Why Can’t Black People Like Gwen Berry Love America and See Its Faults and Flaws?
Free speech and free thought doesn’t apply to Black and brown people?
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Several people like Meghan McCain are criticizing Gwen Berry for turning away during the National Anthem — but it’s her right as an American.
I’ve seen hateful comments spouting the same racist rhetoric starting with the classic: “If you hate this country…”
Protest and criticism doesn’t always come from a place of hate. Athletes like Gwen worked hard to represent this country but that doesn’t mean she can’t also see flaws or work to improve them.
If my fellow Americans are outraged and embarrassed by Black athletes’ quiet protests on international stages — maybe you should put that energy in making this country a fair, equitable and safe place for ALL Americans including Black and brown men, women and children.
By the way, protesting abroad helps to show solidarity with all Black and brown people who are oppressed in the African diaspora and around the world, but most importantly it makes racism an international human rights issue.
I love America, but I still think we have a lot of things to improve — like health care, affordable housing, wage and wealth gaps and disparities, criminal and juvenile justice reform, etc.
Why is Gwen Berry or any Black or brown person accused of hating this country or asked to leave if we voice our opinions, criticize or protest against the injustices we see and experience?
For the record, a large number of African ancestors didn’t migrate here. They were stolen and brought here to work for free and we’re still fighting to just and equitable treatment.
Why can’t I love and want things to improve?
I would like all the people who love to tell Black and brown people to leave because we criticize or protest -answer two questions:
