Changes

I really hate the argument that changing X doesn't solve problem N, therefore it's a waste to do X. Grrr. Just because something doesn't solve the world's problems doesn't mean it doesn't need to be done.

Of course, usually, the real reason behind the argument is they object to the change. A change others recognize is a change that should happen.

Treating someone with respect doesn't solve all their problems. But I should still treat people with respect. (And I mean an equality sort of respect, not a some people above others sort of respect.) And some changes people, companies, governments, and such, choose to make because they realize making those changes is necessary for treating everyone with respect.

Why we should wear facemasks

The evidence that wearing masks works is statistics. We know that in areas where almost everyone wears masks, there's less spread of COVID-19. Understanding the specifics of why and how that works isn't necessary to know that it does.

Did you know that Florence Nightingale was a statistician? She used statistics to understand what was and wasn't good nursing care, and thus improved nursing care.

And looking at the numbers is how we know that wearing masks works. If people in a community wear masks, that reduces the number of people in the community that get COVID-19. And, yes, you might be one of the people that benefits from everyone wearing masks.

Lives Matter

Seems to me "all lives matter", that set of words, has been appropriated by people who don't actually believe that. Or who at least don't believe all lives matter equally. I feel like we need to re-appropriate those words in our responses to them. Use the words "all lives matter" (no capitals) along with "Black lives matter" (with or without capitals). Something like, "I believe all lives matter, and that's why I support Black Lives Matter", or, "Yes, all lives matter, thus the importance of the message that "Black lives matter".

Additionally, people listen more if you start by agreeing with them rather than by disagreeing with them or attacking them.

#BlackLivesMatter

I see "Black lives matter", and for me it's a reminder that all lives matter, mine included, with a focus on black lives, in response to black lives being treated as if they don't matter. It's pointing out that some lives are treated as if they don't matter.