Across the United States and around the world, adults and kids are raising their voices against racism and police violence. The Scratch Team stands with these protestors. Black Lives Matter. No one deserves to grow up in a society that harms you, silences you, or prevents you from reaching your full potential because of the color of your skin.
Many Scratchers have already begun to support the Black Lives Matter movement with animations, poems, MAPs, studios, comments, and more. We’re so proud to see you using your creativity and passion to spread awareness and demand change! We want to reassure you that these types of projects, studios, and comments are welcome on Scratch. Scratch welcomes people of all ages, races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities, and we say this clearly in our Community Guidelines.
We also wanted to address the phrase “all lives matter.” The phrase “Black Lives Matter” was created because of the experiences, fears, and problems that Black people face. Many people have used “all lives matter” as a way of saying that all people face similar challenges regardless of their race. This is not true. The purpose of the Black Lives Matter movement isn't to exclude others, but to highlight the violence and racism that Black people face every day in hopes of changing it. So we ask that you not say “all lives matter” when you see someone else saying “Black Lives Matter” on Scratch.
For many of you, this might be the first time you’re hearing about terms like systemic racism or even Black Lives Matter. We wanted to share some books, videos, and articles to help you learn more about this movement and the challenges Black Americans face every day:
Marley Dias from #1000blackgirlbooks explains institutionalized racism:
https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss/youtube/4M-5V8uUtKA/
Why Black Lives Matter NOW by Ellis Fearon:
https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss/youtube/A7EZWBIPUUQ/
11 Things You Can Do To Help Black Lives Matter End Police Violence by Teen Kids News:
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/52220686-stamped
This Book Is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/45730968-this-book-is-anti-racist
Summary
Scratch welcomes people of all backgrounds and supports respectful expression of ideas, including social justice topics. Projects and discussions about movements like Black Lives Matter are allowed and encouraged when shared in a kind and constructive way. Harassment, discrimination, or dismissing others’ experiences is not allowed. Phrases such as “all lives matter” dismiss the specific experiences being highlighted by “Black Lives Matter”. Harassment, discrimination, or unkind behavior toward any group is not allowed. The community should remain inclusive, respectful, and supportive of everyone.
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