I hope this doesn't sound strange and you may disagree with it.

[GaYellowDawg]

This gulf of misunderstanding over "Black Lives Matter" happens because people see a fourth word implicit.

When I see "Black Lives Matter," I think it means "Black Lives Matter, too." It means that black lives are not valued like they should be. It means that their lives should be valued as much as anyone else's. It means that they should not be subjected to the racism, injustices, violence, and killings as they disproportionately are.

But unfortunately others have implicitly added a different word. They look at "Black Lives Matter" and they think, say, or imply that it means that "Only Black Lives Matter." And then they get all upset and say "All Lives Matter!" And now, for a certain segment of our lovely society, "Black Lives Matter" or "BLM" becomes just another in a long line of substitutes for the n-word. And for them and others, it becomes an excuse to ignore BLM and what it actually stands for and what they actually say. I hate it.

I wish more people would try to listen to others instead of getting instantly defensive and fearful.

[Solomon]

1. I've always thought they should have named it

Black lives matter too just to stop the assholes from doing what they are doing. They know damned well that black lives matter means black lives matter too but they like to play hateful games designed to inflict pain. They disgust me.

[Chemisse]

7. I agree. This is not a misunderstanding.

It is obvious that it means they matter TOO. But they pretend to misunderstand by saying ALL lives matter, as though white lives or cop lives were being left out.

[johnp3907]

2. Makes perfect sense.

Similar thoughts expressed here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027990382

[lunatica]

3. I think there's too much anger and disappointment in the

Black Lives Matter group to add the 'too' at the end. It's like begging to be seen and recognized. I understand why many wouldn't want to ever sound like they're asking the master to be nice to them. Saying Black Lives Matter is strong and has no request intrinsically woven into it. It's a positive statement of intent and a demand.

[pablo_marmol]

9. Well said, lunatica.

This has been my interpretation.

[LanternWaste]

4. The fourth word you refer to is not implicit, it is simply inferred to validate a bias

The few times I've sung 'God Bless America,' I wasn't implying He damn all other nations. The times I wish a friend a happy birthday does not imply I hope everyone else with a birthday that same day has a crappy evening.

The fourth word you refer to is not implicit, it is simply inferred to validate a bias. Let's not re-brand that which is already accurate merely to accommodate the lowest common denominators-- if they wish to remain sub-literate, that is their choice.

Regardless of how inoffensive a social movement may be, there will always (always) be a small demographic whose bias requires them to misunderstand.

[GaYellowDawg]

6. "Requires them to misunderstand."

A very neat turn of phrase.

[Chemisse]

8. Great analogies!! n/t

[July]

5. ALL lives matter?

Prove it.

Until then, Black Lives Matter is an indispensable message to the clueless who can't believe their fellow American citizens' lives are regarded as unimportant, despite ample evidence.

You are correct that willful "misunderstanding" is behind the ALM bullshit.

[Doodley]

10. Doesn't sound strange. Sounds accurate.

The people who don't get it, are the people who either understand that there is a problem because they live in a bubble, or they are a part of the problem.

[aikoaiko]

11. I think when O'Malley and HRC said All Lives Matter

They were trying to say that black American lives should matter as much as anyone's because all lives matter.

But I agree that most of the angry All Lives Matter folks are hearing the "only" black lives matter.


Of course there are some who are repulsed at the idea that black lives should matter as much as white lives.