I was really hesitant about writing this piece. Most of the time, when it comes down to writing one of these articles, the only thing on my mind is how to work my love of Five Guys burgers into whatever nonsense I'm talking about. But honestly, I really just can't do that this time. There is way too much going on in the world right now that is too important to ignore in favor of some mildly amusing list with some GIFs attached.

Here's the thing: I'm not very articulate. I'm not very good at talking about the important things. I'm not someone who likes to get on a metaphorical soapbox to tell people what I think; I don't think people will actually listen. But this is a platform I have at my disposal that other people don't, and I would be doing a disservice to them to not use everything within my power to try to get people to realize that things have to change or at least think about some things differently. It might not be a very strong platform, it's definitely not one that anyone takes seriously, but for today I'm gonna try to make it one.

Before you start to worry, I know it is definitely not my place to speak as though I have any idea what any marginalized person has gone though, so I'm not going to. I'm just going to ask some questions that I'm sick of not having answers to. Please consider the following:

Haven't we had enough yet? Like, as a nation? As a community of human beings? How haven't we realized that nothing is better than it was, it's just prejudice taking different forms? How haven't we gotten tired of watching the same things happen over and over again? How haven't we even tried to make some changes?

Why, why, why are people content with that fact that entire groups of people are persecuted every day for the things that they cannot help? Why are we OK with the unbearable burden carried by black mothers who have no choice but to worry every single second their son is out that he won't come home? How can we continue to allow black women to die in police custody without even a proper investigation? How can we turn another black life taken at the hands of police brutality and reduce them to a hashtag that will feel powerful until it isn't trending anymore?

And how can we ever hope to unite if there are those who are always trying to tear us apart? When will people realize that violence is not an act of courage, but an act of fear? An act that proves that for some, it is preferable to instill terror, anger and hatred in others than it is to attempt to see another human being for who they are? Why would someone rather shoot down a bunch of cops during a peaceful protest to provoke hostility, fear and distrust between people instead of spread happiness or compassion? Why is it ever okay to take a life?

Here's the thing: I am unbelievably privileged to have the life I do. I don't know what it is like to be terrified to turn on the news at the risk of finding out that my brother was the next victim of some terrible injustice. I don't know what it's like to be looked at as a representation of everyone with my skin color. I don't know a lot of things.

But I do know that it is important to value the lives and experiences of others and stand in solidarity with them when it is right. I do know that any voice is stronger than silence, so this is how I'm using mine. How are you using yours?