Young, black… DEAD!

Summary

The web content is a poignant reflection on the recurring theme of young black individuals losing their lives in various circumstances, often due to systemic racism and violence.

Abstract

The article titled "Young, black… dead." is a powerful commentary on the continuous loss of life within the black community, particularly among the youth. It highlights the routine nature of these tragedies, occurring in various settings and under different pretexts, from mundane activities like walking or sleeping to more specific roles such as being a student or a professional. The narrative underscores the diverse identities of the victims, emphasizing their aspirations and the roles they play in society, which are abruptly ended by acts of violence and prejudice. The piece also touches on the range of reactions from the public, from expressions of outrage and solidarity to performative allyship and passive acknowledgment, ultimately pointing out the persistence of systemic racism and the need for substantive change.

Opinions

The article conveys a sense of frustration and sorrow over the repeated loss of young black lives under various circumstances.
It criticizes the societal structures and individuals that perpetuate racism and violence, leading to these deaths.
The content suggests a cycle of public reaction that includes shock, discussion, and eventually a return to daily life, indicating a lack of sustained action.
There is an underlying call to recognize the humanity and individuality of black people beyond the stereotypes and prejudices that lead to their dehumanization.
The piece implies a need for more genuine empathy, support, and systemic change to prevent future tragedies.
It also reflects a defiant voice from within the black community, asserting a desire to live freely and without the constraints of societal prejudices.

Young, black… dead.

Another day, another life.

Young, black, walking, talking, running, resting, playing, at home, in church, on the streets, looking, sleeping… young, black, DEAD.

Another day, another life.

Pre-med student, financial analyst, college graduate, future scientist, store clerk, artist, father, uncle, sister, grandmother, pastor, teacher, son, …

Another day, another life.

A knee, a gun, two guns, a sentence, a lie, a man, a woman, a cop, three men, a judge, a commander-in-chief, a ‘they’re so ugly’, a ‘they’re just lazy’, a push, a shove, a look, a look…away, a ‘don’t play with those kids’, a ‘he looked dangerous’…

Another day, another life.

So vile, crazy, evil, a crime, racist, pure hate, should never happen, sick to my stomach, why?, I have no words, outrage, praying, words, more words… young, black, DEAD.

Another day, another life.

Not mine, help them, stop killing ‘them’, ‘they’ can’t breathe, I have a black friend, oh and a black nanny, phones out, a post, phones back, enough, until again… young, black, DEAD.

Another day, another life.

I’m hustling, I just want to live, live beyond the lines drawn for me, crush the limits forced on me, not your hashtag, I can’t breathe, I don’t want your pity, not your slave, I don’t want your hand-me-downs, I want to stand on these feet…my feet!, I want to shop without you following me the whole time, what do you mean I don’t look like a lawyer, please, please don’t touch my hair, I want to live…

Another day, another life.

A tear, righteous anger, a scream, more tears, shock, discussions, ‘hey are you okay?’, this needs to stop, my tea, my avocado toast, oh wait gotta go to work, these things happen, here’s a post, I’m sorry it happens to you knowing it will never happen to me, so sad, sigh…

Another day, another life.

And we keep on going, about our lives, about our fears, about our prejudices, our hatred, about their pain and our privileges, until…another day, another life, young, black, DEAD!