We have all seen on the news the terrible scene that played out in the streets in Minnesota when George Floyd, an unarmed 46-year-old black male, was arrested by the Minnesota Police for attempted forgery at a convenience store. The action was caught on video as George Floyd, handcuffed and pinned to the ground face down by an officer who pressed with his full weight with his knee on Mr. Floyd's neck for more than 8 minutes. We watched and heard George Floyd crying out that he couldn't breathe. We heard him calling for "Mama". We watched as his body went limp with the officer still holding him down. This will be a scene I shall never forget.
As nurses, we see the horrific effects of racism in our hospitals and community every day. We cannot remain silent as yet another black man has died at the hands of police...
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George Floyd's last words were "I can't breathe.” George Floyd died shortly after arriving at the hospital."
Nurses jump into action when they hear someone say "I can't breathe", instead of standing there watching them die. Their goal is to save lives, not kill people
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In the case of George Floyd, Minneapolis Police took no care or life-saving measures. Instead, they left him pinned down to the ground until paramedics arrived. Police ignored the pleas of George Floyd and he died.
Nurses care for all patients, regardless of their gender, race, religion or other status. We expect the same from the police. Unfortunately, nurses continue to see the devastating effects of systematic racism and oppression targeting people of color in our communities. We demand justice for George Floyd and a stop to the unnecessary death of black men at the hands of those who should protect them.
As a nurse, or as a compassionate human, how has this horrific event affected you? We have seen protests (some peaceful and some that have erupted into riots), vandalism, looting, and more. What is going on in your community? What actions can nurses take?
Let us stand together and let our voices be heard. Post your comments below.
When will blk lives matter to blk people like it should? If crime decreases you will find less cops in your neighborhoods, this can help solve some of the problem. Not all of it but some of it. Of course you could be a law abiding citizen and something could still happen (unfair treatment by a white cop) that shouldn't but dang can't blk people try to help themselves?
I was too. I remember signs such as Whites Only and drinking fountains labeled, Whites and Blacks. That's just a couple of examples. The use of the N word even in children's games. These are vivid childhood memories. I remember asking my mom what the signs meant and she could not explain....or maybe I have blocked her explanation in my mind.
nursemarion above said, "I am busy caring about real world issues." YOUR real world is NOT the same as the real world of others.....especially persons of color. YOUR real world is YOUR privilege and you can't seem to see beyond that. I can only hope that one day you will see what we are talking about here.
I was too. I remember signs such as Whites Only and drinking fountains labeled, Whites and Blacks. That's just a couple of examples. The use of the N word even in children's games. These are vivid childhood memories. I remember asking my mom what the signs meant and she could not explain....or maybe I have blocked her explanation in my mind.
nursemarion above said, "I am busy caring about real world issues." YOUR real world is NOT the same as the real world of others.....especially persons of color. YOUR real world is YOUR privilege and you can't seem to see beyond that. I can only hope that one day you will see what we are talking about here.
It's time to move on. Nurse Marion didn't put the signs up.
I live in South Minneapolis. We are all breathing a sigh of relief today. The sad part of this is that while Chauvin was found guilty, the rest of the MPD distanced themselves from him. He was "one bad cop" and his conviction means that they don't have to address the systemic racism inherent in the police force.
Thanks for pointing this out. My guess is that he was a typical cop who acted in a way that reflected the beliefs, values and norms of the police force. I suspect The Police carry the values, beliefs and attitudes of wider society.
In a way I feel sad for Dereck Chauvin. He has been held up as the scape goat for a system that is bad. He has been made to carry the can.
When will blk lives matter to blk people like it should? If crime decreases you will find less cops in your neighborhoods, this can help solve some of the problem. Not all of it but some of it. Of course you could be a law abiding citizen and something could still happen (unfair treatment by a white cop) that shouldn't but dang can't blk people try to help themselves?
I'm here to state the facts and point out the obvious. I am not afraid to talk about what many are afraid to talk about, out of fear of being labeled a racist or a hater.
toomuchbaloney
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Not all White people support AntiFa.