"I CAN'T BREATHE"
What happened on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the United States has rekindled a part of the history of mankind that we hoped to be resolved.
In fact, no. After the unprecedented fights: South Africa's apartheid era and the treatment and tragedies of African-Americans both during the twentieth century, the scourge of racism still exists and has even evolved over the years. These injustices would be well qualified as "crime against humanity", but based on the facts, the qualification of "crime by humanity" would be far better. Stereotypes drive our society, and that can even lead some to commit crimes and discriminate. If we reflect on history over the past few years, sometimes the skin colors define our own destiny.
Sometimes, I wonder if each person on this Earth is aware that we are human and there are seven billion conscious and dignified human beings like us. Being human is not a concept that we can adopt when we want it, it is our nature. In reality, while living in a connected and evolving world, it requires an apolitical, pure and equal look to be able to be aware of that, beyond physical differences (black, white ...) and social categorization. In fact, if we reflect on that, we are all human and we are all equal. Indeed, coincidence or correlation? In this unprecedented period, at a time when around six million people are affected, healthcare workers are saving lives with respirators, meantime, some are taking others' breaths with one knee … However, this period showed us that nothing is acquired, no matter the power and the notoriety, a single virus was able to destroy an entire global system and spared no entity. This period has shown us that everything can disappear in one fell swoop, except love and unity.
“One love, one heart, Let's get together and feel all right...”
This song was written by Bob Marley & The Wailers in 1977 from their album "Exodus". They wrote this song amid the turmoil of the Jamaican elections in December 1976, remembered as some of the most violent times in the country. This quote will help us in order to reflect on the true perception and behavior that each of us should have on the other. No matter the differences. This one is still relevant today and will always be effective for generations to come. Let's use our only weapon to fight against this injustice: a movement of peace and hope to allow everyone from every existing race to be unified again. A smile and a simple gesture can show to "the other" that we are all equal and that we are here to grow and live together.
Moreover, we can't breathe when we cry because of a situation or someone breaks our heart. We can't breathe when extreme pain affects our bodies. We can't breathe freely when injustices, stereotypes, and prejudices shape our reality. We can’t breathe as long as some people think that being black is a “sin “and being white is an "advantage". Therefore, let’s dream and make this dream a reality. Imagine a society in which being white or black no longer means anything. Imagine a society without prejudice and bloodshed. Imagine a united society, hopeful and where each citizen has his place. So let's turn this dream into reality by creating a harmonious world of tolerance, resilience, love, and unity. History will always remain history, but it is up to everyone to write the history of a united and transformative world now.
R.A