Man, what a shit year. I have no words for the events that have been taking place the passed week. Don’t get me wrong, I am a full supporter of the Black Lives Matter and I Can’t Breathe movement but, I cannot wrap my head around the violence and rioting. I have been trying to educate myself on the reasonings and I have a LITTLE better understanding on the rage but, I can’t help but to feel uneasy. I understand that I am I white woman, of white privilege, and I will never fully comprehend the pain, suffering, and fear my black brothers and sisters go through day to day. Just know, I am trying! I stand with you! I understand you are fed up and this is the only way you feel like your voice will be heard. Watching the riots the last couple nights, I am scared. I am scared of what my community will do to my business, my home, family, and myself. Which had me thinking, this is what black people feel everyday, and this is what is helping me process the reasoning. Do I think it is right? No. Do I think they are FINALLY going to get some change? Unfortunately, probably not. This is the world we live in, if we do not unify and stand together, there will be no change. The more riots and segregation that take place, the less chance the voices will be heard. I know A LOT of police officers who stand behind the Black Lives Matter, and don’t agree with what happened in Minnesota, to George Floyd. So why are we stereotyping ALL police officers? We need to make a change in the way officers are trained to de-escalate situations. Listen, NOT ALL POLICE OFFICERS ARE BAD, and, NOT ALL BLACK PEOPLE ARE BAD. But, the grey area in-between is what you and I need to work together on, to bind the bad blood.
Watching the riots last night in Downtown Phoenix, a group of people were being detained, on a curb. The newscaster walked over to interview one of the women, who was Mexican. He asked, “Why are you out here protesting?” and she replied over and over again with “We’re fed up.” I’m sorry but you feel so strongly about rioting and breaking windows but when you’re given a platform to use your voice and you don’t use it, then you’re out there to wreak havoc and torment police officers, not to fight for a solution. If you are so mad, you should be using every option you are offered to stand your ground and make your voice heard!
Let’s work together and truly make a difference. We need to educate ourselves and unite as one to become a part of the solution and not more of the problem.
If you are scared to go to the protests or scared to voice yourself through social media but want to educate yourself and make a difference, here are some links and tips below.
Anti-Racism Education:
75 Things White People Can do for Racial Justice
Anti-Racism resources
Petitions:
Text ‘Floyd’ to 55156 and sign the petition to help get every officer involved in the George Floyd case arrested
Justice for Breonna Taylor
Justice for Ahmaud Arbery
Take action:
Protest, peacefully.
Share petitions
Share anti-racism memes and posts
Educate others
Ask questions