I was having a discussion with a peer about racism when I was told, "It [racism] isn't an issue up here - only down in the south". I was a bit taken aback by her statement. Then I began to think about the racism I've witnessed. It wasn't necessarily that racism was less prevalent, but it was, for the most part, incredibly subtle. I have never lived in the south, nor have I ever visited for any length of time so I can't speak to that region specifically, but I have lived in the Pacific Northwest my entire life, and have seen no shortage of racism in my short 24 years of life:
The woman who clutches her purse when she passes a black man.
The man who moves his family to a 'safer' neighborhood when the percentage of minorities rises too high.
The jogger who crosses the street rather than run by a pair of black men standing on the sidewalk.
The shop keeper who follows the black man around the store, and ignores the white, middle aged woman (who, statistically speaking, is more likely to be shop lifting).
The list goes on...
I read an interview from Noisey between Slava Pastuk and Donald Glover. Glover explains a situation wherein he walked up to an ATM machine, and the person in front of him grew increasingly agitated and uncomfortable. So Glover moved to the side and let the man finish his transaction. Glover comments to Pastuk, "I don't think white people know how much effort in my day is put into making them feel comfortable." This is the type of racism I've witnessed time and time again.
I was raised in an urban area and from a young age I was influenced to believe these same stereotypes and give in to these same attitudes - but I would never consider myself racist - I have black aunts, uncles, my own mother is half black. No one with black loved ones could be racist, right? Wrong. This is racism, arguably more subtle, but that doesn't change the fact that this attitude is racism. It is more subtle, but is it less harmful? Am I really 'lucky' to live in a place where racism is more subtle? Or is the subtlety a hindrance to any progress because not all notice the acts being committed? Regardless of whether or not I notice racism in my local community, I know that it still goes on elsewhere, and injustice anywhere is still injustice everywhere.
It has been said that silence is an action - and I couldn't agree more - or be more guilty of this. I've been passive for fear of being considered a racist rather than ignoring the political correctness of such issues and fighting against the actual issue of racism. I've struggled with figuring out my place in this fight. How do I stand with a group of people who are oppressed by others who look just like me? Is it okay for me to say anything at all? Or is it my position to keep my mouth shut and simply not contribute to the fight on either side? Is it at all possible for me to completely assimilate with others fighting for the eradication of racism? Does any of that even matter? If I see wrong-doing should I care at all about any of my inhibitions? Is it not my duty to stand up for the oppressed and ensure justice for all?
Anyone who knows me knows how passionate I am about the people of Africa, specifically West Africa. I make sacrifices financially, physically, and mentally to help bring justice to a downtrodden people group. This is a passion that burns so brightly within me - why shouldn't that passion for justice overflow into my time here in America?
The argument has been made that 'ALL lives matter' not just black lives. Of course they do! The point of 'black lives matter' isn't saying that no others do. I heard an analogy that so perfectly describes this - If a house in a subdivision was on fire, the fire department wouldn't show up and start spraying water on all the houses. They would spray water on the home that was burning because it is the one that needs help the most. 'Black lives matter' isn't about supremacy or creating a further divide - it is about extinguishing the flames of inequality and injustice that have so fiercely burned for hundreds of years.
I'm not naive enough to believe that there will come a time when injustice is eradicated entirely, but I am no longer willing to stand idly by, in the luxury of silence that white privilege has granted me, and not do anything to move towards becoming a nation that practices what it preaches - freedom, liberty, and justice.
What are you willing to risk to create a more just society?
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