I’m not talking about the global pandemic.
I know that words aren’t the solution, but words do provide a different perspective.
A hundred years ago, I think that racism was a hatred that was learned from a previous generation and passed along. Today it seems like racism is based on a fear — a fear of the unknown perhaps? A fear perpetuated by the media perhaps? Whatever the reason, there seems to be a fear in particular of anyone with skin darker than white and it makes me really sad for the world. Does that make it better? Of course not. Does it mean there is hope for change? I hope so.
A dear friend of mine posted today on Instagram: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” – Desmond Tutu. For days, I’ve struggled with the right words…
I am white. I will never know what it feels like to be a minority. I will never know what it feels like to be treated like a stereotype just because of the color of my skin. I will never know how it feels to be a mom terrified for the safety of my child simply because of his/her skin color.
But I do have friends of all colors. I know this is a reality for them every single day, and this is so disappointing. It is 2020. How is this still an issue? It’s 2-0-2-0.
But here we are again — another person has died at the hands of racism. I can’t watch the video. I can’t watch someone die. But I also don’t need to watch the video to feel sad and angry and disappointed. Enough is enough.
To all my friends with different skin color than me… My heart is with you. I hear you. I love you. I will stand by you. Always.
