This podcast was very interesting to listen to, and hear examples from all around the world. Although not all countries have as severe police brutality as the United States does, the death of George Floyd made them realize the degree of systemic racism in their countries. One example I had no idea about was the Netherlands’ systemic racism, with the lawyer and the client. The lawyer was of a darker complexion than his client, but the judge went to talk to the client (who was white), until the lawyer had to explain who he was. Although the judge didn’t openly make any racist remarks or anything, this just shows how deeply rooted systemic racism is in his heart.

Another example was from New Zealand. There, unlike most countries in the world, the police aren’t armed. So, there have been people trying to advocate for the police to become armed, to be in line with other police forces. However, when the George Floyd murder occurred, it only took two days for those people to switch sides and say that police should not be armed, as it would endanger the common person. The question is, why did it take this murder for these people to realize this? Was such a brutal example necessary for them to understand this? 

These groups, as well as others, connected to the BLM movement this summer because this event opened their eyes. For the most part, people try to ignore their problems, whether it be personal, or more nationwide, such as systemic racism. The BLM movement made other groups realize how bad of a problem systemic racism is, and how it needs to be changed around the world. One society’s movements help others see that it is possible for us as humans to do better; we just need to work together.

One example not related to this would be the MeToo movement which gained a lot of traction in the past couple years. It burst into a worldwide movement when Harvey Weinstein was  accused of numerous sexual allegations, by many celebrities. This brought a lot of attention to this problem, and how everyone should be speaking out about these predators, and putting them in the public light where they belong. This movement is now worldwide, and many men/women/other have brought to light many predators using their power to get what they want.