Tag Archive for: police protection

B²: #BlackLivesMatter vs. #BlueLivesMatter

Only hours after celebrating America’s independence – a time of unity – we were alarmingly reminded of the division (politically and otherwise) that exists in this country. We witnessed tragedy in Minnesota, Louisiana, and Dallas…in less than 72 hours. Families lost loved ones and communities are without leaders, but the issues that sparked the violence only seem to be mounting as our Commander-in-Chief pivots to gun control as a remedy.

We need real solutions (like, yesterday).

As the media continues to cover the tragedies, you’ll likely be asked to comment on guns (see previous post) and the heightened racial tensions in this country. Do you know how to be sorrowful in your response while sticking to solutions that work? Because you need to do both.

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

Here is this week’s likely media question and the B² (block and bridge) that sets the narrative straight:

Q: “Do black lives matter?”

B²:“Yes. Every black person should be treated with dignity and their rights respected. The problem we face is complex – the events of last week highlight that police brutality exists and also the very real target police officers have become. To move forward, we must <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, be measured and careful. There are two issues to address – police brutality and police protection. Whether it’s about rightly punishing the police officers who abuse power or protecting the police officers who justly serve, don’t let your response play into the media’s narrative. Address the tragedy and then pivot to your solution-based talking point. The media will exhaustively continue to analyze and speculate, so solutions are in high demand. Meet the emotion of the situation and then offer yours.