Neely Fuller (on respect) and why hands up don’t shoot isn’t the answer

In this short clip Neely Fuller addresses my contempt around the “Hands up don’t shoot” / black lives matter movements. On the one hand I’m extreamly proud of my people for taking to the streets. Taking to the streets is an action, when people are compelled to act change is bound to come. I love the fevor in the streets. I love that we are actively engaged. What I don’t love is the message. “Hands up ” is a statement of surrender , and don’t shoot is a plea that leaves Black people at the mercy of the very people that oppress them.

As Neely fuller states you don’t ask for respect! You were born valuable no entity can take that away from you, you don’t need to ask for permission to breathe nor to not be shot, that is your human birth right. A more appropriate battle cry would be “hands up locked and loaded ” or “hands up ready to lay you down ” I don’t know but something that speaks to asserting your value rather than questioning it.