There was a time when police in the USA could fire multiple warning shots into the back of black suspects and claim they were defending themselves. But in 2020 things just aren’t that simple anymore. Thankfully, many people are using the cameras on their phones for more than just making duckface selfies.

The murder of George Floyd by a policeman was captured on someone’s smartphone video. Without that evidence, the cops would probably have gotten away with it. In fact, they might even have received commendations for bravery after making up a story about how a black man who was handcuffed and lying on the ground posed a threat to them and the general public. But thanks to the video evidence the officers involved are facing murder charges.

The 5000

On Monday, a black lives matter demonstration was allowed to go ahead in Amsterdam. Initially, 300 people were expected. This was already above the current government limit for group gatherings. However, it was approved. Many were shocked and appalled that over 5000 people attended the demonstration.

Black lives matter maarrrrrr

Like vultures circling the carcass of a wounded animal, politicians from various parties have lined up to attack the Mayor of Amsterdam for approving the demonstration.

Shockingly, Geert Wilders, leader of the anti-Islam PVV, who once called for fewer Moroccans in the Netherlands has also criticised her approval of the demonstration.

via GIPHY

Femke Halsema, who is the first woman to hold the position of mayor in Amsterdam is probably one of the most criticised politicians in the Netherlands. She represents the Groen Links party and appears to get under the skin of a lot of ‘tolerant’ people. I’m sure the fact that she’s a woman has nothing to do with the constant bad press she gets.

Hypocrisy

Black lives matter, maarrrrrr, it’s irresponsible to allow such a demonstration to go ahead during the COVID-19 pandemic”


It seems that a lot of people are upset by so-called ‘linke/left-wingers’ demonstrating against racism in Dam Square, but aren’t too bothered by the general covidiot behaviour that has been on display throughout the “intelligent lockdown”. From beaches to parks and actually every open space where people can sunbathe, people in this country have been ignoring social distancing whenever the sun shines.

Here’s a video of some friendly people in Ijmuiden who weren’t too happy when told to observe social distancing.

Femke Halsema has admitted that approving the black lives matter demonstration was a mistake. But it appears that she really wasn’t expecting so many people to attend. In fact, all demonstrations on Dam Square are now banned for the time being.

Mark Rutte finally admits that racism happens in the Netherlands too

The Dutch Prime Minister, who in the past has been pretty complacent about racism in the Netherlands, has finally admitted that racism is a problem here and should be protested against. Considering it was only a few years ago that he was claiming that he enjoyed playing Zwarte Piet and famously said: “Black Pete is black and I can not change that because his name is Black Pete.” That’s quite a change in tone.

This was an excellent response to the people in the Netherlands who say things such as.

There’s no racism in the Netherlands, it’s an American thing”
“Black lives matter is important, marrrrrrr, so are all lives”
“Minorities use the racism card” or in good Dutch ‘ze kruipen te snel in ‘de slachtofferrol‘.

Fantastic news that the Prime Minister not only admits to racism being a problem but supports people demonstrating about it. As for the demonstration in Dam Square. Considering how important the cause was, I’ll use the words of Whitney Houston. “It’s not right, but it’s ok”. I wonder if he’d have made such a statement if such a large protest hadn’t taken place.

I’m well aware that a lot of people don’t like discussing nor admitting racism. Especially here in ‘the most tolerant country in the world’. But it’s a fact that racism isn’t only about cops murdering black people. It takes many forms and things cannot improve unless people actually acknowledge that there is a problem. So again, respect to Mark Rutte for speaking up and admitting that systematic racism doesn’t only exist overseas.

Plenty of peaceful protestors were hurt in the USA during the writing of this post.