Hey there friends, I’ve been sitting on a new video for a couple days because there’s some really important things going on in the world and I didn’t feel it was an appropriate distraction. I’m releasing it today, but first allow me a few words.
Things haven’t changed much since the death of George Floyd. People are still defending the actions of his murderer, attacking his character and trying to silence the voices of those who demand Justice, which should be the demand of every member of the human race. Police and racial violence is an epidemic in this country and the most vulnerable people are targeted, we must use our voices and listen to the voices of those most directly affected if we ever expect to see justice done. If this week has taught us one thing, it’s that We Need To Do Better.
As a white person, what can I do? Simply, if you see something, say something. Listen to the concerns of those who have a different perspective, don’t be afraid to challenge yourself or your perceptions of how race and racism effects individuals. My hope is that anyone reading this would already have the courage to speak up themselves, but we need to do more, we need to encourage ourselves and others to do more. Support People of Color in your community, be it neighborhood, workplace or internet subculture. Call out racism, stand together, listen and learn.
On a personal note, please vote. I have seen a number of radical voices out there saying that voting is worthless, Biden is the same as Trump etc. We are at a crucial moment in our human history and we need to vote with needs of the least fortunate in mind so they get the rights and protection they so desperately need. I am no fan of the reluctance to speak up that many of our leaders share, but not voting is siding with the oppressor. Enourage your leaders to speak out against acts of injustice perpetuated against Americans, specifically Black Americans.
And of course, indigenous peoples, immigrants, people with different levels of accessibility, LGBT+ and every other class or creed that finds themselves in the crosshairs of marginalization and discrimination. Yes, All Lives Matter, but it’s a disingenuousness statement in light of George Floyd and Eric Garner and countless others. This is a pressing issue that requires attention above my own struggles as a Trans woman and sex worker, we need to stand together now, in hopes that we can stand together in the future. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
Another quote… ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Simply, any subjugation done to a fellow human should be rallied against, the inequity of one person effects every person. Accepting or ignoring it takes away our humanity.
Seek out oppression, seek out injustice, seek out voices who are desperate for equality. It can be tough as a white person to find the right words, but listening and empathy are your gateway to understanding and being an ally.
Below are some links that I’d encourage you to explore. I’m not interested in debating the merits of rioting or the effectiveness of the police, I’m taking this time to listen and learn while so many are sharing their struggles. Please don’t start any debates in the comments and if this message is offensive to you, please take time to consider how universal this message really is. There are times to share opinions and there are times to listen and the world really needs to sit down and listen.
Stay strong, be bold for those who are suffering. Thank you for listening, more stuff soon.
LA Resources – https://secretlosangeles.com/black-lives-matter-movement-action/
ACLU – Police Abuse Manual – https://www.aclu.org/other/fighting-police-abuse-community-action-manual?redirect=racial-justice_prisoners-rights_drug-law-reform_immigrants-rights/fighting-police-abuse-community-ac
BLM.com – https://blacklivesmatter.com/
Watch –
La Haine (1995, Kassovitz)
Central Park 5 (2012, Burns)
Fruitvale Station (2013, Coogler)
We can make the world better, but only together.
