored knowing I was able to witness and be a part of such a memorable event. Afterwards, George Floyd’s murderer was convicted of his crime and is currently serving his time in prison. This shows how utilizing our rights leads to real change. Millions of people recognized a wrong that impacts people of color in the justice system going forward. On the other hand, the officers involved in Breonna Taylor’s death will not be serving time in prison because of our current administration. President Donald Trump asked the judge to give the officer a one – day sentence. That officer will face 3 years of supervised release, while another conspirator has also had her charges dismissed.
In today’s world, many people are protesting against our current administration. Our President is conducting a lot of harmful ploys against people of color. ICE agents storm our streets, profiling families of color and arresting those who they think “don’t belong.” Handfuls of Americans have been wrongfully picked up by ICE agents because of what they look like. Our President makes a mockery of these events, showing Americans and other countries that he fully supports these actions and sees no wrong in them. Speaking out against injustices allows those who aren’t aware of what’s going on around them to be informed of injustice.
By Kelis
