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A description of the BLM movement from a sociological perspective

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Black Lives Matter Essay

Essay

Arshi M.

United States of America

DEFAULT (US)

DEFAULT

Sociology

Black Lives Matter- The Social Movement

Social change and social movements

Social activism

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement is a prominent social movement that emerged in the
United States, and became especially noted by the public eye after the death via police brutality
of George Floyd. The basic tenets of the Black Live Matter Movement include racial justice and
equality, community empowerment, and intersectionality. The BLM movement aims to address
systemic racism, police violence, and racial disparities in the United States. It seeks to raise
awareness about the disproportionate impact of police brutality and violence on Black
individuals and communities. BLM also emphasizes community organizing, direct action, and
grassroots mobilization to bring about change. It seeks to empower marginalized communities,
amplify their voices, and demand accountability from institutions and systems perpetuating racial
inequality. The movement recognizes the interconnectedness of race, gender, class, and other
social identities. It strives to address the ways in which multiple forms of oppression intersect
and compound the challenges faced by Black individuals. These tenets frame the context, surges,
and overall purpose of the BLM movement.
Pros of the BLM movement are vast and play an important role in the vast acceptance of the
movement. BLM has played a crucial role in raising awareness about systemic racism, police
violence, and racial injustice. It has prompted important conversations about racial disparities
and mobilized public support for reform. Additionally, the movement has pushed for policy
changes and police reform initiatives at local, state, and national levels. It has led to discussions
on the use of force by law enforcement, police accountability, and the need for comprehensive
criminal justice reform. On top of that, BLM has fostered community building, solidarity, and
collective action among marginalized groups. It has created spaces for dialogue, support, and
mobilization, amplifying marginalized voices and building social networks.
On the flip side, BLM also has some cons to it. The movement has faced criticism and
misconceptions, with some arguing that it promotes violence or aims to undermine law
enforcement as a whole. These misinterpretations have at times detracted from the movement's
intended message. During the height of the movement, a handful of demonstrators used BLM to
justify violence, destruction, and vandalism, causing the overall movement to face criticism. As
with any large-scale movement, BLM is composed of diverse groups and individuals with
differing views and approaches. This can sometimes lead to internal disagreements and
challenges in coordinating efforts and maintaining a unified front. Fragmentation gives the
movement a bad look. BLM has also faced backlash from certain segments of society, leading to
polarization and further entrenchment of opposing viewpoints. This polarization can hinder
productive dialogue and impede the progress of social change.
In regards to social change, the successful completion of the Black Lives Matter movement
could potentially bring about significant changes to the social structure, especially policy change.
Successful implementation of police reforms and changes to the criminal justice system could
lead to a reduction in racial disparities, improved police-community relations, and increased accountability. Other discriminatory issues or problems in the status quo can be addressed via
policy change. Increased awareness and understanding of systemic racism may contribute to a
broader cultural shift that challenges racial biases and promotes racial equality in various spheres
of society. The movement's focus on community empowerment and amplifying marginalized
voices could result in increased representation and participation of Black individuals in positions
of power and decision-making. This even extends to increased voter registration, access to polls,
and other access issues.
The BLM movement has sparked important conversations about racial justice and equality,
shining a spotlight on the need for systemic change. It has also faced criticism and opposition,
highlighting the complexities and challenges inherent in social movements. It is crucial to engage
with a range of sources to understand the various perspectives References
BBC News. (2020, November 30). Black Lives Matter founders: We Fought to Change History
and We Won. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55106268
Campbell, A. (2021, June 13). What is Black Lives Matter and what are the aims? BBC News.
https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-53337780
Capatosto, V. (2023, January 6). A Brief History of Civil Rights in the United States.
Library.law.howard.edu; Howard University.
https://library.law.howard.edu/civilrightshistory/BLM
Encyclopedia Britannica. (2019). Black lives matter. In Encyclopædia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Black-Lives-Matter
Turner, R. H., Killian, L. M., & smelser, N. J. (2013). Social movement. In Encyclopædia
Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/social-movement

Black Lives Matter- The Social Movement

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Black Lives Matter- The Social Movement

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

4.9+

13 M

#1

950 K+

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying