George Floyd: Why are the protests in the US this time so strong?





George Floyd was not the first case of the death of an African-American during a police arrest. There have been protests and calls for change before Tamir Rice, Michael Brown and Eric Garner were killed by police. But this time it looked different, as the reaction lasted longer and spread wider. Protests have erupted across the United States - in all 50 states and Washington DC - including in cities and rural communities where whites dominate. Local governments, sports circles, and businesses this time seem more willing to take a stance - most notably the Minneapolis city council voted to disband the police station.

Floyd's death occurred in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic that forced Americans to stay home, and caused the highest unemployment rate since the Great Depression in the 1930s. The pandemic changed the way we live and work and led to many Americans at home wondering what in life is unacceptable. In practical terms, the US's 13% unemployment rate means that more people are able to protest and campaign normally without having to worry about doing their duty.

Sources:




Comments