#reeducate

I understand that things may feel scary and overwhelming right now, but for privileged members of society, the responsibility now more than ever, is to be an ally. Now is the time to get involved in any way you can, whether in the streets or from your home. As our continued actions manifest changes within law enforcement and government structures, we must not forget to include the change needed within our society as well. Although the bravery many are currently showing, and the sustained and strong efforts of those partaking in the movement is incredible, it does not change the minds of those who are not currently with us. We must also focus our efforts to sustain the changes we are seeing and to ensure a lasting legacy of toppling white supremacy. 

Race is a social construct. What this really means, is that no one is born racist. Racism is taught, whether in the home or though the media and systems in place to keep certain members of our society in power. It is not enough to dismantle institutionalized racism if individuals within society still do not understand the pain and suffering it has caused. To unite and raise up all of humanity, we must focus not just on those who are most disenfranchised, but on those who lack education and understanding of the world’s power structures. With understanding we can achieve momentum and lasting change.

Just as we teach our children the importance of treating everyone equally, we must offer the same courtesy to those adults who were not afforded this same service as children. It is not always obvious to those who benefit from systemic racism the privilege they are afforded. And it is not always their fault. It is the fault of an underfunded and white washed public education system that serves to further the convenient and comfortable narrative of the white suppressors and their pillaging of what is now the United States. 

It is difficult for anyone to admit they are wrong, or don’t understand, and it is even scarier to admit to benefiting from another's pain, even unconsciously. People are afraid of change, it is uncomfortable. But that does not mean that change is bad. For this, we must work to educate others from a place of compassion rather than anger. Those who do not understand systemic racism are also products of a broken system that can only be dismantled when people truly understand its foundations and flaws. There is no excuse for hate, and racism should not be tolerated, but please I urge everyone who already agrees with me to greet others with compassion and courage. It is only through open dialogue and honest conversation that minds can be changed and communities strengthened. We must never tolerate racism but we must also never tolerate ignorance that leads to hate. 

Be strong in your sense of justice and equality for all. And be strong in educating others to the pains and horrors perpetrated by a racist system. Understand that change takes time. Those who are learning need time to process new information and work towards changing their scope and principles. The space granted to another to reeducate themself must not be confused with complacency. Patience should only be granted only to those actively working to understand their privilege and the foundations of white supremacy that the US was founded on. It must ultimately be understood that it could, sadly, take generations to undo the damage caused by an entire world history built on the backs of others. To those who are suffering, this is far too long. We all owe it to humanity to work to better ourselves and the society we live in. 

Black Lives Matter. If you agree with this statement but are white and don’t believe yourself to be part of the problem; that is the problem. Whiteness as superiority has been so deeply embedded into every institution within American Society, the message may go easily unnoticed by those without Black and Brown bodies. It is a responsibility to learn about systemic oppression and injustices and understand how we may benefit so we can effect change. It is powerful to be able to admit when we do not understand and it is even more courageous to admit the understanding to oneself and to others, that they may have benefited from another’s pain. The real power is in people learning the truth and working to understand the true history of genocide and slave labor that the US is built on. Let us use education to reframe racist points of view and create a community where the safety and prosperity of all is at the forefront. 

Ok so a store near my hometown is selling t-shirts big deal right? Wrong. The pure ignorance of people just astounds me. I really wanted to confront them, but I currently am not in the head space to have a internet fight with some uneducated red necks. Just making this post is giving them more of my time than they deserve.

So I was scrolling through Facebook watching the world burn. Then suddenly I see a cheery post praising these new t-shirts. I know that the the person posting it had good intentions because they likely don't know the historical connotations behind the symbols the shirt sports so proudly. I know this because we went to the same public school, and it was never taught. I learned it much later in life watching a show about prison gangs.

Maybe I'm over reacting but I just can't see any context where wearing this symbol would be 'ok'. Like rethink your design sweetheart. Maybe read a book. Or for god sakes at least watch one of the countless movies on the subject.

Anyway, here is the shirt.

And for those of you that may not know wth I'm talking about, here is the wiki for the symbol.