Growing up in a white middle-class family, recognizing and fighting for social change is not always easy. I could easily turn my face away from those suffering around me and live a comfortable life of privilege, gliding through life while many others fight to simply earn a seat at a table. I know many people of a similar background who care about issues of justice and equality but are not encouraged to actively fight systematic injustices day to day. We get busy… we get caught up in our own concerns… we have the privilege to put those concerns to the side…
But what about those people who CAN’T SHUT IT OFF? What about those people who do not have the privilege to put issues to the side because they live and breathe injustice and struggle? What about those people who experience violence at the name of their skin color, political beliefs, gender, or class? What about those people who do not have a place to call home each night? (and we get to close our doors to the outside world whenever we want) What about those people who do not know where their next meal is coming from? (and we are worried about getting the most organic food at Whole Foods or Trader Joes). What about those people who work full time but still live in poverty? (and we call people lazy).
These issues are URGENT. Lives are at stake.
This post is a challenge. A challenge for fellow middle-class white individuals and anyone who benefits from privilege to think about the way that you are interacting with the world. How are you oppressing others? How are you helping others out of oppression? And it isn’t just about helping others; it is about working with others and listening to their stories. People don’t need you to solve their problems for them, but to value them and allow them space to grow into their own power.
What are you really doing to make a difference? How are you shutting off from the pain of the world? Where can you lean in a little more?
How do we remain invested in social change and equality through thick and thin and keep the fire burning when it is not constantly knocking at our door?
What breaks your heart, makes you angry, and motivates you to act? How can you lean into and work out of this anger?
As this month comes to a close, and I wrap up writing daily (even though I will continue to post) my new monthly challenge for April is to complete the Me and White Supremacy Workbook, a 28-day project that deals with various aspects of White Supremacy and how it influences my life. If you are interested, you can get the FREE workbook here: https://www.meandwhitesupremacybook.com/
I am not saying that I have all of the answers. I still have a LOT to learn and a ton of growth to, but I want to do my part. I want to listen, learn, and lean into my privilege and help break down systems of oppression and injustice around me. I want to lean into the hurt and help create a more equal and beautiful future.
Who’s with me?
Comments