The tragic deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor ignited a wave of protests across the globe. This powerful sentiment, echoed in Michael Jackson’s poignant anthem “They Don’t Care About Us,” resonated deeply with a mixed-race Black woman who joined a demonstration in Orange, California, in June 2020. This personal account reveals the raw emotions and disheartening realities faced by protesters as they marched for Black lives.
From Hope to Despair: Marching for Black Lives
The protest, organized by a Chapman University student, began with a sense of unity and hope. Gathering at the Attallah Piazza, a diverse crowd of students and community members prepared to march to the Orange Plaza. The initial atmosphere was empowering, with passionate speeches and chants filling the air. The marchers felt a collective strength as they voiced their demands for justice and equality. However, this feeling was quickly overshadowed by the indifference encountered along the route.
“They Don’t Really Care About Us”: Indifference and Disregard
As the protesters passed The Filling Station restaurant, a chilling reality set in. Patrons, seemingly oblivious to the march, continued their meals and conversations, displaying a stark disregard for the protesters’ pleas. This blatant indifference was a crushing blow, reinforcing the message of Michael Jackson’s song: a feeling of being unseen and unheard. The march continued into the Orange Plaza, but the initial enthusiasm waned. Onlookers gawked, recorded videos, or simply dismissed the protesters as an inconvenience.
The Weight of 2020: Black Lives Still Matter
The disheartening experience left the protester feeling defeated and hopeless. The indifference encountered mirrored the systemic dehumanization that fuels police brutality and racist violence. The feeling of being treated like an exhibit in a zoo, rather than fellow human beings fighting for their lives, resonated deeply with Michael Jackson’s lyrics, “They Don’t Care About Us.” The protest, initially intended to empower, ultimately underscored the persistent struggle for recognition and equality in 2020. The fight for Black lives continued, burdened by the heavy realization that indifference and apathy remain significant obstacles. The poignant lyrics of Michael Jackson’s song served as a sobering reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
