In my eyes, the reason George Floyd’s death sparked so many global movements, is the sheer brutality of it within one of the world’s most renowned first world nations. I felt it was interesting how many of the interviewees drew many relations to the violence and harshness that Floyd had experienced prior to his untimely death. For instance, a graffiti artist located in Syria felt the death of Floyd was extremely personal to him. He had felt it was far too close to violent events that had taken place in his nation, and his cries were too reminiscent of the suffering his people had experienced. Societies can spur other nations to change from sheer backlash and criticisms.
One example of an event that pertains to this, would be Tiananmen Square in 1989. Approximately 1 million people, mostly students, had gathered at the square peacefully in order to protest in favor of democratic reforms. In response to this, the Chinese military sent out tanks and soldiers to forcefully and violently push back the protesters from occupying the area. While numbers are not accurate, it is believed that at least several hundred protesters were brutally killed. As a result, China’s actions were condemned by the international community.
It seems to all boil down to whether the Government does its duty of protecting its citizens or protecting itself. The 20th century was a clear indicator of those in Government did it for power and not for their people. That is antithetical to the American Revolution. We the People….
Yea I really agree with Mikael, the government has a duty to protect its citizens and provide an exemplary example on how it should be done, as Americans we are constantly watched by other nations and we need to set an example on how protecting the people we govern should be done.