Are You Showing Support for Black Lives Matter in Second Life?

[Drakonadrgora Darkfold]

1 minute ago, Luna Bliss said:

When you guys want a scapegoat it seems there's nothin' to be done. 

scapegoating happens a lot on these forums by the major forumites. its easy to point a finger at someone else and say they are to sole source of the problem then accept their own possible accountability for it as well.

lets all pass the buck ya know.

Edited June 5, 2020 by Drakonadrgora Darkfold

[Luna Bliss]

26 minutes ago, Aethelwine said:

Interesting article from the BBC

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52932611

George Floyd: Videos of police brutality during protests shock US

The Buffalo video shows a 75-year-old man approach police officers enforcing a curfew. They then move forward, pushing him back and causing him to fall over and hit his head.

As he lies on the ground, blood is seen pouring from his ear.

The man was taken away in an ambulance and was later found to have suffered a severe head injury.

An initial statement from Buffalo Police Department said the man had "tripped" and fallen during a "skirmish involving protesters", compounding outrage at the incident on social media.

Police spokesman Jeff Rinaldo later attributed the statement to officers not directly involved in the incident, adding that when the video had emerged the two policemen who pushed the demonstrator had been suspended without pay.

I have no words...   

[Luna Bliss]

5 minutes ago, Drakonadrgora Darkfold said:

6 minutes ago, Luna Bliss said:

When you guys want a scapegoat it seems there's nothin' to be done. 

scapegoating happens a lot on these forums by the major forumites. its easy to point a finger at someone else and say they are to sole source of the problem then accept their own possible accountability for it as well.

lets all pass the buck ya know.

This dynamic...scapegoating...is the source of all racism.  Needing somebody else to blame for the woes of life - beating up on others so one can feel a temporary feeling of being 'the good one'.  It does so much damage, and that's why I can't stand to see it.   

Edited June 5, 2020 by Luna Bliss

[Gatogateau]

3 minutes ago, Drakonadrgora Darkfold said:

scapegoating happens a lot on these forums by the major forumites.

So many majors, so little time. Scapegoating?  ??? I don't think that word means what you think it means. Calling someone out for being majorly (see what I did there?) off topic is not scapegoating.

 

[Gatogateau]

...... and when the number of notices that  out numbers the posts I choose to read, that's a sure sign to vamoose for a while ...

Edited June 5, 2020 by Gatogateau

[Drakonadrgora Darkfold]

3 minutes ago, Gatogateau said:

So many majors, so little time. Scapegoating?  ??? I don't think that word means what you think it means. Calling someone out for being majorly (see what I did there?) off topic is not scapegoating.

 

i know what it means.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scapegoating

[FairreLilette]

 

 

I'm not sure it's entirely off topic as religion is definitely one of the roots of fascism, and not only in America.  

And, I said I'd shut up and that people can look it up themselves regarding religious roots..  If you think the problem of racial profiling and systemic racism are only in America, I don't.  I believe these two things, racial profiling and systemic racism, are a global problem that has it's roots in money as well, no doubt.   There are supremacists of all skin colors - the ones who have the money but it's also often beaten over the head with some kind of religion to control.  

Sorry, I couldn't get the square out of my post, the square above.  Ignore it, couldn't get it out.  

Edited June 5, 2020 by FairreLilette

[Kristin Linden]

 

Hey folks, remember when I said to keep any bickering off the forums or to use the ignore button? I strongly encourage those who are engaging in that behavior to do so.

 

Please be courteous to those trying to have a constructive conversation on the topic of this thread by not falling into arguments that do not add to the discussion, or any other issues you may have with another user personally. 

[Luna Bliss]

9 minutes ago, FairreLilette said:

I'm not sure it's entirely off topic as religion is definitely one of the roots of fascism, and not only in America.  

And, I said I'd shut up and that people can look it up themselves regarding religious roots..  If you think the problem of racial profiling and systemic racism are only in America, I don't.  I believe these two things, racial profiling and systemic racism, are a global problem that has it's roots in money as well, no doubt.   There are supremacists of all skin colors - the ones who have the money but it's also often beaten over the head with some kind of religion to control.  

Sorry, I couldn't get the square out of my post, the square above.  Ignore it, couldn't get it out.  

I agree, racism is everywhere. But at this time in Herstory, and in this place of America where everything has come to a head, this is what most people feel is right to focus on.  I think this is partially why you got so much flack -- when the pushback started you began telling Maitimo (who said America is a scary place) about all the faults of other places.   It's true, we're not the only place that has racism, but it's not the time to defend ourselves, but rather to hang our head in shame, to be ashamed of America.

It's hard to take this, I know.  At times I feel defensive myself. But the US has some very scary stuff going on that we need to focus on now.  In many respects we are now worse than much of the rest of the world, sad to say.

I agree with some religious aspects you brought to the discussion. You really can't understand racism unless you understand the religious roots in America that support racism in many respects.

Edited June 5, 2020 by Luna Bliss

[FairreLilette]

6 minutes ago, Luna Bliss said:

I agree, racism is everywhere. But at this time in Herstory, and in this place of America where everything has come to a head, this is what most people feel is right to focus on.  I think this is partially why you got so much flack -- when the pushback started you began telling Maitimo (who said America is a scary place) about all the faults of other places.   It's true, we're not the only place, but it's not the time to defend ourselves, but rather to hang our head in shame, to be ashamed of America.

You know, Luna...I read about the counter-culture of the 1960's and especially things regarding music but in my readings I came across a saying the hippies used to say "Down with the communist fascist pigs" in response to how those demonstrating against the Vietnam War were treated so badly by The Police.  You'd think 60 years later, we'd have learned something.  

I did bow my head in shame as I thought about this man being just a "Dad"....just a Dad.  It's terrible, terrible, terrible.  The fascism of it all needs to be over-turned.  Thankfully, in Los Angeles County, it happened.  100 million dollars will now to go help people instead of to pay for Police from now through 2021.  

However, we still have a global issue.  I see it.  I cannot deny it or sweep it under the rug. 

Edited June 5, 2020 by FairreLilette

[Luna Bliss]

3 minutes ago, FairreLilette said:

Vietnam War were treated so badly by The Police.  You'd think 60 years later, we'd have learned something.  

It seems almost the same battle, the conservative factions vs the more liberal ones. And the Blacks are being knocked around according to whichever faction wants to use them for its purposes.

[Beth Macbain]

9 minutes ago, Aethelwine said:

The story of David McAtee, shot in Louisville a tragedy of stupid policing.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/05/david-mcatee-louisville-protests-family

This is my city and I have a lot to say about this tragedy, but I'm going to hold it in. There's more to this story, though. 

The police and National Guard were in the wrong here, and I believe the officers will be fired once the investigation is over, but it's a lot more complicated than it seems on the face of it. 

 

[Uneven]

2 hours ago, Beth Macbain said:

I love this! It even makes me want to see the movie!

(I have no idea what the movie is...)

Avengers

A way to cheer some of you guys up! 

Edited June 5, 2020 by Uneven

[FairreLilette]

28 minutes ago, Luna Bliss said:

It seems almost the same battle, the conservative factions vs the more liberal ones. And the Blacks are being knocked around according to whichever faction wants to use them for its purposes.

I hope they aren't going to knocked around too much longer as in Los Angeles County it may be as much as 150 million dollars for programs to help people instead of pay for Police through 2021 and I hope others follow suit.  That time for a change came a little bit later than expected, but maybe it's happening now.  Examining the roots of it all may not be necessary.   So, I stand corrected on that.  I thought it might be necessary to examine the roots and what are the roots of it all, but if it just starts changing, that's good enough for me.  So, I apologize for bringing religion into it.  

Edited June 5, 2020 by FairreLilette

[Sylvia Tamalyn]

Well, @Scylla Rhiadra, this started out as a good, thoughtful thread about BLM, and I read some good posts that were directly on topic and on point. It seems it's gone off the rails now, but I appreciate what you tried to do here. I'll look forward to the next one. 

[Beth Macbain]

1 hour ago, FairreLilette said:

Thankfully, in Los Angeles County, it happened.

To put this in some perspective, the LAPD budget was $1.86 billion and was cut down to a meager $1.76 billion., and that doesn't include the LA  Sheriff's Department with a budget of $3.5 billion, or the California Highway Patrol budget of $2.18 billion, or the budgets of the other 43 unique police departments within LA County, and no, those are not cities outside of LA. It's cities like Beverly Hills, and Burbank, and Glendale, and Inglewood, and Santa Monica.

Los Angeles has absolutely terrible problems with racism, bigotry, and misogyny. Not only is it the hub of the entertainment industry, but also the hub of the pornography industry - both absolutely chock full of racism, bigotry, misogyny, and other horrible things, but none of that compares to the LAPD whose budget was barely scratched.

LA police search black drivers most – even though white people have more drugs, report finds

Or the LA Sheriff's Department who do things like this:

Los Angeles officers shot at Ryan Twyman 34 times. He was one of four they killed that day.

Fairre, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you see Los Angeles through rose colored glasses. Your reality is not the reality for the black, Latinx, or Asian communities in Los Angeles. 

 

 

Edited June 5, 2020 by Beth Macbain
Better words.

[LittleMe Jewell]

1 hour ago, FairreLilette said:

Thankfully, in Los Angeles County, it happened.  100 million dollars will now to go help people instead of to pay for Police from now through 2021.  

$100-150 million is definitely not small change and can possibly do some good, but it is just pennies compared to the $1.8 billion budget the police had for 2020 - 1.6 billion of that being just for salaries.

By the same token, stripping away millions from a budget that has already been approved and planned for it at least a show of effort.  It is hard to modify departmental spending plans part way through a fiscal year.

[Aethelwine]

STAND FOR JUSTICE

IN SUPPORT OF BLACK LIVES

Stand for Justice is a fundraising effort within the virtual world Second Life dedicated to raising funds for the charities Black Lives Matter, Black Visions Collective, Campaign Zero, the National Police Accountability Project, and a Split Bail Fund benefitting 38+ bail funds nationwide.

The fundraiser will begin at 12pm Noon SLT on Friday, June 5th, 2020 (end date TBA).

https://standforjustice.carrd.co/

[FairreLilette]

13 minutes ago, Beth Macbain said:

To put this in some perspective, the LAPD budget was $1.86 billion and was cut down to a meager $1.76 billion., and that doesn't include the LA  Sheriff's Department with a budget of $3.5 billion, or the California Highway Patrol budget of $2.18 billion, or the budgets of the other 43 unique police departments within LA County, and no, those are not cities outside of LA. It's cities like Beverly Hills, and Burbank, and Glendale, and Inglewood, and Santa Monica.

Los Angeles has absolutely terrible problems with racism, bigotry, and misogyny. Not only is it the hub of the entertainment industry, but also the hub of the pornography industry - both absolutely chock full of racism, bigotry, misogyny, and other horrible things, but none of that compares to the LAPD whose budget was barely scratched.

LA police search black drivers most – even though white people have more drugs, report finds

Or the LA Sheriff's Department who do things like this:

Los Angeles officers shot at Ryan Twyman 34 times. He was one of four they killed that day.

Fairre, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you see Los Angeles through rose colored glasses. Your reality is not the reality for the black, Latinx, or Asian communities in Los Angeles. 

 

 

It's a start.  Let the programs take effect first and then see where it goes as it's a budget for programs until the end of 2021.  The planning only began about five days ago, so it's not even laid out yet what it is.  

[Drakonadrgora Darkfold]

I think I will be controversial yet again and go with 'all lives matter' or simply 'life matters' to make it about one color of skin or ethic background over any other is a slap in the face of every other color of skin and ethic background.

what happened was yes not acceptable but to focus on one skin color is just as unacceptable

police and law enforcement of all branches of all colors need a serious policy overhaul on what they are allowed to do and what punishments/consequences they may face if they break policy and what may happen to anyone that witness it and does nothing to stop it.

all the protests and riots should not be based upon one color and what happened but our broken justice and law enforcement system over all.

we are not black, or white, or yellow.. we are human. we are not separate races but one race the 'human race'.

I find it sad that because it was some people of color that the uprising began when yet if anyone of any other color or ethnic background was treated similarly its basically ignored.

what about if a black cop shoots a white person unjustly. it does happen.. what about if a black cop treads on a mexicans and latino americans rights.. it does happen. yet the uprising from it is seldom ever shown or made a major media event.

it is this which is why some people say 'all lives matter' and dont just support 'black lives matter'.. either support all equally or none at all or your part of the problem. there is no side.. there is no one color of skin that is more important or deserving of any special treatment because of past events.

and now for another controversial part.. blacks need to get over the slavery issues of the past and let it go. they hold themselves back when they dont..

Edited June 5, 2020 by Drakonadrgora Darkfold

[Sylvia Tamalyn]

It's always amusing to see someone try to cover up blatant trolling by bragging about how very "controversial" they are. *yawn*

[Istelathis]

If you support all lives matter, then you should not have a problem with black lives matter.  

[Innula Zenovka]

If someone tells me he supports "Save the Whale" I've never thought that must mean he doesn't care about other endangered species.

Edited June 5, 2020 by Innula Zenovka

[LittleMe Jewell]

Wow - another indication of just how much the Police don't "get it".

All 57 remaining members of the Buffalo Emergency Response Team resigned from that unit because of the suspension of their fellow officers after pushing someone down and then walking past them as they were bleeding on the sidewalk.  

"Our position is these officers were simply following orders from Deputy Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia to clear the square," said Buffalo Police Benevolent Association President John Evans. "It doesn't specify clear the square of men, 50 and under or 15 to 40. They were simply doing their job. I don't know how much contact was made. He did slip in my estimation. He fell backwards."

 

They truly see nothing wrong with the actions of their fellow police officers -- or they are too scared to buck the system and go against their fellow officers.

[Sylvia Tamalyn]

Just now, LittleMe Jewell said:

Wow - another indication of just how much the Police don't "get it".

All 57 remaining members of the Buffalo Emergency Response Team resigned from that unit because of the suspension of their fellow officers after pushing someone down and then walking past them as they were bleeding on the sidewalk.  

"Our position is these officers were simply following orders from Deputy Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia to clear the square," said Buffalo Police Benevolent Association President John Evans. "It doesn't specify clear the square of men, 50 and under or 15 to 40. They were simply doing their job. I don't know how much contact was made. He did slip in my estimation. He fell backwards."

 

They truly see nothing wrong with the actions of their fellow police officers -- or they are too scared to buck the system and go against their fellow officers.

"Let us beat up old people" is an odd hill to choose to die on.