06/03/2020
For once, don’t do it.
Don’t pretend there’s not a problem in America.
Don’t turn your back on racism.
Don’t accept innocent lives being taken from us.
Don’t make any more excuses.
Don’t think this doesn’t affect you.
Don’t sit back and be silent.
Don’t think you can’t be part of the change.
Let’s all be part of the change.
- Nike Ad
I've never posted anything like this on my IG account, but today I feel that I must. I’m a white woman and I understand that I have benefited from being born with that privilege (although I'm sure I will never truly understand to what extent completely). What I have witnessed this past week in my hometown has brought feelings of outrage, sadness, disbelief, and hurt. More than ever, it’s time to condemn systemic racism - vocally, loudly, explicitly, passionately, intelligently, and tirelessly. It’s not enough to quietly oppose what every one of us damn well knows is happening around us. We need to turn anger and disbelief that a black man can be murdered in broad daylight by a police officer (who KNOWS his actions are being taped) into action and advocate for change.
When I was working as a social researcher in Denver years ago, a colleague of mine was telling us about her 3 young sons and a few of the “hard, NON-negotiable rules”. One of the most crucial was that they were NEVER EVER to run ANYWHERE unless they were on a sports field, in a gym class, etc. I looked at her confused for a second, and then I realized what she was saying and I was so flooded with sadness and anger, I felt sick.....can you imagine having to actually teach your child that a totally normal, natural activity like running outside is forbidden because some day that could cost you your life? Speak up people.... EVERYone deserves to live a life filled with equality and HOPE for a better tomorrow.