Are Dogs More Respected Than Black People?

We live in a country where a canine is held at a higher regard than a black person.

In a recent incident, Amy Cooper, a white woman, was filmed in Central Park making a manufactured distress call to the police on black birdwatcher, Stephen Cooper. Despite the subject of the video--the false police report-- the state of her dog seemed to be more concerning than the black man she put in a possibly fatal situation.

In 2007, Michael Vick was convicted of dog fighting and spent 21 months in federal prison. In 2016, Kelontre Barefield, a black man, was sentenced to 45 years in prison after killing a police dog. Don't get me wrong, I am in no way justifying these situations. They were guilty, and both Vick and Barefield were rightfully, convicted for their crimes. My question is: Why are black people not awarded this same justice when they are murdered?

In 2014, Tamir Rice, an African-American boy, was only 12, when he was gunned down by police while playing with a toy gun in the park.

The killer, Timothy Loehmann, white, was never fired despite the clear negligence involving the case. He was eventually dismissed years later but for an entirely different reason. In 2019, a black Sheriff's Deputy in Arkansas was immediately fired after shooting at a hyper chihuahua---and it survived. Why are the consequences for injuring a dog more severe than murdering a black child?

Is it because we don't walk on all fours and wag our tails?

Why is it that two white civilians were able to murder a black man, Ahmaud Arbery, and remain in the comfort of their homes for months afterwards; only arrested after the entire nation forced a call to action? Why is it that George Zimmerman got away with stalking and killing Trayvon Martin? Why is it that police officers get away with murdering unarmed black people on a daily basis? Why, when it comes to black lives, is receiving justice a strenuous process? To me, the answer is simple; power and race.

Power and race are key elements when examining the outcome of many situations.

It took the intense outcry of citizens and public figures to force the arrest of the two white men who murdered Ahmaud Arbery. Why? One of the men was a former cop and the other was his son. It was their power that postponed their imprisonment and it was their race that made them feel entitled to stalk and kill a black man.

Power is essential and it is undeniable that power is monopolized by the white race. According to Pew Research, white people make up 78 percent of Congress and 61 percent of the US population. Meaning, White Americans are vastly over represented. Black Americans---minorities in general---need to be placed in positions where they can restructure white dominated establishments and create change from within; change to law enforcement, justice systems, government departments and agencies, sports organizations, media companies and much more. We need to have the opportunity to obtain power and demand justice.

Because the thing is, black people aren't dogs. We shouldn’t be treated in the same manner and definitely not worse. A revolution is necessary to ensure black lives actually matter. However, it’s not just up to us. It’s up to everyone to make certain the society we live in is drastically altered so that black men and women no longer fear for their life or the lives of their children. It’s imperative that every person of every race does their part in building a better future.

What is going on in the world--- what has been going on in the world, is not a political matter. It’s a human rights matter. Martin Luther King Jr. said it best,“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

5 Things I’ll Accept As An Alternative To A Commencement Ceremony

Like many, I graduated this semester. Also like many, I didn’t get to make the victorious stride across the stage and be handed my diploma. Although I was initially disappointed, it got me thinking, is it really necessary? Of course it’s something I would love to do but since the current state of our nation doesn’t allow it, I’m willing to accept these alternative options.

1. Student Loan Relief

If we aren’t able to walk, how about just clear us of all those loans? We have spent the last four (in my case five) building up debt with the promise of walking across a stage. Since that’s not happening, at the very least, pay off our misery.

2. Reimbursement

Personally, I’d just like a refund. Ideally, for all four years. But, as a compromise, I'm willing to accept a generous reimbursement of all school related purchases that were squandered this past semester. I’m aware some universities are doing some sort of version of this for the most recent term but I say it’s not enough. I’d like extra for emotional distress. Many of my easy A classes transformed into hard B’s once the quarantine started.

3. A Job

I just graduated so yes, I’d like a job. It’s probably the worst time to be looking for work right now. Many are being laid off and a plethora of companies have hiring freezes; and yet, I still need a job. So, if you know anyone in need of a recent journalism graduate, you know where to find me.

4. Tickets

Where you ask? Everywhere! To the trips I never booked, but need to be rescheduled; to the concerts I was thinking of going to, but couldn't afford; just, everywhere. I would like up to ten tickets of my choice-- when the time is right-- to anywhere I want.

5. Toilet Paper

The rumors are true. The stores are really out of toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizers-- everything. I’ve seen the rolls in our university’s bathrooms; they’re big. Since we’re not there to use them, how about you ship them to us?

These are my demands. Who's with me?

Should We Dress Up To Go Nowhere?

Quarantine life has made it exceptionally hard to look cute. Even the fashioniest of fashionistas have traded in their Louis Vuitton's for a glass of wine and sweatpants.

Ana Wintour, the fashion queen herself, was pictured in a tracksuit. But for many, clothes are much more than a protective covering. Dressing up is a creative outlet. An outlet that some of us desperately need and don’t even realize.

Think about it--

When we are going somewhere we spend hours contemplating what we want to wear. We take the time to carefully craft something we look good in and feel good in--it takes effort. In quarantine, we do the exact opposite. We throw something on because we know that we aren’t going anywhere. But could that mentality affect us in other areas?

According to a recent study, clothing was proven to have a significant effect on mental and psychological health. Evidence revealed that your attire can influence your mood and productivity. Dressing up gives a sense of accomplishment, therefore, allows us to work harder and get things done.

So, break the habit of flinging random items on your body. Because although we may be trapped in our homes, there are still things that need to be done. One of those things should be put on a presentable outfit. If you start your morning by slipping on an appealing ensemble you’ll be ready to tackle the day; even if you have to tackle it inside.

Distance yourself from people. Not from your closet.