It’s time to talk about race.
I’m not sure how I feel about writing this blog and how I genuinely feel about the state of the world we are in. My uncharacteristic silence speaks deeply and also speaks to the hurt I feel and have experienced. The hurt that is now being mirrored across the world.
I am often challenging when it comes to speaking about the position of black people in the world. I have had many a debate with friends, family and colleagues sharing my thoughts on the social mobilisation of black people. I am inclined to challenge the internal rhetoric of my people to see us rise and to limit the strength of the historical tether that once held us in bondage physically (I will come back to this In light of recent events) and has succeeded in holding us in psychological bondage for decades.
The issue of race is complex, I will not speak for every black person in this blog, but I will speak as one who stands in this diverse group, as one who has a voice that I own and have learnt to appreciate through the journey.
So, what’s the issue?
In light of recent events, 2020 has become the year of the uncomfortable, pain filled, secrets buried, resources not shared, family reunion.
We have seen the equivalent of two families who have been separated by favouritism, misunderstanding and a lack of real communication, finally come face to face.
For generations this family have known and felt things about each other that could not be addressed so were suppressed.
Along the way some family members have worked out their stance and have enjoyed each other’s company without restraint or resentment. Others have politely danced around each other and returned to their camps when necessary. While others have held the deep-rooted thoughts and feelings of their forefathers, making progress impossible, unequal, frustrating and a matter of life and death for many.
One side of this dysfunctional family has held the family fortune. Depending on where you are in the world this may present itself in terms of wealth, access to fair education, health care and opportunity. This side of the family will often feel the anger of the other side of the family, some concious and others unconcious of the reasons why. This side of the family have also been born into the good family name and so most days there is no knowldge of the experinces of the other side of the family, no real need to venture into that reality. And as the generations have come and gone, due to their experiences this side of the family have been envyingly allowed to forget the depth of the history that exists between the two sides.
Meanwhile, the other side of this dysfuctional family has been stripped from their wealth, culture and identity. This side of the family are not allowed to forget the history because they have to continually fight for fair opportunities, for equal unbiased access to services, in some instances the right to life. When this side of the family unites and self-mobilises, it is met with resistance, Oklahoma (1921) and workplace inequality are a few examples. This side of the family also have to battle against the negative gossip and thought processes of some of their relatives. Many have developed thick skin in the face of adversity. Many are internally and externally fighting for their identity. Whilst others are taking the system to task ensuring that their life matters. This side of the family have argued, lost children to inequality and pleaded with the other side of the family to listen and as a result have been labelled the black sheep.
Taking the knee
The stories of George Floyd, Breyonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, Sheku Bayoh (insert multiple names here) all reflect the tensions in the family and how easily the physical tether is reemployed. Some members of one side so desperately and whole heartedly believe what their forefathers believed and created is the right way. They believe it so much that they can not take their knee off the neck of the family member who is saying I can’t breathe under this oppression, I can’t breathe under the inequality, I simply can’t breathe. So what this family member will do is protest, will take the knee in front of the flag, will become anti-establishment, will become angry, will find ways to say to you that they can’t breathe. Hopefully in ways that will not see them taking a last breath.
For years that cry of ‘I can’t breathe’ has been ignored resulting in the erosion in the voice of humanity. Erosion in the voice of fairness and has suffocated the hope and resolve of many.
The physical knee that was taken in the case of George Floyd was a violent act against progression. It was an act against humanity. It was an act against equality. It was an assault on the psychological wellbeing of the family, the whole family. That’s why all lives have to matter. That’s why conversations now need to be had. This is why both sides of this family have to open ear and heart to hear the pain and uncertainty of the family member who was placed in their position simply because of the colour of their skin.
The All lives matter debate
This disparity is why the argument that All lives matter is being met with resistance. Saying Black lives matter is not about reducing the privilege of the family, it is about righting the balance for the cast out black sheep. It’s about letting the whole family exhale the air of the past.
It’s about saying to you, our fellow human, that until Black lives matter, all lives can never matter, the whole family continues to lose.
The fact that the ideologies of both sides have taken humanity to its knees, is proof that all of humanity is suffering under the weight of inequality. It’s time for everyone to stand equally.
The fight to defend the All lives matter rhetoric only serves to speak into the invisibility and dehumanisation of black people shared in my previous blog. Yes, there is no dispute from me that every life matters. It’s time to ensure that in reality the black human life matters too.
Where next?
Let’s dismantle the social constructs that have led us here. Let’s really start having the conversations about race, wealth and oppression.
I am encouraged by the increased social consciousness that has arisen out of this time. I am also encouraged by the reconciled family members who have all rallied together in protest, love and understanding. This is not simply a movement, it’s a move in. Let’s genuinely and honestly move into each other’s experiences and make room for each other as we do. Let’s genuinely and openly challenge ourselves to make this change a reality. Let’s ensure that all of humanity can breathe and not feel that taking the knee is justified.
There is a long road ahead. A long road of healing for both sides. A long road of challenging mindsets and personally held beliefs. A long road to forgiveness and trust. A long road of personal, social and institutional change.
This is the responsibility of all involved.
Everyone is on a different part of this journey, some are coming to the conversation with resolve, anger and grief while some are coming to the conversation with uncertainty, lack of knowledge and guilt. Let’s meet each other where we are. Let’s make a commitment to change, to open communication and loving challenge. This is the only way we will see a lasting change in the fortunes of all humanity.
It’s time to talk about race!