To the editor:
A correction should be noted to an Aug. 18 letter to the editor, whose author suggested that no thinking person could possibly embrace the “Black Lives Matter” idea without bad intentions. The author referred to a recently-published “manifesto” of ideas, such as reparations for slavery, which was released by an organization called “Movement for Black Lives.” Whatever its merits, that document was released by a specific organization and cannot be attributed to anyone other than its members.
“Black Lives Matter” is nothing more or less than a slogan; a set of ideas being discussed. It’s not an organization. No one can speak on its behalf, or insist what other people must mean by it. As I understand it, the main purpose is to draw attention to systemic racism remaining in our society, whose effects are easily visible, and to search for solutions.
It’s not about accusing anyone, it’s about trying to find alternatives to social structures that perpetuate inequality. To highlight just one idea: Will anyone be surprised next November, when voting day rolls around and heavily African American districts around the country have hours-long lines of people waiting to vote? Can we continue to ignore the impact this has on voting rights?
Interested readers might search for the phrase “racism without racists.”
August Watters
Peterborough