Why You Are Outraged
What business do I have to discuss matters of racism? Shouldn’t I stay in my swim lane pertaining to positivity and productivity? Absolutely not.
No, because what we see is wrong. And don’t we teach our youth that when we see something wrong, that we should say something? “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemy, but the silence of our friends.”
No, because how can we know what positivity and productive feels like when there is such negativity existing in the hearts of people and in the world? We need to examine the racism that exists in people and in our systems. By being acutely aware of it, then only can we consciously be a change.
“Precisely at the point when you begin to develop a conscience, you must find yourself at war with your society.” — James Baldwin
Stop focusing on looting in Minneapolis.
Be outraged that police keep killing black men. — I’ve found this to be a litmus test on where the division begins in people. Folks who’s first reaction is to bring up looting are folks that fail to see the original crime, the injustices of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and more. Until there is a common rage over the original crime, how can we move on to discuss anything else. The First Principles.
Don’t be silent.
I’m going to venture out and say that doing anything is better than nothing. You keeping this conversation going is something. Similar to tackling anything that seems too large to solve, it all begins with one step. Taking one bite out of the apple at a time. So take the first step of having a conversation with someone and show them it’s ok to talk about it and to feel something about it.
“The most dangerous creation of any society is the man who has nothing to lose.” — James Baldwin
DIG EVEN DEEPER
WHY: Thanks for making it this far. If you’re willing to go even further, here’s a nice article by Esquire that gives ideas on, “Here’s How You Can Take a Stand For George Floyd Right Now.”
