{"id":4416,"date":"2020-07-14T08:09:00","date_gmt":"2020-07-14T08:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/galeo.org\/2020\/07\/las-vidas-negras-importan\/"},"modified":"2023-02-06T20:11:18","modified_gmt":"2023-02-06T20:11:18","slug":"las-vidas-negras-importan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/galeo.org\/es\/2020\/07\/las-vidas-negras-importan\/","title":{"rendered":"Las Vidas Negras Importan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Natalia B. Dutra<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Black Lives Matter. This isn\u2019t a revolutionary statement, it\u2019s not a new idea, and it\u2019s certainly not something to debate. Since the conception of this country black people have been forced to fight for their right to live freely. The protests we see today are a culmination of years of oppression and injustice. From slavery all the way to the modern prison industrial complex, racist institutions have altered over time and persistently targeted the black community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s Going On?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When faced with the facts there is no denying the existence of an issue. Facts such as black men are 2.5 times more likely to be killed by police than white men or that the wealth gap between white and black families is still as wide as it was in 1968. The fact that a child named Tamir Rice can be murdered for holding a water shooter. The fact that a woman named Breonna Taylor can be gunned down while sleeping in her own home. The fact that the white supremacists that nearly lynched Vauhxx Booker can walk away freely. We say Black Lives Matter because historically black lives have not been valued in the same way as other lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recently, protests resurged due to the increase in video footage of murders committed by police officers. These protests are only the newest events in an advancing fight for equity liberation. The growth in accessibility to the internet has helped expose the horrors that black people face on a daily basis. These videos that range from white women calling the police over a barbeque to unarmed and defenseless black people being brutally murdered by police officers have finally led to the public outrage of other communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Racism and Colorism within Latin America<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These ongoing struggles are not contained within the United States. Racism and specifically colorism run rampant among the Latinx community. Colonization brought with it a prejudicial system of hierarchy based on skin tone, which was deeply rooted into society. This system is known today as colorism. Colorism is the discrimination of others based on their skin complexion; people with lighter skin tones are viewed in a much better way than those with darker skin tones. Growing up I remember seeing racist caricatures of black people in art. I remember seeing people parading around in black face during Carnival. I remember hearing stories of my great grandmother advising my mother to marry a white man so she could \u201cclean up\u201d or whiten the family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instances of police murdering black people are also not contained within the United States. Joao Pedro, a black child, was shot to death by police officers in his home, just this year; the 14 year old lived in Brasil, a country where it is reported that at least 17 people are killed daily by police officers. Similarly to the United States, we can still feel the impact of the racist foundations our institutions were built upon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How you can Help<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you reflect, the question that may pop up is how to help. Here are some steps you can take moving forward:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Educate Yourself<\/strong> \u2013 <\/strong>Learning about history and the effects it still has on the world is extremely important. Thanks to the internet there are countless sources right at your fingertips, many of which are completely free. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    (While it is easy to simply ask questions to people you know, remember that no one is required to educate you. These topics can be mentally and emotionally taxing. Do some research on your own.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Listen to Others \u2013<\/strong> Your experiences are not universal. Read literature, watch documentaries, and listen to podcasts from black authors. Also, listen to black people around you without being defensive.<\/li>
    2. Donate \u2013<\/strong> Whether it be time or money, donate to causes that support Black Lives Matter. There are many bail funds, memorial funds, and smaller organizations in need of support during these times. If you are unable to help financially you can sign petitions, spread information, and there are even YouTube videos you can watch that will donate their ad revenue to a variety of organizations.<\/li>
    3. Talk to Your Family \u2013<\/strong> Many of those in the older generations may not even be aware of what is going on. Educate and spread awareness. Take the steps to have those difficult and uncomfortable conversations, so that you can create a path to growth. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Resources <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n