Tech Giants Work Together To Speak Against Racism In America

Black Lives Matter (Unsplash) Demonstrator illustration

JAKARTA - The death of George Floyd triggered a prolonged conflict in the United States (US). Moreover, this incident made the issue of racism for black people worse.

Tech companies from Apple, TikTok, Microsoft, Google to Netflix are voicing support for fighting racial injustice in the US. Through the hashtag #BlackLivesMater uploaded by Twitter, it is a form of support for the struggle of blacks against oppression.

Compiled from CNET, Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote a memo that was sent to all of his employees in response to the death of George Floyd, a black citizen in the US. In the memo, Apple is committed to opposing the issue of racial injustice and protecting human rights (HAM) in America.

"This is a time when many people may desire nothing more than a return to normalcy, or to a status quo that is only comfortable if we take our eyes off of injustice. While it's hard to admit, desire in itself is a sign of privilege," Cook wrote in the memo. obtained by Bloomberg, Tuesday, June 2.

"George Floyd's death is shocking and tragic evidence that we must aim higher than the" normal "future and build according to the highest ideals of equality and justice," Cook said, quoting a few words from Martin Luther King.

As a form of support, Apple promised to make contributions to a number of human rights groups, including the Equal Justice Initiative, a non-profit organization committed to fighting racial injustice.

Not only Cook, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerber also expressed his support for opposing the issue of racial injustice in America. Through his personal page, the Facebook boss made a donation of 10 million US dollars or equivalent to Rp144 billion for human rights groups and people who need civil rights assistance, after the George Floyd incident.

Through its subsidiary Instagram, also supported this event through the hashtag #ShareBlackStories. The social media company also changed their logo color to black for a while.

"We hear you, we see you and we are with you. We stand against racism. We stand with our Black community - and all who work towards justice to honor George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and too many others whose names will not be forgotten. , "hashtag Instagram on Twitter.

Microsoft to Google

Not only social media companies, telecommunications service provider Verizon also voices its support for the issue of racial injustice in the United States. Tech giants such as Microsoft, Intel to Google also speak out for diversity and reject all forms of racial oppression.

In a tweet, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said that there is no place for hatred and racism in society. The company will also use its platform to amplify the voices of the black and African-American communities at Microsoft.

There is no place for hate and racism in our society. Empathy and shared understanding are a start, but we must do more. I stand with the Black and African American community and we are committed to building on this work in our company and in our communities. https://t.co/WaEuhRqBho

- Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) June 1, 2020

On the other hand, Google CEO Sundar Pichai also expressed support for all people of color by posting the words "We support racial equality and all those who seek it" on Google's home page in the Americas. Through its subsidiary, YouTube also does not hesitate to disburse funds of US $ 1 million (Rp.14.5 billion) as an effort to overcome social inequality.

Today on US Google & YouTube homepages we share our support for racial equality in solidarity with the Black community and in memory of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery & others who don't have a voice. For those feeling grief, anger, sadness & fear, you are not alone. pic.twitter.com/JbPCG3wfQW

- Sundar Pichai (sundarpichai) May 31, 2020

Not only that, many TV channel companies and streaming service providers have also changed their Twitter account profiles with the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter. Netflix, Amazon Studios, Hulu, and Disney also voiced anti-racism support through announcements uploaded via their official Twitter accounts.

pic.twitter.com/2ADW4KGmy5

- Disney (Disney) May 31, 2020