Time for change: A new chapter
I’m not even sure where to start because there are so many questions and so many emotions surrounding this past week’s events. I wanted to jot down my thoughts so that I can I look back in a year and know that changes that have been made in the great state of MN and across the country. This wonderful state has provided many opportunities for me and my family. But it has also unfortunately been a place where indescribable things have happened to innocent people and now is making national news. Sow now what?
I can’t even pretend that I have ever been afraid to leave my house or be out in public because of the color of my skin. While there have been instances where I have been nervous or anxious because I am female, those are few and far between and not something I deal with on a daily basis. I can’t change the color of my skin or where or how I was raised. What I can do is make sure that I educate my children to have an open mind and an open heart. I want them to see people and not their skin color. Everyone deserves an equal opportunity regardless of how light or dark they are. But back to the question. So now what?
What can we do now so that this kind of act never happens again? What can we do so that our young children are never afraid to be themselves and are accepted for who they are, not what color they are.
My heart breaks for the families that have to explain to their children that they can’t do certain things or go certain places because of the color of their skin. My eyes have been opened to the reality of an issue that often gets overlooked. So what can we do to get a handle on this situation and move forward toward a more accepting, empathetic culture.
1. Educate yourself. You don’t have to have a Ph.D. in ethnic studies or be a history scholar. But making an effort to learn the history and current issues relevant to the communities you support is an important part of being an ally. Getting educated includes learning about the way that power, privilege, and oppression have impacted others’ lives, as well as your own.
2. Speak up - even if it’s uncomfortable. When you see racism rearing its head in your day-to-day life, say something. Too often, people of color are left holding all the responsibility for educating others and speaking up about racism, but racism is everyone’s issue.
3. Know the difference between intent and impact. It’s easy to recognize overt racism, but it can be harder to recognize – and therefore, to challenge – racism when it comes with good intentions. Try to understand the perspectives of people of color when they express discomfort, hurt, or anger and listen for ways you can change behaviors.
4. Challenge the behavior, not the person. Accusing another person of being a racist automatically puts them on the defensive, shutting them down and ending the conversation. Encourage thoughtfulness and dialogue by addressing racist behaviors and language, without escalating into hostility and name-calling.
5. Be willing to make mistakes. When racism is part of the culture, we all absorb beliefs and attitudes that are shaped by that reality. Our actions will sometimes reflect this despite our best efforts, meaning that we all make mistakes from time to time, and can unknowingly cause anger or hurt. Don’t panic or despair. A willingness to genuinely listen, engage, and apologize when necessary, goes a long way.
While I don’t have all the answers, I do know right from wrong, and I know what happened to George Floyd was unthinkable. I will never know what it feels like to be anything other than a white female, but I do have empathy for those where fear is part of their everyday life. I will do my part to further educate myself and teach my children the power of doing the right thing, regardless of the circumstances. I sincerely hope that this weeks events are a catalyst for change and we will look back at this time where a new chapter is written in our history books.