The brutal murder of George Floyd had an impact that reached almost all continents. Following his death, people protested violence against black people, police brutality, and systemic racism; these are problems that existed since the founding of America and have been expressed many times before, but the murder of George Floyd ignited a stronger flame that spread around the world.
Don Cedar, from Amsterdam, Holland, gives his perspective on the Black Lives Matter movement reaching Amsterdam. He explains that the events that took place in America represents an institutional form of racism that is also felt in the Netherlands. Cedar has experienced this institutional racism firsthand as a lawyer. The people of Amsterdam are hoping to see change in their government since the prime minister has finally acknowledged the systemic racism in the country.
In New Zealand, George Floyd symbolizes the protection of the black community since his death sparked change; after his death, New Zealand did not extend the program that was in place to arm the police. Something I found to be inspiring in the podcast “The Global Legacy of George Floyd” is that the people in New Zealand would do the haka during their protest. The haka can represent many things and is used at important events; in this case, one of the things it shows is unity. It is inspiring because it is an example of how George Floyd’s legacy spread to different cultures.
I was surprised to hear in the podcast that some Brazilians saw the events from this summer as an American problem and did not want to be involved with it because it is important for people to understand that systemic racism is a problem around the world. However, it was also stated in the podcast that some people are more concerned with American problems because America is often center-stage and a country that represents freedom.
The reason the events of this summer affected many other societies is because people saw that their societies have the same problems. Since many people follow what happens in America, it is important for Americans to use their voices and demand change in the world.
In 2017, following the Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse allegations, the hashtag #MeToo—a movement which was founded in 2006 by Tarana Burke—became popular in America before soon spreading around the world. The hashtag encourages women to raise their voices against harassment and discrimination and to demand reform. In 2018, a female attorney in Korea, Seo Ji-hyun, publicly accused her former boss of sexual misconduct, inspiring hundreds of women to take a stand against Korean athletes, politicians, and elites who are alleged to be guilty of similar offenses. Egypt and Sweden had similar occurrences when brave women stood up against their abusers. The #MeToo movement continues to be a powerful movement in America and around the world.
I like how you emphasized America’s influence by saying we need to use it to spread change. I think we do set a big example for the world, and we have to be even more fervent about bettering our society and our democracy in order to lead the rest in the right direction. I was also inspired by how people’s reaction to the murder of Floyd consisted of displaying culture, and through it, establishing a greater presence in their own societies. It hits the heart differently than if it was just shouting words and holding signs. Good work on the supporting details!