Advocating for Social Change

As countless reports daily of injustices flood my television screen, and my social media feed brings my attention to yet another racist or homophobic attack, my heart breaks a little bit more. How are we still living in a world where people judge others for who they are, and where people are attacked both physically and verbally for being an authentic version of themselves? Now more than ever I feel an intense weight resting on my shoulders, to be part of the change, and offer support to others whose mental health is damaged by the overwhelming news reel during this global crisis.

Education combats ignorance. It helps people to develop proper morals and ethics, making them much more aware of issues within our society and more compassionate towards others. Through advocacy education, we are able to gain a deeper understanding of what other people go through and take steps to effectively support these people within our society.

Growing up my teachers focused heavily on teaching us about global issues, and I attribute the altruistic personality I possess and the values I embody to them. Since leaving school I have gained a greater appreciation for the lessons I was exposed to at such a young age; they made me who I am, and gave me a vision for my future.

As a University Student, who dreams of being an influential educator, I questioned how I could make a positive impact on the world. Beyond sharing posts on social media and attending marches, what could I do to bring about change? It was here my journey began…

As I reflect on the events of the last twelve months, I am bewildered by the extent of some people’s cruelty, which regularly makes me question my faith in humanity. The 25th May 2020, a day most of us will remember acted as the fuel for the Black Lives Matter Movement. The Death of George Floyd. George was a father to Gianna, who at just seven years old has experienced more grief than all of us would deem fair after her father was murdered by a Minneapolis Police Officer. An onlooker shared footage online, of Floyd being pinned to the ground by the officer’s knee for 9 minutes and 26 seconds, which subsequently went viral. People all around the globe horrified by his death sprung to action, organising protests, and sharing other’s stories online. In a moving video shared by Stephen Jackson, former NBA player, Gianna Floyd is seen resting upon his shoulders, shouting ‘Daddy changed the world’. Following his death, his family and people all around the world sought justice for George Floyd, and other families impacted by systemic racism.

In my hometown, a group of girls a few years older than me organised a peaceful protest to raise awareness for the movement. The majority of supporters were young people from local towns, whilst older adults walked by unphased. A middle-aged man even showed up wearing a racist slogan shirt, whilst others shouted abuse at children who showed solidarity for the cause. Whilst I appreciate that it isn’t all of the older generation, I have found that older people have much more rigid views about these political issues and when challenged by young people, retaliate with outdated misconceptions, disregard the existence of an issue, and defend their own views whilst branding us as snowflakes just because we seek equality for all.

Breonna Taylor was killed a few months earlier when officers forced entry to her apartment during an unannounced raid and shot her six times. She was sleeping in her own home. She was an award-winning medical worker, working in two hospitals at the beginning of the pandemic, a respected member of the community, had a loving family, and was just 26 when she was killed.

Breonna Taylor; say her name.

Tamir Rice was twelve, just a child when police shot him after seconds of arriving at the park. He was playing with a toy gun. His sister was also there, she was tackled to the ground. They took his whole life away in two seconds. He was just a child.

Tamir Rice; say his name.

During a mental health episode, Daniel Prude was running naked in the street, and rather than showing him compassion, Officer Vaughn put a ‘spit hood’ over his head and used his weight against him to restrain him. He ultimately died of complications of asphyxia.

Daniel Prude; say his name.

Police were called due to welfare concerns of a twenty-year-old girl named Janisha Fonville, as her partner was concerned that she might harm herself. They were called to protect her but instead killed her after they claimed she came towards them with a knife. However, her partner said she didn’t even have a knife in her hand when she was killed; the officer wasn’t charged.

Janisha Fonville; say her name.

Daute Wright was just twenty when he was shot by police officers after being pulled over for a traffic violation. He died getting back into his car after going for a drive with his girlfriend. He had his whole life ahead of him.

Daute Wright; say his name.

In 2019, Atatiana Jefferson, aged 28, was shot through her own window in her own home by a police officer in the presence of her eight-year-old nephew. They were responding to a call made by her neighbour who said the door was left open.

Atatiana Jefferson; say her name.

Rayshard Brooks, Alton Sterling, Freddie Gray, Erik Garner, Aura Rosser, Bothma Jean, Akai Gurley, Philando Castille, and Stephon Clarke; say their names.

After the Atlanta Spa Shooting, which saw eight people murdered by a gunman in a racist attack against killing six women of Asian descent, the Asian lives matters movement gained momentum. In the last year, there has been a significant increase in hate crimes against the Asian community, with ignorant people blaming them for the spread of the corona virus. In recent months there have been thousands of reported cases from people being verbally abused to physical confrontations.

Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Hyun Jung Grant, Soon Chung Park, Suncha Kim, and Yong Ae Yue; say their names.

In San Francisco, an Elderly Thai Gentleman passed away after being shoved to the ground whilst out on his morning walk and two Asian-American Women were stabbed at the Bus Stop. The death of a seventeen-year-old girl is being investigated as a hate crime by the FBI. A woman was stabbed to death whilst walking her two dogs, but police deny that the attack was racially motivated. In Brooklyn, a Chinese woman was attacked and set on fire by two people, and whilst on a New York Subway a Filipino-American man’s face was slashed by another man with a box cutter. Another Woman was hit in the head with a hammer, and restaurants in the city were forced to close early due to fear of violence. Several homeowners have reported destruction to their properties, and families have been berated by racial slurs whilst out in public.

Vicha Ratanapadkdee, Maggie Long, and Ke Chieh Meng; say their names.

As I sit here reading all these cases and think of my Asian friends and family, I am horrified that people have such darkness within them and could do this to another person. I cannot imagine the fear people are experiencing and the anguish caused to these people and their loved ones.

As someone with white privilege it is my responsibility to speak up. I am able to step outside and speak up without being discriminated against due to the colour of my skin or fearing for my safety. Whilst I may still face struggles in my life, I know that these struggles aren’t due to the colour of my skin or my ethnicity. ‘If your white privilege and class privilege protects you, then you have an obligation to use that privilege to take stands that work to end the injustice that grants that privilege in the first place.’ – Ayelet Waldman.

Homophobic abuse is just as prevalent in modern society, with people being victimised because of who they love.

The BBC reported in 2020 that hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community, have trebled in the last five years.

June is pride month; people should be celebrating who they are, not living in fear of being themselves.

Protests have been held this week across the UK, after a string of homophobic attacks in Liverpool City Centre. Merseyside Police have also had reports of transphobic attacks over the last few days. These incidents have sparked anger and fear across the country, as can be expected.

Just halfway through the pride month celebrations, Guatemala mourns three deaths in just one week, taking the total to 13 LGBTQ+ people since the beginning of the year.

Three years ago, Tommy Barwick was attacked at a Pride event, leaving him disabled. In Rome, a gay couple was attacked on a metro station, in March of 2021. In May, activists warned that there was an increase in homophobic attacks in Spain, after several couples were attacked on beaches in Barcelona. Similar cases happen each day, in countries all around the world.

I was outraged to hear about the brutal murder of Alireza Fazeli Monfared, a 20-year-old Iranian, who was beheaded by members of their own family and placed under a tree after they learnt that they identified as both non-binary and gay.

We shouldn’t live in a world where our children question their worth because of who they love. We should be celebrating love in all its forms. ‘Love should never mean having to live in fear’ – Dashanne Stokes.

Throughout all of this however it was frightening to see the number of people who ignore such injustices, ignorant to the tragedies that do not directly affect them.

Prejudice comes in so many forms. People are judged based on the colour of their skin, their ethnicity, their beliefs. People are judged by who they love and by how they identify, as well as their sex.

As a young female academic and professional, I will admit I feel the need to prove my worth within professional environments, as young women like myself are often spoken over and overlooked. This is a glaring example of the sexism women face every day. We should not have to fight to be heard or considered.

See prejudice is the child of ignorance, stemming from a lack of awareness and education. However, if this cycle isn’t broken, change will never occur. Prejudice is taught, so unless our generation breaks the cycle, our children will be burdened with these biases.

As people acknowledge these inequalities, they act as a catalyst for systemic change. ‘The path to big, systemic change is collective action’ – Gloria Feldt. The more people that are part of the movement, the faster we will achieve our goals of creating a world where nobody is judges based on personal characteristics, where everyone feels safe, and opportunities are equal. I hope there is a day when news stories such as the ones mentioned above, no longer occur. When mothers don’t have to worry about their children playing at the park. Where young people get to grow up to become anything and everything they dream of. Where everyone received the same standard of care and compassion. Where people feel confident in being their authentic selves.

Mental health conditions can be caused by or linked to the discrimination people face each day. Hostile behaviour, danger and violence, bullying, being rejected by loved ones, casual homophobia, racism, and the negative portrayal of certain groups of people in the media, can cause huge amounts of distress which over time has the ability to destroy a personals mental wellbeing. The toxic media cycle can also be extremely detrimental to the mental health of the individuals their reports feature, as well as its readers, who are influenced by the negative perceptions forced upon them.

Although still in the initial stages, I decided a few months ago to develop my own brand which embodies the values I represent and want the future generation to possess. ‘Future Luminaries’ is an online education brand which aims to inspire and empower young people and support their mental wellbeing. Over the last few months, I have been creating educational content for educators all around the globe to use both in and out of the classroom. I hope to eventually grow my online platform, so I am able to reach and help thousands of people around the world and make even the smallest difference in their lives. I vow to celebrate inspiring people and spread positive stories as well as educating my followers about issues still prevalent within our society. My goal is to start selling producing physical items including clothing, stationary, decorative products and even books in the coming months.

As an entrepreneur, future educator, and human, it is my responsibility to help reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health. Opening up the conversation around mental health will give more people the confidence to seek help when they are struggling and others a greater understanding of how they can support their loved ones. Showing compassion to people in crisis, is a lifesaving tool that everyone should value. Through education and advocacy my goal is to empower young people who are struggling to speak up and teach them to pride themselves on their strength.

What can others do to help?

There are so many ways you can be a part of the change:

• Listen to others’ experiences and educate yourself on issues of prejudice and mental health.
• Understand and confront your own privilege.
• Raise awareness by sharing resources with your own community.
• Challenge casual discrimination.
• Report discrimination and hate speech online.
• Share your own story if you have been personally impacted or amplify the voices of other people’s experiences.
• Show compassion towards those who are affected.
• Educate your children and model desirable behaviours.