Black lives matter, and nuance does too

We can hope that the millions of citizens who are peacefully protesting systemic racism in the US are kept safe and cause change.

We can also hope that the small percentage of vandalizers, looters, arsonists, and assaulters are held accountable for their crimes.

We can hope that the bad cops who misuse their sacred badges of trust to victimize People of Color are exposed, fired, and prosecuted.

We can also hope that the vast majority of police officers who are good and dedicate their lives to protecting society are kept safe and continue to be celebrated.

Black lives matter. Brown lives matter. Women’s lives matter. All lives matter.

Why, today, we passionately chant “Black Lives Matter” when we know that all lives matter is because the Black community who is disproportionately victimized by law enforcement deserves our focus at this particular moment in history.

Life is inherently nuanced.

We can both support and denounce people from the same group, because groups are made up of individuals who should be judged by their individual actions. While also acknowledging when a group has reached a tipping point by allowing too many of their individuals to turn bad, as is the case in law enforcement.

We do not hate police. We hate what they’ve allowed to happen within their ranks. With the chanting of “Black Lives Matter”, we are demanding that they do better.

Nuanced problems require nuanced thinking in order to develop nuanced solutions.

With nuance, major change can always be achieved.

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