I truly believe we all have a part to play when it comes to standing up for what’s right. Trying to stay out seems harmless, but unintentionally, it clears a path for those who oppose the truth by giving them passive permission to continue on without being checked.
These last couple of weeks have really brought a lot of attention to the Black Lives Matter movement, and issues around racial discrimination and injustice.
You don’t need to look far to see how people are reacting to everything that’s going on. The protests, social media posts, corporate statements, comments, etc. Many are concerned if they don’t post something, they’ll look like they’re part of the problem.
First, I don’t believe that’s true. Social media is being used to spread a message, but it’s not the end all be all. Posting something ignorantly, in my opinion, is worse than not posting at all. Second, it’s better to walk the walk and let it do your talking for you.
For those who aren’t sure how to help, now is the time to start doing some digging. Understand why these issues are being brought up, why people are out there protesting in the middle of a pandemic, and what they’re calling for. You no longer have the excuse of turning a blind eye.
With that said, there may be some who do understand, but still wonder how their voice can help, especially if they haven’t personally faced any sort of form of racism or discrimination or whatever. It’s easier to have sympathy than empathy in this case. But you can feel empathy on principle. Think about it this way – have you ever felt unheard? Ignored? Belittled? Felt like you are being treated as less? That feeling is the key right there. It’s frustrating, to say the least. Now imagine feeling it for YEARS. That’s a lot of tension and stress to feel.
There’s a whole community that feels this way, but even more amplified.
And that’s why it matters that you speak up if you can and help. If you don’t like being treated that way, why is it fair that others are? We should be looking out for one another because it’s the right thing to do. Even if you are not directly impacted (although, arguably, you are even if you don’t think so but that’s another conversation on its own), you’re helping fight for what we believe society should be – equal for all.
You don’t need to be black, or a visible minority to feel connected. What you do need, is to tap into your humanity, to find your voice, and speak for those who need it most.
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