I do not want to go backwards. I don’t want to live how I did three weeks ago, two weeks ago, or even one week ago. Our world is changing, and I want to be a part of that change.
I have a tremendous amount of respect for the people who are protesting, physically standing up for the #blacklivesmatter campaign, NOW and AGAIN, but we ALL have to play a role moving forward.
I want to do a lot, and spend every day from now on out actively doing something. First up, is to read, watch, listen, start and continue challenging conversations.
Racial diversity is real, cultural diversity is real, we are not all the same, but no one is better than anyone else, white people have just taken advantage of everyone else.
I am aware of my white privilege and ignorance.
I know that I have benefited from opportunities because of the color of my skin, and the family I was born into. I am also embarrassed with how much of our country’s history I did not know. Or, that what I thought I knew, was just barely scratching the surface.
For example, last Saturday while watching Ava DuVernay’s amazing film, “13th”, I was upset that my wonderful high school US history teacher did not reveal Nixon’s strategy to annihilate the Civil Rights movement. Then I thought, “Why didn’t I ask more questions back then? Maybe he would’ve gone deeper?” The fact is, I didn’t know what to say. It made me feel uncomfortable, and I didn’t want to offend my black friends by prolonging the lesson, because I assumed it made them feel uncomfortable, too. But I have no idea how they felt, because we didn’t talk about it.
Enough.
It’s up to me to learn the truth. It’s up to me to live the truth. And, yes, that most likely means I will put my foot in my mouth asking questions and sharing my opinion to my black friends and acquaintances numerous times for the rest of my life. In fact, I am pretty sure that already happened in the last few days, but I am willing to embrace those cringe worthy moments if they help make progress.
And progress is being made, but we’re nowhere near the finish.
It's time to grab some fuel, throw water over our heads, and keep going.
The song and video choice this week is a recent release from Khalid and Disclosure, “Know Your Worth.” The video is danceTASTIC, and the melody and meaning is upbeat. Enjoy.:)