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Thoughts in an Unrest State
by Jalil Pack on June 7, 2020
This is an editorial from Jalil Pack, a Charlotte-born creative recently featured in The Biscuit. After watching an impassioned Instagram post he made in the wake of George Floyd’s death, we asked Jalil to share his thoughts in writing.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the uneasiness and unjust for the Black bodies that are in this land we live upon.
Over the past few months, we’ve run head-on with the spike of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 and a growth in unemployment. Within these difficult times, those in the African American or POC communities haven’t outrun the virus of racism, in the systemic sense and that of police brutality.
Earlier this week, I posted a video on my Instagram page, giving my insight into the current events and how I feel as a person of color. As a communications graduate, I’m very disappointed in the journalism and communication fields, because we all know that with power and words — they coincide. What’s happening is that we say whatever we want or put anything out, forgetting that the masses are going to believe it.
Not a Take-It-Or-Leave-It Situation
When I see reporters, journalists, politicians or those who are very “professional” and in positions of power do or say obscene things, the general public is left in a take-or-leave situation. The importance of accuracy instead of opinions matters when sharing any type of information, thus bringing my thoughts and concerns to the recent climate.
Transitioning into the events surrounding George Floyd, our country must understand that the protests being conducted come from multiple examples of my community being victims of the brutality brought upon by the same officials put in place to serve and protect.
Imagine your people or your race being under scrutiny or hatred for 400+ years, based on the pigmentation of their skin.
… just because you have authority, it doesn’t mean that you have to overstep that boundary.
It’s interesting how those marching or asking for the peace promised to them are “thugs” or “criminals” because a few of those involved in said gatherings are not for the same cause. What we’re saying is broken down as such: just because you have authority, it doesn’t mean that you have to overstep that boundary.
You signed that oath to protect the community, so why subject a certain group due to your personal beliefs? Why try to harm those who are simply asking for equality with the person beside them, then proceed to teargas or shoot at them, but not those who do the exact same things if their team wins or loses a game?
I’ve also noticed a slew of those who try to tell Black people how to feel about these types of situations. I’ve been Black my entire life, therefore no one can tell me how to feel about being a person of color in this atmosphere when they can’t or won’t understand what it is that I actually go through.
They don’t have to worry about the fear of not making it back home, either because a police officer feels threatened by how I look or if someone takes matters into their own hands because they don’t like my presence. So when we call “allies” or those who aren’t of our demographic to help speak up, we know that there might be a change.
If we have those who have a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife or somebody who they’re infatuated with of color, who can’t speak up about this, then there’s more work to be done. Until then, we will keep fighting the same one our ancestors and elders fought, so the generations after us can live happier.
Here is the Instagram Post That Inspired The Article Above
View this post on Instagram
Comments 2
Great read/watch!
Such powerful words from a young man and I’m not just saying that because he’s my son. It’s great that you’ve allowed Jalil to express himself in this way. He’s had a long time to think, read, process and now use his voice to make things better for everyone. Thanks for your support!