Addressing the Black-on-Black Crime Narrative in Discussions of the Black Lives Matter Movement

Recently, the discussion around the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has been complicated by a recurring narrative that centers around 'Black-on-Black crime.' Some argue that addressing the high levels of violence within black communities is a prerequisite for understanding and addressing the broader issues faced by Black Americans, particularly in relation to law enforcement. It is important to disentangle these two issues and recognize the complex historical and social factors at play.

Understanding the Root Causes

The existence and prevalence of gang-related violence in certain impoverished black communities are indeed serious concerns. However, it is crucial to understand that these problems do not exist in a vacuum. They are rooted in systemic issues, such as generations of institutionalized racism and the social and economic disenfranchisement of a significant portion of the Black community in the United States. The scourge of gang violence began in the 1940s and reached epidemic proportions by the 1970s, a trend that persists to the present day. This phenomenon cannot be divorced from the broader context of America's legacy of racism.

The Unintended Consequences of Misleading Narratives

Conflating these two issues, one involving communities of color with each other, and the other involving law enforcement and predominantly white communities, can have serious implications. It can lead to misguided policies and public sentiment that may inadvertently perpetuate the very inequalities they aim to address. When discussions are not centered on systemic change and instead focus on 'Black-on-Black crime,' it can create a false dichotomy that diverts attention from the root causes of police brutality and racial discrimination.

Intersectionality in the Discussion

It is important to recognize the intersectionality of these issues. The Black Lives Matter movement was founded on the principle that Black lives matter, and that Black people are subjected to a variety of forms of violence, including police violence, economic disenfranchisement, and neighborhood violence. The unrelenting emphasis on 'Black-on-Black crime' can overshadow these other forms of violence and institutionalized racism, which also significantly affect Black lives.

Evidence and Statistics

While it is true that the majority of crimes committed against black Americans are also committed by black Americans, this does not eliminate the need to address broader, systemic issues. In 1980 to 2008, the Justice Department's report on homicide trends highlighted that 84 out of 28 years saw white homicide victims killed by white perpetrators. This suggests that the same societal factors that lead to gang violence in black communities can parallel societal issues affecting white communities, although these are often less visible.

Challenging the Status Quo

When discussing the value of black lives, it is crucial to look at the historical and social context that has shaped the experiences of Black Americans. We must consider the lack of outrage when a young black person is killed at a BLM road block, as well as the value of a black officer's life when killed by protesters. We also must reflect on the hundreds of young black lives under 10 years old who are killed every year through street crime, and the lack of public outcry and calls for justice in these cases.

The narrative that 'only the Black lives that matter are those lost to the police while resisting arrest' is a oversimplification that undermines the broader struggle for racial justice. It is essential to address the root causes of both 'Black-on-Black crime' and police violence, and to advocate for systemic changes that benefit all communities.

Conclusion

Addressing the complex issues facing the Black community requires a nuanced and multifaceted approach. By acknowledging the systemic roots of violence and the need for policy changes that address economic and social disparities, we can move towards a more just and equitable society for all. The Black Lives Matter movement is not about ignoring or condoning crime within the Black community, but rather about recognizing and addressing the broader systemic issues that disproportionately affect Black Americans.