I've noticed a lot of people I know have a very different view than I do of the recent civil unrest in America. A lot of people I know are focused on things they've seen on TV and video like buildings burning, destruction of property, or violent activity in the name of protest. Yes those things occurred, but it's really disheartening to see people focusing on them when so much positive has happened. I want to let people know what I've seen occur in my world.
I've seen a lot of white friends and aquaitances doing their best to do better after realizing they've been quiet for too long (I myself have definitely been quiet for too long.) People are reading and sharing books about the struggles black people face, and attending marches where speakers give great first hand information. They're making donations to groups who are working to level the playing field in our country. I've seen people using things like email and public comment to weigh in on decisions our local government makes that impact marginalized groups. I've seen people supporting black businesses because they have been hit disproportionately hard by the recent ecomic downturn. The people I speak of are not career protesters who are lazy and not interested in working as the media often portrays many activists. They are teachers, medical providers, social workers, computer programmers, scientists and members of many other hard working professions. They did not get tricked or pressured into thinking racism is a problem by the media or by any group that is fighting for racial equality. They drew their conclusions on their own through things they've seen with their own eyes, things they've learned from their students, patients, friends and members of their own communities. I'm hesitant to call a moment beautiful that should have happened decades ago, but it's been great to see such a push in the right direction. (Again, I myself have been guilty of waiting too long and I'm also trying to do better now.)
I say all this not to brag or pat my little social circle on the back, but because I'm sick of hearing that the last several weeks divided our country. I know that in some ways that did happen, but that's not what I'm seeing in my world. And I know similar positive things are happening all across America. If your take away from the last few weeks ends up being that this moment divided America, that's really too bad. There is so much good happening right now that so many more people could be a part of. While I'm sad that we even need a movement to eradicate racism in the year 2020, the last few weeks have been really exciting. If you have not been a part of the positive movement, you are missing a great opportunity and I urge you to join in. You don't have to walk down the street carrying a sign to do so. You can simply start by learning some things you might not know. Just Google "redlining and it's impact today, "GI bill and black history", or "racial wealth gap" and see what comes up. You'll be amazed at what you learn. It's so important for everyone to know what problems are out there. Only then can we fix them.
Thanks for reading this.I hope it didn't come across as bragging or condescending. But there seems to be such a strong message out there that we've been divided, and I believe people should know that's just not the case everywhere. If you're still on the sidelines, please consider being part of the much overdue solution that many are working very hard to find.
