Tag: #IfTheyGunnedMeDown

Freedom of the Press? NOT! Is This The Beginning of Losing Our Freedom of Speech?

What’s going on in America!?

I hope you’re keeping up with what’s happening in Ferguson because it’s definitely becoming a huge eye opener for me. Reporters Ryan Reilly and Westley Lowery, who were once onlookers for the rallies happening in St. Louis, are officially victims to police brutality of the protests. What’s happening to the first amendment? What’s happening to freedom of speech.firstamendment3

As a journalist, the attacks and arrest of these two reporters mean something to me. When I decided to start Doc’s Castle Media, my purpose was because it gave me a voice. My opinions were heard because people genuinely cared about what I had to say. I viewed the ability to put words on paper as something powerful because it can provoke actions in others. So the first amendment means the most to me because that’s my protection for the power I have to voice my opinions. I should be able to do that without the betrayal of my government. I’m aspiring to cover stories as big Michael Brown, some day. What happens to my future if incidents, like those that Reilly and Lowery find themselves in, started happening on a regular basis?

This is obviously a serious matter. Cities all over the nation are participating protest to send messages to police forces over the country. As these protest were held in cities big and small, photos were shared on our social media sites creating an ongoing online protest, as well. We are really trying to get our points across, and we shouldn’t stop until we know that our voices are being heard.

We can’t keep brushing what’s happening around the United States off. Since the people in our country has a sudden interest in internet challenges, I challenge you to a new one. If what’s happening in America is deeply hitting you close to home, I challenge you to get up and do something about it! Whether it be creating a basket for those who’ve lost someone due to police brutality or writing a positive message on your Facebook, share good spirits and a kind heart during this time that our country needs us the most, and believe that what you do can make a difference. Spreading positivity and love is the only way to save our country from all this pain.

We need ideas to help create a better America! What can we do to spread positivity to those who are hurting right now? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Are you participating in the popular hash-tag IfTheyGunnedMeDown on your social media sites? Read The Online Protest In Honor of Those Mistreated By The Law Enforcers: IfTheyGunnedMeDown on Doc’s Castle Media.

The Online Protest In Honor of Those Mistreated By Law Enforcers: #IfTheyGunnedMeDown

People have taken to social media, again, to talk about concerns revolving what’s happening in the news and on our timelines this week. Popular hash-tag #IfTheyGunnedMeDown brewed up controversy as folks participating in an online rally/protest against the media’s decision of choosing an image that negatively represents the characters of black people. It kick off with the misrepresentation of Michael Brown, a young black male who was fatally shot in St. Louis by police this week.

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The story of Michael Brown is a very sad one. A young man, who did nothing wrong at the time of his attempted arrest, was slaughter in front of a community and left in the street for hours before officials decided to clear the scene. The police decision to leave Brown hours after the shooting nearly provoked a riot between people in the neighborhood and the law enforcers. As the week continues to play out, protests emerge as and all I have to say about this is why are blacks still having this battle to be treated fairly?! Why do we continue to be labeled as a group of people who don’t deserve the same level of respect as whites?! We’re all human.

Growing up being black, I can’t help but ask “why does the media choose to publicize our worse?” There is so much good that’s being done by black people.  But we have to dig deep into the underground media to see those who are doing good deeds. We have to go out of our way to hear positive things because what’s flashing in front of us doesn’t tell the truth about what’s happening in our communities. As the world watches these videos of police brutality acts towards black people, blacks must remember that they aren’t what society portray them as. They have the potential to be great no matter how much the world tries to manipulate their thoughts into believing they can’t. It’s pure ignorance to allow the media to choose the worst in deciding what will represent us as a group of people. You see what they’ve done with Michael Brown!

This hash-tag is something everyone should take part in as were watching what’s happening in St. Louis. What will the media portray me as if I was shot?

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I’m more than judgements. Everyone deserves to be heard. So if you’re more than what on the exterior and more than what people judge you as, post a picture using the hash-tag #IfTheyGunnedMeDown to show the media that they must stop making us look ignorant. Stop treating us like we’re derogatory creatures. We help build this country to be what it is today like everyone else who lives here. We shouldn’t have to remind the world about it.

Share some of your #IfTheyGunnedMeDown posts with us. Post them to our comments. Leave your mark as someone who deserves a chance.

Will we have a voice?! Read Will Blacks Have to Wait Another 100 Years? on Doc’s Castle Media.