In George Floyd’s death shows the power of social media as the US continues to grapple with racial tensions, Kathryn Diss supports the African American community and their battle against police brutality and racially-driven deaths of their loved ones. Now, with media efforts, stories are finally becoming uncovered about the emotional truth and the little consequence police officers have had to face. 

George Floyd was a prime example of another black person’s life lost by racist acts by the police. Regardless of Floyd pleas, “I cannot breathe, I cannot breathe”, and several witnesses proclaiming to the police officer to stop pressing his knee into Floyd’s neck, the white officer continued with brutal force until it was too late. “What might have happened if this didn’t take place in broad daylight?” What might have happened if the media didn’t respond as outrageously to this instance more than the other racially driven murders that have happened in the past? The four police officers involved were removed from duty, but were not put on trial until protesters demanded justice for Mr. Floyd. It wasn’t until enough attention was brought to the situation by politicians, celebrities and activists screaming for justice that the police were called for charges. 

This long history of murderous inequality within the police force and our society has gone far too long. It is necessary for all bystanders to move through their days as anti-racist voices as brutal as the violence that has killed thousands of black citizens. “An Australian woman Justine Damond Rusczyk was shot dead after calling police for help reporting a suspected rape in any alleyway behind her Minneapolis home.” The officer was found guilty on all charges, sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison, and the family received a civil payment of 28 million US dollars. No similar justice has ever been seen for the multiple murderous acts caused by the Minneapolis police upon black civilians.  

Another black man, Philando Castile, was shot dead by an officer after being pulled over for a broken taillight. The officer in the Castle case was acquitted on all charges. This midwestern state is not the only one to see this racist inequality and lack of justice for the black community. “In 2019, almost 1,100 Americans were killed by police.” About a quarter were black although African-Americans only make up 13 percent of the US population. Floyd’s last words “I can’t breathe” became a rallying cry for protests across the nation. In the age of social media, we are finally beginning to hold police and the court accountable for their unjust actions.