So how is that BLM thing going?

[Ringo84]

It is, though. 100%.
Ringo

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Who is giving who money? How can I get some?

Unless you are a BLM organiser, you ain't getting a dime. Even as a black man, I have seen zero BLM dollars put toward improving the lives of my family or my community.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Ah, you're talking about the BLM organisation and those who are involved in the financial side of it. I was talking about the movement itself. I find it constructive to differentiate between the two.

So what are your thoughts of the BLM organisation?

 

[MehGuy]

I think it has no merit at all, because it associates being poor and a minority with crime and ignores all the other reasons why desperate people in desperate situations might turn to crime.

A great example are street gangs. Do people join street gangs because they're violent "street toughs" who want to do crime, or is it because they feel as though society has left them behind and they need to band together in order to survive?
Ringo

I don't think answers are always so clear, nor fits any political stance.

As far as poor people in general, (any race) I think you have to consider other factors. Like why they're not successful in the first place. It would be hard to argue that poor people are not tempted to do crime more than better off folks, but I don't see the high confidence that there is no other nuance to the discussion.

 

[Ringo84]

I don't think answers are always so clear, nor fits any political stance.

As far as poor people in general, (any race) I think you have to consider other factors. Like why they're not successful in the first place. It would be hard to argue that poor people are not tempted to do crime more than better off folks, but I don't see the high confidence that there is no other nuance to the discussion.

I'm not saying there isn't nuance. I'm saying there's more nuance than, "The poor did it to themselves".

There are a variety of reasons why people aren't successful, and more often than not it's not personal failing, but the system failing them.
Ringo

 

[Oompa Loompa]

I did in fact differentiate between the two in my first reply. The fraud going on is a sideshow. The weightier matter here is what the movement is promoting. And what they are promoting is getting people killed. They are in effect telling people that they do not have to comply with the police. That is not something I would go around saying.

The movement is promoting race based scapegoating and encouraging black Americans not to take responsibility for their life decision. Easier to blame white folks. But the real purpose for the movement was to make it easier for politicians to manipulate voters and advance their agendas. Which is why the movement fizzled out, as I expected, after the 2020 election.

 

[MehGuy]

I'm not saying there isn't nuance. I'm saying there's more nuance than, "The poor did it to themselves".

Yeah. I agree. I think the right like the left are prone to lazy black and white thinking. Both sides can be blinded by political agendas.

There are a variety of reasons why people aren't successful, and more often than not it's not personal failing, but the system failing them.
Ringo

It's fine, but can you at least understand why some people might be more skeptical and not share the same confidence you have about the issue? Are these automatically bad people?

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Me neither. But in any movement there are morons and fools. And many dumb things are done under the umbrella of that movement. The op asked for a general view as to the effects of the BLM movement. I have given my views. Maybe you could address those.

So other than merely getting people to "think" and "ask questions," could you please tell me how the movement improved my life? I am asking because I have seen nothing but more racial tension and division as a result.

 

[Ringo84]

I wonder what "life choices" led to a white cop kneeling on George Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes. Perhaps you can enlighten us, professor.

It's fine, but can you at least understand why some people might be more skeptical and not share the same confidence you have about the issue? Are these automatically bad people?

Who, poor people? Not at all. I feel for poor people because both society and the political establishment gives not a shred of care for them.
Ringo

 

[Oompa Loompa]

I think that was covered. You must have read it. I'll write it again:

But in any movement there are morons and fools. And many dumb things are done under the umbrella of that movement. The op asked for a general view as to the effects of the BLM movement. I have given my views. Maybe you could address those.

And to morons and fools I will add thugs and thieves. There are always those who will take advantage of any movement.

"Black Lives Matter!" True only for politicians during election cycle.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

I think it has no merit at all, because it associates being poor and a minority with crime and ignores all the other reasons why desperate people in desperate situations might turn to crime.

A great example are street gangs. Do people join street gangs because they're violent "street toughs" who want to do crime, or is it because they feel as though society has left them behind and they need to band together in order to survive?
Ringo

Who's society left them behind?

 

[Ringo84]

Who's society left them behind?

Ours.
Ringo

 

[MehGuy]

I wonder what "life choices" led to a white cop kneeling on George Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes. Perhaps you can enlighten us, professor.

How should I know? Like how I should know why cops unjustly kill white people? The thing is, I'm not going to just assume in Floyd's case it's because he's a raging racist who just wants to hurt black people. Even if they are racist, I'm not even convinced in the point of view why. Perhaps they see what black people do to each other and inappropriately take their anger out on them?

Who, poor people? Not at all. I feel for poor people because both society and the political establishment gives not a shred of care for them.
Ringo

No, I mean share the same confidence as you that poor people fail mainly or only because of the system.

 

[Ringo84]

How should I know? Like how I should know why cops unjustly kill white people? The thing is, I'm not going to just assume in Floyd's case it's because he's a raging racist who just wants to hurt black people. Even if they are racist, I'm not even convinced in the point of view why. Perhaps they see what black people do to each other and inappropriately take their anger out on them?

In other words, you blame the victims.

No, I mean share the same confidence as you that poor people fail mainly or only because of the system.

I'm glad we agree on that.
Ringo

 

[Aldebaran]

I wonder what "life choices" led to a white cop kneeling on George Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes. Perhaps you can enlighten us, professor.

Not following police commands, using Fentanyl, trying to pass counterfeit money, resisting arrest....

 

[MehGuy]

In other words, you blame the victims.

Uhhh.. where did I blame the victims? I think the officer who killed Geroge Floyd was rightfully charged. I'm not blaming people like George Floyd for their deaths. I just don't jump to political conclusions like many others do.

I'm glad we agree on that.
Ringo

I have a language disability. I'm not really blaming you, here I think I've just miscommunicated my point.

 

[Ringo84]

Uhhh.. where did I blame the victims? I think the officer who killed Geroge Floyd was rightfully charged. I'm not blaming people like George Floyd for their deaths. I just don't jump to political conclusions like many others do.

You said, "What they do to themselves", which implies that the Black community brought on George Floyd-style tragedies on themselves for actions they supposedly took - or didn't take.

Now, maybe that isn't what you meant. You say you have a language disability so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume your point just wasn't expressed clearly. Fair enough; that happens sometimes.
Ringo

 

[timothyu]

which implies that the Black community brought on George Floyd-style tragedies on themselves for actions they supposedly took - or didn't take.

Are you suggesting any human who makes illegal actions in their lives are simply pawns at the hands of some outside force?

 

[Ringo84]

Are you suggesting any human who makes illegal actions in their lives are simply pawns at the hands of some outside force?

Not necessarily, no.
Ringo

 

[timothyu]

Not necessarily, no.

That's what I thought. It would be foolish of someone going out in the rain without an umbrella to blame the rain if they get wet.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

I wonder what "life choices" led to a white cop kneeling on George Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes. Perhaps you can enlighten us, professor.

Multiple violent crimes and robberies, drug use, resisting arrest, counterfeit money. Cops didn't arrest George Floyd for no reason. Not defending what the police officer did. Just noting that it was completely preventable had George made better life decisions.