On May 25th, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man from Minnesota, was murdered by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. His murder occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, when tensions were already high in America. In the aftermath of Floyd’s death, protests and riots erupted across the US. Cities were flooded with civilians demanding justice for Floyd and all those who had fallen victim to police brutality. In addition to the protests, teenagers and young adults took to Instagram, TikTok, and various social media platforms to share their experiences and messages of solidarity with the Black community. The world witnessed an increase in activism through digital media from younger generations. The age of global technology was able to get the stark contrast of how Black Americans are treated vs their non-black counterparts more easily to audiences. 

Across social media platforms, it seemed that the gears had quickly shifted—becoming an “activist” was now desirable. There was a surge of support for young activists in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Greta Thunberg rose to stardom as the mainstream media highlighted her unwavering support for climate justice. She spoke to world leaders at the United Nations, protested outside of her country’s parliament, and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize every year between 2019 and 2023. The world was quick to put #BLM in their profile biographies, adding links to donate to various organizations fighting for racial justice, and even creating fake scenarios on TikTok to prove their allyship. People who would throw slurs and racial insults without a second thought were now demanding social change and equality on Instagram. Yet as soon as the summer ended, everyone was back to ignoring Black struggles.  

It’s easy to be unaware of situations and circumstances that would never happen to you. A rich man would rarely advocate for better living conditions for the poor, the same way a predatory wolf would rarely give a second thought to a gentle deer. However, a lack of information can still be considered a form of ignorance. In the digital age, it has become far too easy to be aware of what’s happening across the globe. The Black Lives Matter movement was able to gain more momentum and support due to the digital evidence than it would have 50 years ago. It’s hard to deny a video of an officer beating an innocent Black man, or seeing televised attacks against underrepresented communities. These can gather more attention than a simple statement. Yet again, the cries of succor are swiftly ignored. 

I admit that I am no better than those who turn away from “controversial issues”. There have been times when I turn a blind eye, scroll past a video of a starving child crying out in Palestine, turn off the TV at another news story of an innocent Black individual beaten by police, or simply disregard an ask for spare change by a homeless person on the street. I want to be able to offer help, but it seems like everyone in the world requires something I alone cannot give. 

So what is there to be done then? Is it too much to ask for a little bit of compassion when it comes to someone in crisis? I have heard countless excuses from friends and family who don’t want to unwrap their discomfort. “I don’t want to make an opinion on something that I am not educated on.” (Then educate yourself, no one is stopping you.) “It’s so far away, what can I even do about it?” (Limit your access to direct sources of the problem.) “I think both sides have the right idea but aren’t using the correct methods.” (Remaining neutral is just another form of complicity.) While I am not saying to drop everything and take to the streets in a march of solidarity, but maybe try to give your actions a bit more substance. Instead of scrolling past a video urging for support, give it a like or repost, donate, raise money for an issue you care about, and try to invest time in learning more about something others deem “contentious”. Not everyone has the luxury of ignoring strife, and neither should you.