MUSE: Black Lives Matter protests happening all over the country after the murder of George Floyd.
MUSING:
There is a lot of footage of and postings about the physical reaction of thousands taking to the streets to protest the racist and violent actions of the American Law Enforcement. Unfortunately a lot of their message of change and hurt was drowned out by the aggressive reactions of the police. All over the country, protesters of every race were pushed, yelled at, tear-gassed, and arrested by police choosing to silence the protesters rather than stand up for what is right. And though I cannot be part of these protests myself (I’m currently living in the middle of nowhere), I know it is important to stay informed, educated, and engaged with the conversations happening around this movement. And yet I haven’t posted my feelings about injustice in the past. It’s easy to say I didn’t know what to say, and harder to admit that notion comes from an inner feeling of being disconnected from the issue. And that disconnect comes from my white privilege. I believe this must be examined further as I consider how to support the movement, and dismantle the ignorance that plays a part in the injustice people are still facing in this country.
Oh course there is my obvious white privilege to reflect on. I personally do not experience the racism and oppression that my Black friends and fellow citizens do on a daily bases. I need to acknowledge that, and their experiences in order to be an ally. How can I help fight against something that I am ignorant to most days? Beyond that, I am privilege in many other ways. I am privileged in my education. I am privileged in my nationality. I am privileged in my economic status. I am privileged in my health. I am even privileged to have parents that not only passed their privileged down to me, but raised me to be kind and liberally minded. I’m thankful to NOT have bigoted influences in my life to fight against. Even though there isn’t a fight in my personal life for equality, that doesn’t mean I can’t be part of the fight.
An important conversation that is taking place around the protests in the difference between being ‘not racist’ and Anti-racist. It may look similar in the actual wording, but in meaning there is huge difference. To be ‘NOT racist’ one can continue being ignorant and inactive to the problem. To not participate in racism is enough in their minds. But to be ANTI-RACIST, one must be willing and able to fight against racism. This wording calls for actual action. And this is what oppressed citizens are asking from those of us with the privileges they do not have. That we use those tools to take up arms with them, rather than sit on the sidelines. Oppressed citizens are in a dangerous battle against a corrupt government, and they are only going to win if we all stand with them as true allies. As true Americans. We have to look at ourselves and the role we play through our actions and inaction. I am ready to move beyond ‘not being racist’ and towards the powerful movements that is Anti-racism. At this time I can stand with them by being engaged in the conversation, making donations to organizations helping those involved in the protests, and listening to anyone who needs support at this time. What can you do?