Graphic images and videos of discrimination and brutality are often the catalysts of a movement. From the images of Emmett Till’s bruised face — beaten unrecognizable as his tearful mother stands over his casket — to the bodycam footage of Rodney King’s assault at the hands of four Los Angeles police officers, this evidence of injustice holds a power unlike any verbal account. 

Our generation is no stranger to this. In actuality, we consume an absurd amount of content — often harsh and traumatizing — that affects us in unprecedented ways. In 2020, it was impossible to avoid footage of George Floyd’s death echoing across platforms. To many, including myself, there is a sense of obligation to watch this footage — a feeling that to pay proper respect to these victims, we must suffer the heartbreak and sadness of witnessing their murder. It feels like the least we can do. 

That is not the truth, especially for the minorities that are most affected by these senseless murders. Forcing yourself to observe and reflect on a heinous act will not validate someone’s passing. You do not have to traumatize yourself to educate yourself. There are better ways to do the work. Let someone else bear that burden. 

In a study by Brendesha Tynes on the effects of race-related traumatic events online, results showed that “police killings, as well as viewing distressing news directed at members of one’s own racial-ethnic group or those who share the same immigration status, are related to poor mental health outcomes.”

In an interview with Verge, Tynes said, “It’s this difficult balance of needing the videos but also protecting your own mental health.”

“These sorts of videos, and the trauma they can cause, can make these kids feel worse about their racial identity, and make them internalize some of that dehumanization,” Tynes said. 

Just last week, the public braced themselves for the release of the bodycam footage of Tyre Nichol’s death in Memphis. Thousands of people have viewed the gruesome moments that lead to the death of another innocent Black man. 

The footage is so bad, that Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis had to warn the public of its incredibly graphic nature before it was released. She said it was as bad, if not worse than the footage of Rodney King’s assault. She described it as heinous, reckless and inhumane. 

Thousands of people are in pain and are suffering from the violence they saw in that video. It may spark outrage or a valuable movement, justifiably, but the personal ramifications are also important to consider. You can still join a movement, you can protest and donate and make your voice heard, but you will likely never forget what you have seen. In fact, you will likely internalize it. 

You must prioritize your mental health. 

Instead, look at images of Tyre Nichols when he was happy. Read about his life and his family, and find ways to support them through this. Tyre was much more than what those officers did to him, and there are many ways to make that known that don’t involve traumatizing yourself with the video of his death.