“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of oppressor”
As protests and riots broke out around Chicago over the weekend, I have been reflecting about my stance. I am fortunate enough to have taken courses on multicultural pedagogy and racial injustice through the University of Illinois for the past three years. I can say I feel educated enough on the topics of racial injustice to post my views. I have a platform and I need to use it.
As a white women, I cannot act as though I understand the plight, the anger, the fear, the hurt and the anguish that the black community feels. But I can stand with them. I can educate myself. I can do more then just post on social media. I can move from becoming a bystander and begin to take action. 2020 is a year of complete unrest, injustice, hatred and fear. STAYING SILENT OR NEUTRAL IS STAYING COMPLACENT.
I am a 21 year old white women. I will not ever experience the fear that black men and women do everyday. I cannot begin to imagine what that is like. But I can take a stand. I can support the black community. As a member of the health and wellness community, privilege is shown as normal. Privilege to eat healthy and privilege to practice wellness. You also have the privilege to stay silent. Don’t. Don’t ignore the hardships of the world. Don’t ignore what is happening in our cities. Don’t take the side of the oppressor.
Life feels heavy right now. Showing support and sending love. Reading up on my white privledge. Continuing to learn and continuing to acknowledge my biases. Keep educating yourself please.