Lives That Matter

Does the world really need another blog post discussing which lives matter? Probably not. But I want to get my thoughts on paper and be able articulate my position to anyone who asks me. This is being written in July 2016, and if you haven't checked your history book recently, a lot is happening right now.

Consider the following statements that you may have heard recently:

#BlackLivesMatter
#UnbornLivesMatter
#BlueLivesMatter
#AllLivesMatter

The problem I have with "All Lives Matter" is that it is most often used as a response to the phrase "Black Lives Matter." In addition, it is a response that is used to dismiss both the statement "Black Lives Matter" and the underlying injustices of our society that make it necessary to say that black lives matter. Remember, "Black Lives Matter" has an implied "too" at the end. We already know that all lives matter. Our society is already set up so that white lives matter. We want black lives to matter too.

In the end, "All Lives Matter," is completely useless in dealing with racial problems. See the excerpt below. I saw this posted on Facebook, but from what I can tell, it originally came from sojo.net.

Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Samaritan lives matter.”
Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Children’s lives matter.”
Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Gentile lives matter.”
Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Jewish lives matter.”
Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Women’s lives matter.”
Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Lepers’ lives matter.”

Even though Jesus loves everyone, even to the point of dying for their sins, he went out of his way to intentionally help specific groups of people — the alienated, mistreated, and those facing injustice.

So saying “Black Lives Matter” and participating in a movement seeking justice, positive reform, and empowerment is one of the most Christ-like things we can do.

In case you are looking for further explanation, see this Fusion article or this cartoon.