Enough is Too Much: Why Do We Only See Videos of Black Men Being Killed?
By Dr. Elaine R. Ferguson
Presented by Omni-University
We are treated differently by the media. Out of respect for families,’ videos of white people, killed during mass shootings, are never aired. You don’t see the carnage. You’ve never seen the carnage that occurred during mass shootings including: Sandy Hook, Parkland, or Columbine. Yet, when black people are killed, it’s constantly aired. And, at least every other week, there’s a new video with a new, anguishing death for us to consume.
How many times did you watch the murder of George Floyd? What about Tamir Rice, Philando Castile, Elijah McClain or Sandra Bland’s encounter with the police?
It’s too much for you to bear. After viewing George Floyd's tragic death numerous times, I decided I couldn’t keep watching it. I have been on "news" break for a long time when it comes to watching the painful and traumatizing videos of African men, women, and children being murdered.
Since his death, several friends have shared their grief, overwhelm and exhaustion with me. Just a few days ago, a lifelong friend and sister called me and said, “I just can’t take it anymore. This is too much.” She asked if I’d heard about our brother in Rochester who died at the hands of the police, in March. I honestly can’t remember his name because remembering it is too much for me to bear.
The trauma of repeatedly watching gruesome, heartless murders is too much for anyone to bear. They prove to be unavoidable unless you intentionally protect yourself.
For years, there have been unheeded calls to stop sharing these videos on social media, because of their devastating impact on our emotional well-being and physical health.They can lead to sleeping difficulties, nightmares, anxiety, depression, symptoms of PTSD, i.e., Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as internal changes that lead to the development and or worsening of chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
As mentioned earlier, I’ve been on a news "fast" and it’s made a tremendous difference in my overall health and well-being. I hope you’ll consider taking a break, too. The media isn't going to protect you. You must protect your self and well- being now! Stop watching!
There are other steps you can take, that I’m happy to share with you. Click the link below to learn more, and watch my revolutionary healing mastery class: