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Black Lives Matter rally held in Tokyo

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By YURI KAGEYAMA

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92 Comments

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All Lives Matter!

-9 ( +58 / -67 )

Good for them! Shows how truly outdated the stereotype is of the apolitical, afraid to stand out against the grain and speak out in public Japanese citizen.

The BLM movement also ties in well with how other countries need to deal with racism and police brutality. I will say though that the incident with the Kurdish man is not and should not be a part of this discussion, as he acted hostile towards the Japanese police and left no choice in the matter in how he was treated.

-12 ( +30 / -42 )

Too much. We are all racist, even by 0.01%.

Same people who protest against discrimination/racism/sexuality, they all have tiny percent of negativity in their heart, which is also a part of racism.

Our choices are different to each other over most of the things, Colors, Faces, Music, Films, Celebrities, Products, Places etc. And we are all racist in one of those things.

Maybe we can have good decision come together at things like cleaning the place or discipline at public transport But still discrimination occurs, so the racist will never ever going to be the end, never also lowers by these protest or law but always the same.

-30 ( +14 / -44 )

I’ve got “haafu” children and dealt with discrimInation on occasion in my 20+ years in Japan.

However, a little racism never stopped me setting up my own company and building my own house.

If you have the right mindset you will accomplish most things in life.

47 ( +63 / -16 )

The guy in the front on the picture, who is screaming in the microphone is a foreigner. 90% of that rally are foreigners.

Did they ever heard of Corona Virus? Social Distance?

Especially the guy who is screaming in the microphone. Does he understands that the mask should be wear over his mouth and not under his chin, especially if he is screaming.

It is always interesting to see that foreigners in Japan claims about the social distance behaviour of the japanese, but look at these people in the pictures!

-18 ( +34 / -52 )

I think a better rally here would be against illegal police interrogations and illegal police detention of suspects before proven guilty. Seems to make more sense to me...

43 ( +52 / -9 )

@Penfold

Too true

I know successful black people here that work hard and get on-it’s a mindset-nothing to do with color!

17 ( +38 / -21 )

Black Lives matter.

The BLM movement is crap.

They're against the nuclear family. Probably due to the fact that 70% of kids grow up without a father in the home so instead IN their Mission statement they say they prefer a village family mindset... Maybe that works but definetly not in America people live seperated by distance.

Hows about teaching positives

Like being responsible for your actions. (Something Liberals have a hard time dealing with)

Also don't attack cops. Yes the Minneapolis one was murder but if we get into the actual stats of unarmed blacks and whites killed by cops in the US it was 8 blacks and 20whites.

Yet somehow nobody mentions the whites killed (it's ok not to)

Also what about the cops being killed? We can't talk about that either.

The issue here is racism exists. However it has gotten much better as time has moved on. Also I'm all for trying to make there be less racism. But just like global warming the projection from the left is making this stuff seem 100x worse then it is.

3 ( +47 / -44 )

Naomi Osaka is a case in point. Her Japanese grandparents disowned her mother when she told them she was marrying a black guy. So then, the Haitian-Japanese couple decided to escape somewhere where their 3 year old daughter would have a better chance at life: the USA.

The stars and stripes that guy is holding up should be replaced by the Hinomaru.

27 ( +42 / -15 )

While protests like that are good and all, there is a slight problem with even talking out racism and police brutality etc.

Sam Harris has a very insightful outlook on it.

https://youtu.be/vmgxtcbc4iU

3 ( +9 / -6 )

Kyodo says there were 1,000, the organisers more than 3,500.

I did a rough count from the side of the road... 700-800. Tops!

-1 ( +17 / -18 )

Firstly, this is a human rights issue.

If rights of the individual are protected, then rights are protected for everyone — for Blacks, Chicanos, women, factory owners, factory workers, farmers, homosexuals.

17 ( +22 / -5 )

All lives matter.Thats very true and important.

That said,can someone prove how all lives have mattered so far.Blacks, Aborigins,Ainu,Maori,and many others.

5 ( +16 / -11 )

The Church of woke knows no boundaries. Just as corona virus numbers in Tokyo on the rise again too. But nay, never a chance should be missed to virtue signal themselves into some sort of confused collective fervor.

Was the young Japanese girl with Chinese parents who was there to rally against discrimination welcomed into the throngs , or did she have to forget her own experience and chant for the team of victims that has claimed hardship as theres and there’s alone. The holes in the whole platform are as big as a canyon, as is the hypocrisy. Just awkward.

The fact that the pandemic is of no matter and obviously of little concern to these types just says to me we may be witnessing a Darwinian event here in real time. The nature of the virus also means unfortunately that they will be also bringing others down with them.

wearing a pendant with the Japanese character for "love," which he said was his favorite word.

beautiful.

-1 ( +20 / -21 )

I think a better rally here would be against illegal police interrogations and illegal police detention of suspects before proven guilty. Seems to make more sense to me..

Best comment ever! All lives matter and that is definitely for Japan an important issue and reason to march.

-1 ( +21 / -22 )

However, a little racism never stopped me setting up my own company and building my own house.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Did they ever heard of Corona Virus? Social Distance

Monty, to be fair you keep saying we cannot lock down forever, we need to live with the corona virus, downplaying the threat of the virus in Japan. So you are kinda contradicting your views now. Do not get me wrong, I do not support the protesters in Australia for endangering public health safety.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Why is this called a Rally?

1 ( +6 / -5 )

So Japanese can rally against an injustice in America, but never against injustices in their own country?

14 ( +26 / -12 )

How do people find out about these activities? I just knew about it by reading Japan Today.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

@Yoshisan

Yes you are right, and I am still saying that we don't need a lockdown!

What we need is, and that is what I am saying always and always in my posts, Everybody have to do his personal prevention, like wearing masks, use sanitizer, wash hands...and Social distance where it is possible.

Of course in the packed morning trains, it is impossible to do the social distance, but if Rallys like this are really necessary, the attendants have to do show preventions against spreading the virus.

Many people here complain that the japanese people don't do enough against the spread of the Virus. 

But now please look at that Rally! What are the foreigners doing? Exactly the same thing what they always complain about the japanese people.

I went to Starbucks last Saturday to eat my breakfast there. I was in for about 1 - 2 hours.

I count the foreigners who came in: 22

Guess how many foreigners wear a mask: 3

Starbucks has sanitizers. Guess how many foreigners used the sanitizer: 0

What I want to say is:

As long as we foreigners always complain about the behavior of the japanese people according the Virus, we should show them that WE are doing it in the correct way.

But if you see this kind of rally, it is absolut the opposite.

-14 ( +12 / -26 )

While most Japanese are sympathetic with the BLM movement, . . . it cannot be said enough that also lives of Japanese peoples matter - as Japanese have also faced discrimination in the past. . . .

-10 ( +4 / -14 )

A delight to read the individual comments of those whose cognitive dissonance blinds them to the fact that change is here and there's no going back to the status quo. A delight indeed!!

-10 ( +8 / -18 )

gokai_wo_manekuToday 08:27 am JST

How do people find out about these activities? I just knew about it by reading Japan Today.

Just look on Twitter, it's easy enough to find.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

The guy in the front on the picture, who is screaming in the microphone is a foreigner. 90% of that rally are foreigners.

He could be a Japanese citizen , citizenship is not a race you know !!!

The BLM movement is crap.

I have heard a lot of people say that and all of them were racists.

Hows about teaching positives

Like not being racist?

-4 ( +16 / -20 )

In Japan this should be foreign lives matter. Being a (white) foreign in Japan I've had the police called on me multiple times, searched for just standing somewhere for too long... followed home, police knock on my door asking personal information.

I've been followed around in convenience stores, be told "we don't carry any cash" randomly by a cashier. Turned away by banks because I don't have "roots in Japan" (their words), rental apartments suddenly no longer available as soon as they see my face, taxi drivers kick me out of the taxi for not being understood (I sound native Japanese)...

13 ( +19 / -6 )

This is not America, Japan doesn't have anything to do with BLM, keep the protests where they belong. Most of us don't care about what's going on in the US, so demonstrating about a foreign issue in Japan is basically pointless.

12 ( +26 / -14 )

I have heard a lot of people say that and all of them were racists.

It must be convenient to just label anyone that doesn't agree with you as a racist.

6 ( +22 / -16 )

This is not America,

Racism isn't just an American problem.

Those who believe it is need to get their heads out of the sand.

1 ( +17 / -16 )

Just by reading some of the posts and even the ones with the most "thumbs up," I can see a whole lot of people still don't get the main point, and probably never will, for that matter. Good to see the demos still going on strong.

-4 ( +11 / -15 )

It must be convenient to just label anyone that doesn't agree with you as a racist.

Labeling racists as 'Racists' might not be convenient to the racists.

-2 ( +17 / -19 )

Dango bongToday  06:54 am JST

I think a better rally here would be against illegal police interrogations and illegal police detention of suspects before proven guilty. Seems to make more sense to me...

People all over the world are protesting getting killed by the police. I think they wouldn't give your complaint the time of day.

5 ( +12 / -7 )

@Penfold

However, a little racism never stopped me setting up my own company and building my own house.

If you have the right mindset you will accomplish most things in llife.

First and foremost, congratulations. However, what you say is not completely true and does not apply to everyone or all situations. Especially when racism is systematic. It only takes 1 wrong thing at 1 wrong moment to completely ruin the chances of the oppressed.

Even in Japan. Japan 20 years ago is not Japan now. I know a few people that speak all too well about how difficult it would be for new foreigners to succeed in Japan due to many changes that were put in place versus how it was even 10 years ago. The system in place make success such as yourself harder to repeat.

8 ( +14 / -6 )

Labeling racists as 'Racists' might not be convenient to the racists.

I wouldn't know.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

How about protesting the discrimination against the disabled, equal pay for women, voter disparity

Things that actualy affect Japan, instead of mindlessly imitated america.

-2 ( +12 / -14 )

Racism is not systematic.

Bugle boy company b

If that were true then the previous South African regime would have never existed. They are one of the first openly racist systems out there. America pushes much further back but they have kept it silent. South Africa studied the American system in order to perfect a racist system.

5 ( +11 / -6 )

Black lives do matter, no one should die at the hands of the police in the way this guy died. We have seen it time and time again recorded evidence of it since Rodney King. How many undocumented cases must there be, when there were no cameras rolling be mobile phones? I don't believe for a minute that the guy was a saint. I am no saint either,

I am a father, a son and a brother with a family as was he, if he did something wrong he should have been dealt with. But the attitudes of some (maybe more than some) is ingrained. And that is what the BLM movement is trying to highlight. For those who keep banging on about all lives matter, put a sock in it. It is true all lives matter, but you are missing the point of the BLM movement. The following are not my words, but they make sense.

If my wife comes to me in obvious pain and asks, ‘Do you love me?’ an answer of ‘I love everyone’ would be truthful, but also hurtful and cruel in the moment,”

“If a co-worker comes to me upset and says, ‘My father died,’ a response of ‘Everyone’s parents die’ would be truthful but hurtful and cruel in the moment.

“So when a friend speaks up in a time of obvious pain and hurt and says, ‘Black lives matter,’ a response of ‘All lives matter’ is truthful. But it’s hurtful and cruel in the moment.”

BLM is an important issue, and should be addressed, needs attention drawn to it and needs support. They are citizens of whatever country they live in and should enjoy the same freedoms and treatment that we would expect.

2 ( +16 / -14 )

So basically these guys are rallying against a situation happening in a country far away from Japan.

Instead of mocking the others why don’t they rally against the Nippon Kaigi and the deep social racism and discrimination that every foreign must face in Japan?

I dislike any form of racism and I find right to fight against them,but these young Japanese people should start with their own country.

Japanese racism in many ways is even deeper than the one in the States because it’s ignored and never faced.

-2 ( +11 / -13 )

Wow. That is a very large crowd!

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

If that were true then the previous South African regime would have never existed. They are one of the first openly racist systems out there. America pushes much further back but they have kept it silent. South Africa studied the American system in order to perfect a racist system.

You know what, I agree! Racism IS systematic - in some places. But if we are indeed going to talk about Black lives mattering or not, let us define the range and scope of the discussion. Are we talking only the USA or are we including other countries such as those in the Middle East or Africa?

1 ( +5 / -4 )

The goal of the Black Lives Matter movement is to do away with systemic racism, police brutality, and legal inequity.

On the issue of whether Japan is the wrong place for this. We cannot be in the US. We are here. We are a part of this world and want to add our voices to the collective.

On racism being a mindset. Just because you know some black people who are successful doesn't mean they have not faced racism. It also doesn't mean others have not been hindered by it. I am doing quite well but before that I faced some shocking, soul crushing racism in my private and professional life. Racism is very real. Hiring based on race is still a thing which means there are very real barriers that are caused by racism.

On the idea of such and such being a better protest for Japan. This is the issue at hand right now. Anyone is more than welcomed to take up whatever cause they deem worthy and hit the streets. I am sure others will support you.

On the issue of "this is not America". Japan hopes to become a full member of the global community. All around the globe, people are collectively expressing their support of the ending of systemic racism, police brutality, and legal inequity.

On the issue of "everybody is a bit racists so trying to end racism is futile" [paraphrased] History has show us time and time again that these effort are far from futile. In fact the very fabric of all modern society is based on civil disobedience and protest. For black people this is even doubly so or else we would still have slavery, Jim Crowe, Apartheid, Tuskegee...etc ad infinitum. If every cause ended with "don't bother because it is a losing battle" where would we all be now? Honestly, I am not even sure why I am explaining all of this. I know it is an exercise in futility but here I am anyway.

On the issue of "no black people showed up" Not totally correct. There were black people there. Some people in the black community, however, did consciously choose not to attend, apparently, because they were not familiar with the organizers (anyone can use the label Black Lives Matter). There are lots of attempts to use the label for everything anyone has a beef about, thus distorting the message. There are also many people who want to see the shut down, including almost everyone who commented here. Subversion and sabotage are a real concern. The organizers used social media, friends of friends, word of mouth. So many people didn't know till the last minute or until they saw it here. Whoever showed up is whoever was a part of the networks they reached out to.

-2 ( +11 / -13 )

I don't understand why we have protests of something that happened in the US.

Clearly not.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

The goal of the Black Lives Matter movement is to do away with systemic racism, police brutality, and legal inequity.

Did you not forget the part about seeking reparations for past enslavement?

-1 ( +8 / -9 )

@Marcelito

I agree with you! there are different kinds of eggs in every basket

What I also want to say with my posts above is, that we foreigners are guests in this country. (Yes I know, we pay our tax).

And we should behave like guests.

That means, if the japan government requires us to wear masks, use sanitizers...and so on...we should do that!

And my question is:

Is such kind of a Rally in Japan really necessary? (I agree with El Rata's post)

But If yes, than people should follow the prevention requests.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

I can't be the only one who doesn't care about these events... right?

6 ( +17 / -11 )

BLM is spreading dangerous mistruths. Only 9 unarmed black men were killed by police in the US in 2019.

Nine. That's it.

That number also includes individuals who fought against officer and tried to take the officer's gun.

6660 black men killed other black men in the US in 2019.

9 vs 6660.

Why is BLM not interested in the 99.89% of black deaths?

This dangerous mentality has also spread over to the UK. BLM protestors were interviewed in the street, and it is alarming what they believe.

The woman in the following video said, 'Too many black men are being killed on the street by police'.

https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1271492589095714818

The number of black people killed by police in the UK last year was 1. He was a terrorist shot by police.

People need to start countering this dangerous rhetoric by BLM.

10 ( +21 / -11 )

Yes. All lives matter 100%. I think the "Black Lives Matter" is a message plea to USA police to stop killing needlessly. I work in artificial intelligence and I am a black american but this is my opinion only. I also love japanese and speak japanese up to Jlpt N3 only. Be safe everyone.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Darned if you do, darned if you don't.

Forever a lose-lose situation for Japanese citizens in the eyes of some who frequent this website.

In some of the videos showing this and past BLM marches in Japan, several Japanese people stated that these types of marches are also an opportunity for Japanese citizens to reflect on racism within Japan. This is a critical topic since there is an increasing number of foreigners that live and work in Japan and also have mixed-race children with Japanese citizens.

How is that a bad thing? Many of you criticize (unfairly) all Japanese people as being 'racist xenophobes.' Yet, when Japanese people speak out publicly in support of the BLM movement and a desire to confront racism in Japan, you then criticize and insult them for doing so?

7 ( +14 / -7 )

People need to start countering this dangerous rhetoric by BLM.

You told us the tide of public opinion is already turning against BLM. I still can’t find any stats to back that up.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

Many of you criticize (unfairly) all Japanese people as being 'racist xenophobes.'

I don’t think people are criticising all Japanese people as xenophobes but many Japanese people, particularly those with experience living abroad, will tell you that Japan is a xenophobic country.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

Are we talking only the USA or are we including other countries such as those in the Middle East or Africa?

Since this article is about a demonstration in Tokyo, I think it can be safely assumed that some people agree that the problem is a universal one.

Did you not forget the part about seeking reparations for past enslavement?

Is that the only issue with this movement, if this demand is removed will all the right wing support BLM?

2 ( +8 / -6 )

You told us the tide of public opinion is already turning against BLM.

That is not what I said.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

BLM is spreading dangerous mistruths. Only 9 unarmed black men were killed by police in the US in 2019. 

*Nine.** That's it.*

That number also includes individuals who fought against officer and tried to take the officer's gun.

6660 black men killed other black men in the US in 2019. 

9 vs 6660. 

Why is BLM not interested in the 99.89% of black deaths?

Irrelevant. Most white people are killed by a family member. If a police kills a white person so you cry ‘but what about family on family crime?’

-7 ( +8 / -15 )

Irrelevant. Most white people are killed by a family member. If a police kills a white person so you cry ‘but what about family on family crime?

So may I ask, the fact the number is only 9, which includes individuals who fought against the officer and tried to take their weapon is irrelevant?

1 ( +6 / -5 )

These days one must be very careful about what one says. Someone says what ought to be obvious--All Lives Matter--and is given thumbs down. Fortunately, there are many voices of reason here as well. No one has a crystal ball, but my guess is that in a few short years, those of us still alive will look back on this time and wonder...How will today's young people, having finally grown up, explain to their children how it was thought that social distancing was absolutely necessary--except when virtue-signaling?

2 ( +8 / -6 )

Whether you agree with the peaceful protest or not, what is there to gain from refuting another person's struggle? The more we can empathize with people who reach out for help, the more likely we'll get the same support when we need it. Comment sections can be cathartic places if we all have more than our own point's of view at stake.

Additionally, I've heard a lot of Japanese people ask why they should care about BLM if they too have been discriminated against abroad. Saying Black Lives Matter doesn't mean you matter any less. Saying Black Lives Matter means that when it's you who has an officer at your neck (George Floyd) or is the subject of a snide remark, you will have allies who a ready to return the favor.

Last, COVID-19 is not a joke and does not discriminate. We can all do better to raise awareness of preventative measures without labeling entire groups of people.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

Racism certainly exists in Japan just as it does everywhere else. But overall it's less than in North America or Europe. I say less in the sense that not many people in Japan even if racist, will cause conflicts and incidents. Foreigners or minorities don't end up injured or killed for the sole reason that they are not one of the majority. At least nowhere near the frequency that it occurs in Western countries. Same as in South Korea and China. But anyone who claims that racism is "systematic" in Japan simply believes it to be so that's what they see. My suggestion to those who believe it, is leave. There are plenty of places to live without fear of "systematic" racism.

3 ( +12 / -9 )

Love how little coverage these rallies in Japan are getting in the Japanese press.

Even my Japanese friends who live in Tokyo haven't heard about the protests in their own city.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

Why is this not called a protest like everywhere else in the world?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Sure, all lives matter. But white lives aren't in danger, black lives do.

1 ( +12 / -11 )

I don’t think people are criticizing all Japanese people as xenophobes but many Japanese people, particularly those with experience living abroad, will tell you that Japan is a xenophobic country.

The truth will set you free. Thank you!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

But overall it's less than in North America or Europe.

Which countries? You might be surprised to know that there are many different countries in Europe with different levels of racism.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Foreigners really need to rally against Japanese racism and xenophobia. These people need to know too

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

Why this march is here? Black lives are not under any threat in Japan.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

@Michael Machida

Why is this not called a protest like everywhere else in the world?

One reason may be the more strict approach by the police here. The wording 'rally' makes it sound less threatening.

"Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of assembly and association as well as freedom of speech. Street demonstrations and public protests are, however, still subject to regulations. Each prefectural police department requires permits for the use of public roads and parks for a march or rally."

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/06/05/national/dos-donts-protesting-in-japan/#.XubyQp4zb6p

I remember also reading, that foreigners who participate in protests may risk the renewal of their visas, especially if they're seen as being politically active and/or criticising the government by doing so.

(If someone can confirm this with a source, please do. I tried finding something to support this, but couldn't, so not completely sure of this.)

2 ( +2 / -0 )

You told us the tide of public opinion is already turning against BLM.

That is not what I said.

You said more people are turning against BLM. I’m open to the numbers if you can provide them.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

You said more people are turning against BLM.

That's right. I said more and more.

What stat are you looking for to disprove that?

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

Bugle boy company b

If that were true then the previous South African regime would have never existed. They are one of the first openly racist systems out there. America pushes much further back but they have kept it silent. South Africa studied the American system in order to perfect a racist system.

You're right. Absolutely, the previous South African regime would never have existed. But are we talking whole world or USA? I'm not aware of any systematic racism in the USA. Show me the laws that incite racism and I will stand with you to defeat them. Show me the people who incite racism and I will denounce them with you. Show me the specific people who take racist actions and I will fight with you to stop those people.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

You said more people are turning against BLM.

That's right. I said more and more.

What stat are you looking for to disprove that?

Something like a poll showing changing public opinion regarding BLM might be a start?

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Those who shout ‘All Lives Matter!’ seem very selective.

If it is against their religion, immigration policy, sexual orientation or freedumb it seems some lives are more important than others.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Why this march is here? Black lives are not under any threat in Japan.

What?! Well, yes they are but besides that what is wrong with voicing an opinion on something outside of your neighbourhood?

1 ( +5 / -4 )

It's childish because the mature thing to say would be "I am not sure that is correct because these numbers prove otherwise".

Do you have polls or stats that are contrary to what I am saying. If not, "I don't think you are right, but I don't have the numbers to prove it" would be a reasonable response.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

That's right. I said more and more.

What stat are you looking for to disprove that?

If you're making the initial claim, the burden of proof is on you.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

If you're making the initial claim, the burden of proof is on you.

Thank you. I can’t believe it was necessary to point that out.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

If you're making the initial claim, the burden of proof is on you.

To prove that 'more and more' is true or not?

If the number of people opposed to BLM last week was 20, but now it is 30, 'more and more' is still correct.

If I had said, 'the majority of the public are against BLM' or 'most people are now opposed to them', then yes, stats would be necessary to back that claim.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

How exactly does this help the cause.?? Most Japanese have no idea or concerns for this, most will never meet a black person, let alone discriminate against them. This is just a bad look for black people and the movement in general. Blocking traffic, creating all kinds of noise and disturbances in general. Imagine if Japanese did the same in Harlem protesting Korean comfort women statutes for example. Would that go over well? Me thinks not. Leave Japan and Japanese people out of this and target areas where this is a problem. Bad optics that won't help the cause in Japanese eyes.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

If you're making the initial claim, the burden of proof is on you.

To prove that 'more and more' is true or not?

Erm, yes. Where is this ‘more and more people’ coming from? Who? Where? No stats? No anecdotes about your mates?

You are talking about a trend in opinion. Do you think you don’t need to back that up?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Africa - The 1884 Berlin Conference

Delegates from the world’s 14 superpowers gathered on November 15th, 1884 to discuss future trade and colonial control in Africa. Sitting in a room with a large map of Africa, the European powers ruthlessly began carving out the continent like children splitting a decorated cake at a birthday party.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Are the Japanese police just as racist and oppressive toward the Kokojins as the American police are. Then why are they protesting?

On the other hand, maybe the Okinawans should follow the BLM example and let the Japanese government know how they felt during the 67 years of racism, cultural suppression and oppression and demand apology and reparation too.

Then there's the Ainu. They should do the same.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

If the number of people opposed to BLM last week was 20, but now it is 30, 'more and more' is still correct.

It might not be the case that 30 people are opposed to BLM this week, though. It's very possible that people against BLM changed their minds, so 20 people opposing BLM last week becomes 10 people this week.

That's why, when you make a claim like the one you did, having a source is necessary.

The rally itself was pretty nice. Lots of people on the side of the road (most notably in the Scramble) cheering us on. I even ran into an old friend by surprise! A good afternoon.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Are the Japanese police just as racist and oppressive toward the Kokojins as the American police are.

I'd bet good money on it.

On the other hand the Nigerian touts in Roppongi get free reign because they play the race card any time the police try to crack down on them. Which is why nobody who isn't new to Japan ever goes to Roppongi at night anymore.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

To all the people who don't understated BLM, here are some links, with info for you. Please take the time to educate yourselves before voting or posting so ignorantly.

What is "Black Lives Matter?"

~

"Black Lives Matter (BLM) is an international human rights movement, originating from within the African American community, which campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards black people. BLM regularly holds protests speaking out against police brutality and police killings of black people, and broader issues such as racial profiling, and racial inequality in the United States criminal justice system..."

(Source: - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Lives_Matter )

Are blacks more likely to suffer violence than whites/non blacks?

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"...According to The Guardian's database, in 2016 the rate of fatal police shootings per million was 10.13 for Native Americans, 6.6 for black people, 3.23 for Hispanics; 2.9 for white people and 1.17 for Asians. By total, police more frequently killed whites than any other race or ethnicity.

As a percentage of the U.S. population, however, black Americans were 2.5 times more likely than whites to be killed by the police in 2015. A 2015 study found that unarmed blacks were 3.49 times more likely to be shot by police than were unarmed whites. Another study published in 2016 concluded that the mortality rate of legal interventions among black and Hispanic people was 2.8 and 1.7 times higher than that among white people. Another 2015 study concluded that black people were 2.8 times more likely to be killed by police than whites. They also concluded that black people were more likely to be unarmed than white people who were in turn more likely to be unarmed than Hispanic people shot by the police..."

(Source: - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_use_of_deadly_force_in_the_United_States )

Are (US) police likely to be punished for (unlawful/immoral) violent/deadly behaviour?

~ Firstly, here's some of the meta reasons why police officers don't usually get punished for using deadly force ( https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-07-13/why-arent-police-held-accountable-for-shooting-black-men )

Also:

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"...The answer has to do with the latitude most jurisdictions have traditionally given their law enforcement officers — who sometimes need to make split-second decisions in dangerous situations involving potentially violent or unstable suspects — and the political and legal clout of police departments and police unions in many big cities. It was no accident that one of the chants by demonstrators in New York City over the weekend was “F*** the PBA!” — the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, the largest municipal police union in the country..."

(Source: - https://news.yahoo.com/floyd-case-sheds-light-on-the-power-of-police-unions-to-thwart-justice-090024731.html )

What about "black-on-black" deaths, or the fact that more white people were shot than black people in the US by cops?

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"...It’s a question asked, in various forms, from Facebook to cable networks to comments on this site. The answer, one writer says, is Black Lives Matter isn’t solely focused on the loss of black lives but also on a lack of justice.

> “When a civilian has committed a violent crime, they’re generally arrested, tried and then convicted,” Franchesca Ramsey, a writer and activist who discusses race, explains in the MTV series Decoded (which you can watch here in full). “Conversely, there’s a lot of evidence that it’s very rare to secure an indictment against a police officer for excessive force. And an indictment is just a trial; it isn’t even a conviction.” “Black Lives Matter isn’t just about the loss of life, which is always terrible. It’s about the lack of consequences when black lives are taken at the hands of police.”

> Police officers shot and killed nearly 1,000 people last year, according to a Washington Post database. Eighteen officers faced charges for such shootings that year. While nearly twice as many white Americans were killed by on-duty officers than blacks, the Post’supdated data showed, black Americans remained 2.5 times as likely to die at the hands of police when adjusting for population. And when unarmed, the data showed that black Americans were five times as likely to be fatally shot as white ones.."

(Source: - https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/07/27/why-doesnt-black-lives-matter-doesnt-focus-talk-about-black-black-crime/87609692/ )

But don't "All Lives Matter"?

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"It’s a common conversation these days: One person says, “Black lives matter.” Then another responds, “No, all lives matter.” It’s also a complete misunderstanding of what the phrase “black lives matter” means. The person on the receiving end interprets the phrase as “black lives matter more than any other lives.” But the point of Black Lives Matter isn't to suggest that black lives should be or are more important than all other lives.

> Instead, it’s simply pointing out that black people's lives are relatively undervalued in the US — and more likely to be ended by police — and the country needs to recognize that inequity to bring an end to it.

> To this end, a better way to understand Black Lives Matter is by looking at its driving phrase as “black lives matter, too.” So all lives do matter, obviously, but it’s one subset of lives in particular that’s currently undervalued in America..."

(Source: - https://www.vox.com/2016/7/11/12136140/black-all-lives-matter )

From the article above, here's a video, showing one of the reasons (amongst many, so please read them) why "black lives matter (too) : ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtAAeyswlHM

I hope that these links provide some of our more ignorant posters or voters with the information they need up be more understanding global citizens.   If, however, you lack the basic intelligence to understand our empathise with the majority of the world's population in this matter, please add a negative vote as it's vital to see how many trolls are still infesting any given site.

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