A Semblance of Control through Social Change
The Black Lives Matter movement began in 2013, but in the past month, protesters have taken it to a new level of passion, and it has gained a significant amount of support. The murder of George Floyd at the hands of three police officers caused widespread outrage and inspired the resurgence of the movement.
The newest wave of Black Lives Matter has been stronger than any social movement since the ’60s. People are filling the streets to protest police brutality and other manifestations of racial injustice. In fact, many people are only now starting to recognize the problem of systemic racism in this country, as a result of the increased attention from both the media and the public.
What accounts for this seemingly sudden focus on justice in recent months? There are a number of factors to attribute to this mobilization. One component is that George Floyd’s murder was videotaped, and the brutality and heartlessness of the killing was evident. The presence of horrific footage circulating on social media has made the issue much clearer than it was in past years. The current administration likely also plays a role in the unique level of passion for racial justice in this moment in history.
Another significant reason for this mobilization is that the opportunity to have an impact on a world event at this time excites people. For the past few months, many people have felt completely powerless in the face of a pandemic that is largely out of their control and whose impact and duration are unknown. This feeling of incapacity has led to a newfound eagerness to take part in a social justice movement. People finally feel that they have control over something that is happening in the world, and that sense of agency is exhilarating. Protesters are funneling all of the accumulated anxiety and pent-up energy into action.
This is one factor in a long-overdue movement with a variety of impetuses, and it might be evidence that positive events can result from even the most challenging circumstances.
