When discussing the calls for justice and resistance from oppressed communities, one personal experience stands out vividly. I once found myself in a conversation where someone expressed anger using strong language against a dominant power. My immediate instinct was to feel defensive—but then I reminded myself to listen with empathy. Expressions such as "Death to America" are often misunderstood when taken out of context. Historical and global examples show that these phrases emerge from deep pain and a long history of oppression. They are not literal calls for violence but rather rallying cries born from decades of suffering caused by imperialism and colonization. Recognizing this context is crucial to responding with solidarity rather than offense. In my journey to better understand these perspectives, I've realized that centering the feelings or safety of the dominant group—often white or Western populations—can unintentionally uphold the very systems of violence that oppressed peoples are resisting. It requires an active and intentional effort to shift this mindset to one of genuine allyship. For instance, hearing these cries without jumping to defensiveness allowed me to connect more deeply with the historical grievances that fuel such expressions. Instead of asking for specific explanations or policing these narratives, we can acknowledge the pain and support efforts to dismantle oppressive structures. This approach emphasizes the importance of listening first and approaching such conversations with humility and empathy. By doing so, we contribute to a broader movement toward healing and justice. It’s about standing in solidarity, understanding that oppressed peoples don’t owe us specificity or reassurance—what they seek is liberation and the end of violence enacted in their name.