Yesterday, Sony made a huge decision that has brought out many disgruntled fans. In the wake of protests and misguided looting from a few bad apples, Sony has decided to delay their highly anticipated reveal event in an effort to “allow more important voices to be heard.”
This is a bold and respectable move from Sony. Whether or not you agree with this statement, Sony has taken it upon themselves to lead by example and show fans and other big businesses alike what should be important during these troubling times. Pulling out of this major event has shown that Sony is willing to sacrifice themselves and the money they have spent to set up this event to draw awareness to what’s important.
Before I continue, I want to make one thing clear. There’s a difference between anger and disappointment. While it’s okay to feel disappointed by this decision, it’s another thing to be downright angry.
Taking a second to scroll through comments on various social media outlets, I wasn’t surprised to see that a few selfish Sony fans have come out to protest Sony’s decision and condemn them for getting involved in “political issues.” These people are highly misinformed. Yes, we have been waiting a long time for this event, but more pressing issues have arisen. As a young black man, I feel the weight of racism on a daily basis, and unless you are also black you may never know what it feels like to walk in those shoes. America is fed up with this mistreatment.
This year has brought out the worst in us. We’ve seen people fighting over supplies in grocery stores, black young men and women murdered by the very people who are meant to protect us, and we see how many people show their disdain toward black people either through social media comments or during highly aggressive face-to-face rants. We’ve seen rioters and looters taking advantage of a just cause and politicians making bigoted and stereotypical comments.
Despite all of this, there is a flicker of light, a small gleam of hope that has made itself visible through those of us who stand together. The unselfishness of those who have cared for the thousands of people as they lay sick in bed. The generous donations to those who didn’t have supplies so they could feed their families as they sit at home unemployed. The peaceful protests from young men and women of every race standing together to show that equality for black people is a fight we all must participate in and the only way to do it are by sharing the same voice and making our presence known. Now, even big businesses such as Sony have joined in the fight. People have tried to say that Sony is making this decision due to some ulterior motive. Regardless if this is true or not, it brings more awareness to the cause, which is what we need more than anything at this moment.
Thank you, Sony for making this decision.
Black Lives Matter
