All Lives Matter props up systemic racism

All lives matter is an argument meant to disguise systemic racism. It is not a response to issues of equality, but a rebuttal against those fighting against discrimination. People who use the phrase “All Lives Matter” suggest systemic racism is not a real problem. The Black Lives Matter movement has drawn attention to the fact that all lives do not matter, and that there are many marginalized groups of people who deserve to have their voices heard. In the US, racial politics have their roots in slavery, with black Americans often used as tools rather than people. The dehumanization of black people has continued long after segregation and is still present today. Racial discrimination by law enforcement and police brutality are two prominent and well-recorded examples. The Black Lives Matter movement is trying to raise awareness about the disproportionate amount of violence suffered by black people at the hands of the police.^[1] If all lives truly mattered, black people would not have to live in fear of their lives. White lives are more valued; white people are more likely to be employed, wealthy, and less likely to be arrested. By refusing to acknowledge these problems, supporters of “All Lives Matter” prop up institutional and systematic racism. The slogan is, at best, a display of ignorance, and at worst, racist. ^[2] The All Lives Matter movement ignores evident racial inequalities and discrimination to gloss over systemic racism.

[P1] Black people still experience prejudice and discrimination. [P2] The All Lives Matter campaign implies they do not. [C] By refusing to acknowledge there are issues that apply specifically to the black community, "All Lives Matter" attempts to ignore systemic racism.