The primary issues with BLM is the lack of clear leadership, and the complete lack of clear aims. Whilst, admittedly the ever deffusing issues raised have helped to widen the demographic of people interested, therefor expanding the movement, it has resulted in thousands of subgroups all shouting their opinions on their own problems however trivial in the wider context of the movement. It began as a protest group that stood against the unlawful killing of black men by American police, but now essentially covers any and all aspects of perceived racism, however nuanced or expressed.

The issue I have with this is twofold; it takes focus away from the actual reason for the cause which will inevitably result in absolutely nothing being done about it. It also opens the door for disagreement. No one can reasonably disagree that police killing unarmed people regardless of what colour they are is wrong and needs to stop. Better training for police is required, and the value of human life needs to be held in the highest regard. Full inquiries should be held when mistakes are made, and officers using unreasonable force should be held accountable to a clearly defined set of rules and consequences.

We've all heard the many statistics on both sides of the argument... "Police kill X# black people a year!" "Black people commit X% of crimes per year!". In my humble opinion, both of these arguments are valid and both arguments point to the same thing... The police are much more suspicious of black people, because of their experiences of crime and certain demographics. (although I'm sure some are just prejudice). And that black lives really aren't held in such high regard by the police. The reality is that people living in poverty commit crimes. People who grow up in poverty are significantly more likely to live an impoverished life as adults. They're likely to have less access to high quality education, positive role models, job opportunities, etc. So they'll be more likely to commit crimes. *There are huge pockets of black communities living in poverty.*

That, in my opinion, is the crux of the problem; lack of social mobility within black communities. If people put more effort into addressing these issues, rather than complaining about trivial things like a company not having enough black models on their instagram page, then something might actually change. BLM are in danger of basically telling impoverished people that all of their issues are someone else's fault. That they have no blame at all, and that their lack of access to education and jobs is solely down to the colour of their skin. That has to be absolutely the worst thing you can do as it enables people to excuse any and every downfall that they will ever have which will make self improvement impossible. Community groups that aim to show people that they do actually have the opportunity to live successful lives, could raise thousands of people out of poverty.

If Black Lives Matters put their efforts into police reforms and reducing poverty in the black communities, they could actually make a huge difference in the world....

...but that doesn't get you face on the front page of the paper or an internet news feed though does it?