There is an epidemic in our country of violence towards people of color (particularly black men) at the hands of police, and others. When I was ten years old, Rodney King was beaten almost to death by the LAPD. Im now thirty three and countless other men of color have been beaten and killed by police since. I was hurt and angry then, and I continue to be now. For me justice around this issue must include questions and action around its root causes. Can we as a culture address the systemic racism thats built into our society? Can we acknowledge that this kind of violence IS an epidemic and a serious crisis? Can we have open public dialogue about why people of color are often treated by police and others in ways that white folks often find difficult to even imagine? Can I, as a white skinned person, ask myself difficult questions at this time... What is my role in making sure this violence and inequality doesnt continue? Are there ways in which I perpetuate this inequality, even unconsciously? Are there ways that I can think and act differently that would be more aligned with the racial justice I feel committed to? I have not had to deal with the profiling, stereotyping and violent treatment that so many of my friends of color have. I am one of those who doesnt know directly what that experience is like. I do know that I witness loved ones experience this reality, that Im hurt and angered by it, and that I must actively participate in changing it. For me its a continuous process to see and understand how I can best participate in this change, but its a process I feel deeply committed too. I welcome feedback and continuing conversation, and Im grateful for all the family, friends and colleagues who are also asking these questions and taking transformative action.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 23:04:14 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015