The Evolution of the Anti-Racism Movement in the US and Ways for Citizen Participation

In the United States, the anti-racism movement has been more than just protests; it has been a powerful force for societal change. While the Civil Rights Movement led by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1950s and 60s aimed to dismantle legal and systemic discrimination, the "Black Lives Matter (BLM)" movement since the mid-2010s symbolizes resistance to persistent structural racism and police brutality. As times have changed, so too have the dynamics of anti-racism movements and the ways citizens participate. This article compares the past Civil Rights Movement with the modern BLM movement, highlights the evolving protest culture and the role of social media. Furthermore, it proposes concrete ways in which citizens in the U.S. can peacefully participate in this vital social movement and contribute to change.

1. Comparison of the Past Civil Rights Movement and the Modern BLM Movement

Feature	1950s-60s Civil Rights Movement	Mid-2010s to Present BLM Movement
Primary Goals	Abolition of legal and systemic racial segregation (Jim Crow Laws), securing voting rights	Ending police brutality, dismantling structural/institutional racism, achieving racial justice
Key Figures	Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, etc.	Grassroots-driven, movement-led rather than specific leaders
Tactics	Nonviolent civil disobedience, large-scale marches, sit-ins, boycotts	Large-scale protests, online campaigns (hashtags), direct action, grassroots organizing
Dissemination	Mainstream media (TV, newspapers), word-of-mouth	Social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram), YouTube, personal phone videos
Legal Outcomes	Landmark legislative achievements (e.g., Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965)	Discussions on police reform bills, localized policy changes, shifts in public perception
Impact	Fundamentally altered the legal and institutional framework of American society	Increased critical awareness of police and judicial systems, fostered international empathy for racial discrimination

Both movements share the common goal of resisting racial discrimination, but they show generational shifts in their objectives, methods, and reach. While the Civil Rights Movement focused on achieving legal equality, BLM centers on addressing the ongoing inequalities within social systems and issues of excessive police force that persist even after legal equality was gained.

2. Evolving Protest Culture and the Role of Social Media

The BLM movement clearly demonstrates how the advent of smartphones and social media has transformed protest culture.

• Real-time Information Sharing and Dissemination: Immediately after an incident, live videos and photos from the scene spread rapidly across the globe via social media, serving as powerful tools to ignite public outrage and trigger protests (e.g., George Floyd's death video).
• Organization and Mobilization: Without a specific organization or leader, spontaneous protests are organized around hashtags (#BlackLivesMatter), and countless citizens are mobilized online.
• Anonymity and Solidarity: Individuals can directly share videos and express their opinions, and those unable to attend protests physically can form solidarity and voice their concerns online.
• Global Reach: Social media plays a crucial role in expanding issues beyond national borders, gaining global empathy, and developing into international solidarity protests.
• Dual Nature: However, social media also has downsides, such as the spread of fake news, misinformation, and excessive criticism, which critics argue can distort the essence of protests or exacerbate conflicts.

3. Proposed Methods for Peaceful Citizen Participation in the U.S.

The anti-racism movement is not just an issue for a specific race; it is an effort for justice and human rights for our entire society. As citizens residing in the United States, there are various ways to contribute peacefully to this vital movement.

1. Acquire Information and Deepen Understanding:

   • Read Credible Media and Organizational Resources: Gain accurate information about the history of racial discrimination, current issues, and related policies by reading news and consulting reliable human rights organizations like Black Lives Matter, NAACP, and ACLU.
   • Watch Documentaries, Read Books, and View Films: Take time to understand and empathize with the experiences and emotions of victims of racial discrimination by watching documentaries, reading historical books, and viewing films on the topic (e.g., Netflix's "13th," the film "Selma").

2. Participate Online and Raise Your Voice:

   • Utilize Social Media: Share anti-racism messages and contribute to information dissemination using relevant hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter, #RacialJustice (avoid sharing unverified information).
   • Participate in Online Petitions: Join online petitions supporting the passage of anti-racism legislation, demands for police reform, and other causes to add your voice.
   • Engage in Online Discussions: Participate in constructive online discussions to present your opinions and try to understand others' perspectives.

3. Engage and Support Your Local Community:

   • Participate in Peaceful Protests and Marches: Join peaceful protests or marches organized in your community to show solidarity (abide by police guidelines, prioritize safety).
   • Support and Volunteer for Local Grassroots Organizations: Donate to or volunteer for local non-profit organizations working for racial justice and the protection of minority rights.
   • Participate in Local Councils or School Boards: Engage in local policy-making processes to propose and support solutions for issues related to racial discrimination in education, policing, and housing.

4. Political Participation and Advocacy:

   • Vote and Support Candidates: Vote for candidates who are actively committed to resolving racial discrimination and support politicians who advocate for related legislation.
   • Contact Legislators: Communicate your opinions on anti-racism legislation or policies to your local senators, representatives, and other elected officials via phone calls or emails.
   • Report to Citizen Ombudsmen/Human Rights Commissions: If you experience or witness racial discrimination, report it to the relevant authorities to contribute to resolving the issue.

5. Practice and Dialogue in Daily Life:

   • Break Down Prejudices and Stereotypes: Reflect on any unconscious biases or stereotypes you may hold and strive to overcome them.
   • Respect Diversity: Interact with and understand people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and actively reject and correct racist remarks or behaviors in daily life.
   • Initiate Conversations: Engage in open-minded conversations about racial discrimination with family, friends, and colleagues, sharing perspectives and expanding understanding.

Conclusion

The anti-racism movement in the United States has evolved from the "March for Freedom" of the Martin Luther King Jr. era to the "Cry for Justice" after George Floyd. While social media has revolutionized the spread and participation in this movement, the ultimate power to create change lies in the consistent and peaceful participation of citizens. Beyond mere "sympathy," understanding, learning, acting, and showing solidarity are the true steps towards a society free from racial discrimination. We must remember that every voice and action, no matter how small, can collectively build a more just and equal future.