Let Eric Garner’s last words be the symbol of the American people. We will no longer be silent. We will stand up for the persecuted. We will stand up for our rights. We will do all of this because we can?no longer breathe.
These are the reasons why I can’t breathe.
#ICantBreathe
1. I can’t breathe because cops are committing murder and getting away with it.
2. I can’t breathe because black people such as Mike Brown, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, and countless others are being killed and their families receive no justice.
3. I can’t breathe because racism still exists.
4. I can’t breathe because hate groups such as the KKK still exist.
5. I can’t breathe because the jury system is failing.
6. I can’t breathe because of corrupt government.
7. I can’t breathe because hate is being preached in God’s name.
8. I can’t breathe because same-sex marriage isn’t legal in every state.
9. I can’t breathe because corporations are making genetically modified foods and slowly killing us.
10. I can’t breathe because ?religious freedom? bills are trying to discriminate against LGBTQ people.
11. I can’t breathe because LGBTQ people still have to fight for Civil Rights.
12. I can’t breathe because of gender inequality.
13. I can’t breathe because Republicans try to control women’s reproductive healthcare.
14. I can’t breathe because of racial profiling.
15. I can’t breathe because of income inequality.
16. I can’t breathe because of the mistreatment of transgender people.
17. I can’t breathe because Christians keep claiming that they’re ?persecuted.?
18. I can’t breathe because the healthcare system is failing.
19. I can’t breathe because famous celebrities are facing multiple rape allegations and no one seems to care.
20. I can’t breathe because the education system is failing.
21. I can’t breathe because of bans on feeding the homeless.
22. I can’t breathe because the CIA tortures people.
23. I can’t breathe sexism still exists for both women and men.
24. I can’t breathe because homophobia still exists.
25. I can’t breathe because our gun culture is glorified in the media.
26. I can’t breathe because people would rather see immigrants die than support immigration.
27. I can’t breathe because ?reality stars? such as Phil Robertson and Michelle Duggar are using their influence to condemn LGBT people.
28. I can’t breathe because ?Christians? are focused more on the War on Christmas than actually helping people.
29. I can’t breathe because bullying is still causing kids to commit suicide.
30. I can’t breathe because of Christian hypocrisy.
Obviously, many things need to change. Americans are sick of this treatment. It’s time for people to take a stand. We CAN make a difference. Let’s make sure that we change these issues that plagued us in 2014. We can stand strong, we can stand together, and we can make America better in 2015!
We must wake up. We must speak out. We can’t allow these atrocities to continue. ?The hashtag #ICantBreathe has exploded on Twitter. I urge everyone to keep the momentum going and tweet why YOU can’t breathe. We can spark change, but only if we stand together.
#ICantBreathe
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Caleb Woods is a Communications and English major. He is a reader, a writer, and an activist for LGBT rights, women’s rights, and the rights of the American people. He has lived in Alabama for his entire life and has experienced first-hand discrimination and bigotry. He hopes to change hearts and minds across the world so that people may show more compassion and empathy for their fellow man and woman.
