With recent current events regarding racial injustice gaining more and more momentum, I've been struggling to know what I can say that could make any amount of difference. As a white person in this climate, it's a challenge to put together strong enough words that will both voice my deep support for the Black Lives Matter movement and avoid coming across as naive, entitled, or insensitive.
But I'm learning that sometimes the best way to learn the right thing to say is to say the wrong thing and have someone correct you.
I think that's a challenge many of us are facing lately. I think, or rather I hope, we are all feeling challenged today — challenged to have difficult and uncomfortable conversations about race; challenged to fight for a meaningful, historical, and very-much-needed societal change; challenged to educate ourselves and our neighbors about black history, culture, and personal stories; and challenged to join the forceful voices of the Black Lives Matter revolution.
As part of my own challenge, I'll say this: I am aware of my privilege. I'm aware I'll never understand what it feels like to be mistreated based solely on the color of my skin. I'm aware that I have a lot to learn, and I'm aware that it's a major privilege to be able to educate myself on racism rather than have to experience it.
That being said, maybe educating myself is one of the best things I can do right now, although it is definitely a long and winding process. It's like the famous quote says (which may or may not have come from Harry S. Truman): Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction. It's better to say something unintentionally wrong and later learn from it than to not say anything at all.
Instead of being silent out of fear that I'll say or do the wrong thing, I think we should all challenge ourselves to join the millions of passionate voices fighting in favor of racial justice and equality, be it through public protests, voting, making donations, signing petitions, or simply having some tough conversations with each other. The riots we're seeing on TV are terrifying, but there are tons of valuable ways to join in the action without putting yourself in danger.
You've heard it before, but I'll say it again. WHITE SILENCE IS VIOLENCE. If you see something that you know is wrong, do something about it. If you're reading this and are feeling called out, maybe there's a reason. (If I'm being honest, I think I'm calling myself out.)
There are no more excuses. Let's hold each other accountable, learn together, and take a stance against racial injustice. Do what you can, but please do something.
