Reflection 4
Over the last year, we have experienced so much heartache, pain, and suffering that we have finally had enough. May 25th 2020, the day of the death of George Floyd, America had an awakening. We stepped in and stepped up, saying enough is enough and we will no longer just sit by and let these things happen. We will no longer tolerate violence and oppression, we will no longer be passive in situations that involve action. Without response, there is no change.
We’ve heard people say “that could have been my son, brother, husband, friend, etc” but it’s more than that. I understand that it helps to put things into perspective, but no matter who they are they matter.
The New York Time’s article title “Teaching Ideas and Resources to Help Students Make Sense of the George Floyd Protests” go in depth giving people the information and resources to help educate them on George Floyd and why protests broke out after his death and the impact and difference our voices and actions can make.
The article breaks down different aspects of the situation into questions that they go into details to educate the readers and answer the question being posed in order to help readers make sense of these protests.
Some I found interesting was the question posed, “What role does protest play in a democracy? Is nonviolent protest always the best way to achieve change? Is violence ever justified?” which then goes into details about the First Amendment and the impact and differences protests have made throughout history. It really gets you thinking and educates you in a way you may not have thought of before.
The Atlantic’s article “Why Protests Work” states,
Zeynep Tufekci
“Protests are signals: “We are unhappy, and we won’t put up with things the way they are.” But for that to work, the “We won’t put up with it” part has to be credible.”
In my own experience, I have seen change occur in my workplace when team members got together and voiced our frustration with management and the company. We were given a platform to use our voices and our concerns were heard. Not long after, those same concerned we shared with regional were evaluated and change was implemented. But it wouldn’t have been possible without us voicing our opinions and speaking out against things we were unhappy with.
It is our right as Americans and the freedom we are given to voice our opinions and speak out against violence, oppression, and wrongdoing. It is how we make a difference and it is the start of change.
Alayna Kelty 
Although, yes there are those who say we won’t tolerate violence anymore and yet there’s been more violence than I remember in my lifetime after that incident, which is still controversial. I think there is more division than ever. Its very sad.
LikeLike