How to Stay Away from Cliche Responses during a Racial Revolution
By Betti Halsell
It’s been nice hearing from all my culturally diversified friends. In wake of the racial revolution brought on by recent murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Ahmaud Arbery, other nationalities are reacting to the smell of hot brewing coffee that is wafting through the air, it’s the rise of a racial revolution. All of my friends have checked in and wanted to talk about how they feel. They said some things that I know came from a very pure and loving place, but it also shows the level of growth and awareness that needs to take place within themselves. Right now, everyone needs to actively listen to their hearts, so that it can cut through the surface level of condolences and facades of trying to relate. I discussed among my other black friends and narrowed down some cliche responses to stay away from and why they expose the need for growth within, before reaching out.
“ I Don't See Color...”
The statement is to convey that there has always been a level of understanding, acceptance, and an unbiased friendship. But let's call a spade, a spade, we as a people see color referring to race, class, status, and virtues. Additionally, if you do not see color, there would be no need for a racially charged conversation, that started with a specific task of “checking in” on the person you know that is of color. It's ok to see color, that is what we are addressing currently. Everyone is waking up to the truth of seeing the different hues of justice that are measured by the color of a person’s skin. Seeing color is progress, so there's no need to insinuate that you are colorblind, I want you to see the injustice that’s been happening.
“ I Have to Use My Privilege...”
The phrase is confirming that there is privilege among the white race, used to supersede and suppress the black community. When saying “ I must use my privilege,” it is confirming and admitting to the imbalance. This is appreciated, but I challenge those who see the privilege, to dig deeper. The essence of an opened gate to opportunity within the white community, that blocks the door for black people to use, is the target looking to be demolished. Don't use that gate anymore; Close it up, lock it, and throw away the key. Instead of using the “privilege,” use your desire for equality, use your love for humanity, anything except white privilege. If you continue to exercise that, it will continue to live and thrive.
“ What Can I Do...”
This statement shows empathy, the desire to fix a problem that's bigger than oneself. There is so much running through one’s mind. The only logical question when feeling removed from the situation, but still have the desire to help is to ask, “How can I help, what can I do.”I am sure many of you at one point, went vegan, had a big school project, converted religions, got married. When it came to facing one of those milestones, there were possible mentors to guide you, give you testimony, and provide advice. But all of us knew WHAT to do; start working towards the goal. To go vegan, one would look up vegan resources: blogs, documentaries, PETA, read books, etc. To stay vegan, something down deep changes within the mind and soul of a person. So the answer is within the question, it’s about what YOU DO, moving forward. You have to put in the work to finish a big school project, you have to go through the legal process of getting married, you have to accept another way of living that aligns with your new found beliefs. All of it is the physical act of doing something. Fight the good fight your own way.
cover image via Texas Standard
