After reading responses to the planned Black Lives Matter protest at the Twin Cities Marathon on Sunday ("Marathon protest plan fuels fears for runners," Sept. 30) what I think is ironic is that a whole bunch of rich, white people are angry about a black protest urging social change.
I think we all need to look at this at a higher level. It doesn't need to be about police brutality, but about how society as a whole is set up to keep a group of people marginalized. Race participants protesting the protest are privileged to just be competing in such an event. As a marathon runner myself, I began to reflect on the demographics of any race I've ever participated in. The events are predominantly white. In fact, when researching the issue, I discovered that only 1.6 percent of all marathon runners are African-American. I also discovered that the typical marathon runner earns about $75,000 a year.
African-Americans make up 13 percent of Americans, so why isn't the number of black marathoners comparable? Is it because black people don't want to run? I don't think so. If you visit the urban neighborhoods that see much of the police brutality that Black Lives Matter is protesting, you don't see many people out for a jog. Lack of a safe space for exercise is a strong barrier. I also think that economic barriers might be a factor. Twenty-seven percent of African-Americans live in poverty.
The cost of registration for the Twin Cities Marathon alone is $165, not to mention the hundreds of dollars that the typical marathoner spends on running gear. With the high rate of poverty in urban communities, I think that lack of time for vigorous exercise also plays a part. For this demographic, earning an income and taking care of their children (the rate of single motherhood for African-Americans soars way higher than that of any other demographic) is much more important than hours and hours of exercise.
Ultimately, what's more important — your six months of rigorous training, or fighting for justice for a group of Americans enduring a lifetime of oppression? Why can't we all just "run" together?
Gin Eckert, Minneapolis
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As a former Black Lives Matter supporter, I've removed my lawn sign because the original intent of protest against police brutality and the killing of unarmed blacks has taken a twist that includes disruption of people's freedom and constructive causes that support healthy choices for all. It's unfortunate that Black Lives Matter has made a big mistake and gone beyond its original intent. The backlash will hurt its cause and the black lives it has wanted to help.
Carol Cochran, Minneapolis
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