What Lives Matter?

By now, you probably know that the Tenors Quartet member Remigio Pereira has officially apologized for altering the lyrics of O Canada when it was sung at the Major League Baseball all-star game. He changed the lyrics to include the controversial statement of " all lives matter ". That was the part that got him into trouble.

My thoughts and comments:

The fact that you need to clarify or emphasize " all lives matter " is troubling. Of course all lives matter. Yes, even the lives of your enemies matter. All means All.

On the other hand, to say ' black lives matter ' is very legitimate and necessary, to remind the white majority that yes, all lives matter and you must not forget that All means All, and it includes the black people that you continue to discriminate against.

It is risky for a white person in America to say " all lives matter ", even if he or she does not really mean to offend or hurt the minority. Why? Because " all lives matter " is already understood, so there is no need for clarification or reiteration. But " black lives matter " continues to be ignored or forgotten, so it is reasonable for the African Americans to keep reminding the white majority that they are humans, too, not animals or slaves.

The analogy is that a slave being abused said, " My life matters " and the master being the abuser replied, " All lives matter. Actually, my life really matters, but yours doesn't."

Does it mean that white people should never be allowed to say " all lives matter " ?  No, freedom of speech is a fundamental right in a free country. However, you take your own risk if you say it in the wrong way, at the wrong time and place, in the wrong context, or to the wrong people. It's like telling jokes about people of different races, ethnicity and cultures. If you are not a professional comedian, you'd better be careful, otherwise your jokes may turn out not funny but controversial and offensive. Racial jokes when told properly may be funny, but Racism is always wrong.      

Regarding American police brutality and aggression against the black people, an African American friend sounded so sad when she said, " We are tired of singing we shall overcome." 

Fast Edi Thoughts and Comments