The Social Protests of 2020: Visceral Responses to Police Brutality, COVID-19, and Circumscribed Sexuality

The Social Protests of 2020: Visceral Responses to Police Brutality, COVID-19, and Circumscribed Sexuality is a collection of essays that explore the emotional reactions of Black intellectuals to police brutality, COVID-19, and the Supreme Court's handling of employment discrimination against LGBTQIA+ communities. The contributors offer insights into the anguish, sadness, and motivation to act that they experienced in response to these events, highlighting the universal feelings that connect all human beings.

Format: Hardback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 05 June 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

The Social Protests of 2020: Visceral Responses to Police Brutality, COVID-19, and Circumscribed Sexuality is a powerful collection of essays that delve into the profound impact of high-profile political events in the summer of 2020 on the consciousness of Black intellectuals. This anthology brings together a diverse range of voices, including university professors, scientists, media communication specialists, poets, visual artists, and political activists, who offer their honest and visceral reactions to the convergence of police brutality, COVID-19, and the Supreme Court's handling of employment discrimination against LGBTQIA+ communities. Through their essays, the contributors shed light on the anguish, sadness, and motivation to act that they experienced in response to these pressing issues.

The essays in this collection address universal feelings that transcend race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, economic status, and education. They explore the deep-seated frustrations and injustices that have been perpetuated for centuries, highlighting the urgent need for change. The contributors use carefully reflected and theoretically formed arguments to make sense of the complex interplay between these events and their impact on Black communities.

One of the key themes that emerges from the essays is the intersectionality of these issues. The contributors recognize that police brutality, COVID-19, and employment discrimination against LGBTQIA+ communities are not separate issues but are interconnected and reinforce each other. They argue that the experiences of Black individuals are compounded by the systemic inequalities and discrimination that they face in various aspects of their lives.

Another theme that is explored in the essays is the role of media and communication in shaping public perception and mobilizing action. The contributors discuss how the media has often portrayed Black individuals in negative and stereotypical ways, contributing to the perpetuation of systemic racism and discrimination. They also highlight the importance of using media and communication to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, and promote social change.

The essays in The Social Protests of 2020: Visceral Responses to Police Brutality, COVID-19, and Circumscribed Sexuality offer a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of Black communities in the face of adversity. They provide a roadmap for building a more just and equitable society, one that recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

In conclusion, The Social Protests of 2020: Visceral Responses to Police Brutality, COVID-19, and Circumscribed Sexuality is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complex and interconnected issues that shaped the summer of 2020. This collection offers a glimpse into the minds of Black intellectuals and provides a platform for them to share their experiences and ideas. By listening to their voices, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Black communities and work towards creating a more just and equitable world.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 238 x 159 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666936506