Do You Care About Black Lives or Feel Better About Yourself?

What is the point of your BLM Sign?

Photo by Author

As a person of color, do you think that I believe you’re a better person than someone without a sign? I guarantee you, I will not.

How does a sign show you care about black lives? It’s performative nonsense. I’m sure it gives the homeowner or renter pleasure to feel like they are taking a stand. But how does putting a sign in your yard change society?

Here are my questions when I see a Black Lives Matter sign:

• Do you frequent any black-owned establishments?
• Do you have a single black friend?
• Do you have any friends who might be of different socio-economic strata than yourself, black or otherwise?
• Are you supporting inner-city or urban renewal projects, which focus on people of color?
• Do you give your money or time to any organization that seeks to improve the lives of the poor?

Or do you donate to orchestras, Ivy-league schools, or fund art museums?

I’m not saying that philanthropy for any of the last three is wrong. But don’t get it twisted, giving those institutions your money has minimal impact on historic non-white poverty.