Juneteenth 2020

I don’t pretend to be an expert on the topic of racism. I do want to be knowledgeable and helpful. But this woman is an expert.  So if you do nothing else today watch this 7 min clip of Jane Elliot on the tonight show with Jimmy Fallon.  https://youtu.be/f2z-ahJ4uws

See resources at the bottom for film recommendations from a trusted source. 

I have always thought of myself as a protector of sorts (see future post re:  the pandemic and my enneagram type) and I remember having curiosity about other cultures and people of different skin colors since I was a child.  I would cheer for the underdog if I was interested in sports.  I don’t even know if making an analogy for nonwhite people as an underdog is appropriate. However, in America, it seems to me, nonwhite people and especially black people have an additional ongoing battle.  Up until I submitted my saliva for genetic testing I thought my Heritgage was Nez Perce.  I still think that in my heart. (and of course I question the validity of the dna test)  as a child I was told that Chef Joseph was my relative.  I’d sometimes check the box next to American Indian. But in society I am white.  I am treated as a white woman when I travel.  I have always known that carries weight in certain circumstances.  It’s usually a privilege (The white part, not always the woman part).  I have no knowledge of what it’s like to be judged by my skin color on a daily basis. 

When I see anyone claiming that white privilege doesn’t exist, I assume that it’s because they live in rural America, have not traveled much and their close friends are white.  Or possibly they are just in denial, have shame or fear that keeps them from acknowledging the truth. 

If the conversation about racism makes you uncomfortable, that’s good.  It’s time to be uncomfortable.  It’s like all the other uncomfortable conversations that we as american’s like to sweep under the rug, ie. domestic violence, sexism, homophobia, etc. The more things are talked about, the more we learn and can do better.  We all have preconceived notions about other people, woman, men, black, white, brown, gay, trans, homeless, rich, poor, and fill in the blank, pretending that we don’t hasn’t helped the situation.  The conversation is past due. Action is past due.  Trying on some different shoes is past due. Walking in those shoes is way past due.  Let’s read, and learn and discuss together.  Let us be open to being questioned, let us be open to learn.  That’s how we grow as humans.  That’s how our society will grow and be better for us, your children and your grandchildren. 

Fear, is for sure, the opposite of love, but as I keep reading, niceness(politeness) isn’t the opposite of racism.  Anti-racism is.  This is an interesting 10 minute video https://youtu.be/9Jin7ISV85s discussing just that.  

I think about the times that I’ve spoken up to no avail or I’ve been laughed at for my views. I’m saddened/ashamed by the times I ignored or pretended not to hear racist or bigoted jokes and blatant use of derogatory terms.  Seeing and hearing these things said in front of children who learn fear and hate from their family members and not speaking up.  I’m part of the problem.  I must do better.  Pretending it doesn’t exist isn’t the answer.  Sometimes it’s uncomfortable to speak out, it’s not popular, it’s not convenient, but let’s do it anyway. Together.  If you can’t be the first one in the room to stand up but someone else does, there’s your second chance to do what’s right.  

So today is Juneteenth.  If you don’t know what that is, I didn’t know until recently, please do some research to understand it. Let’s learn and grow.  Let’s lead with love and not fear. Let’s all try on some different colored shoes today and step into discomfort while practicing our empathy.  Let’s grow into better humanity together.  https://www.juneteenth.com/history.htm

I am so very thankful for the friends I have made from all over the world of all colors and genders.  I appreciate the opportunity to know you and learn from you.  

If you are white and are offended by anything I’ve written, please take a deep look into the why of it?  What’s the root of your emotion? I’ve been questioning my uncomfortable feelings and it’s been eye opening.  If you are not white (of fall into any other category of marginalized people) and are offended by anything I’ve written by all means I’m open to hear what you have to say and how I can be a better friend and ally to the cause of equality.

Black lives matter.  And just in case you are triggered into saying “all lives matter”, of course they do.  No one is saying otherwise, it’s just at this time in history black lives are the focus. Injustice directed at black lives is the focus.  Just like when a house is on fire on your street.  Do you point the firemen in the direction of the house on fire, or do you yell “all houses matter”?   

Virtual hugs and real love, 

Serena

Recommended films- 

Just Mercy (free to rent on Amazon prime)

13th (Netflix)

I Am Not Your Negro (Amazon) documentary tying past to present via the writing andcsoeaking if James Baldwin.

If you want to support an effective charity/cause, the Equal Justice Coalition (EJC) out of Alabama, depicted in the film Just Mercy, is a great start.