Moderator Popular Post Candy Posted June 3, 2020 Moderator Popular Post Posted June 3, 2020 A while ago, my colleague asked me if I'd like to start a BIPOC thread in the forum, and at the time I wasn't too keen. I feared excluding people or coming across in an inappropriate manner. Today, I find this post necessary, because the truth is, I AM FURIOUS. I am furious that people are still being brutally murdered for no other reason than the colour of their skin. I am furious that those vile, trigger happy cops still get to go home to their families unscathed. I am furious that black parents have to teach their young children to fear privileged white policemen. I am furious that protestors are being arrested for taking a stand against this brutality while those killer cops are kept safe and unharmed. I am furious that in the year 2020, amidst everything else going on in the world, there is still racism. Yesterday, during #blackouttuesday, millions of people posted black squares on their social media in "support" of black people. But what was that post actually supporting? Social media is a great tool for activism, but when it's not used appropriately, it can cause more harm than good. Black Lives Matter was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin's murderer. The hashtag #BlackLivesMatter was used millions of times yesterday under said black square, completely drowning out the vital messages and videos shared by the movement. It also made it dangerous for anyone using that hashtag to find or share crucial information. #Blackouttuesday was a day to PROTEST. Black people in the US are fighting for their freedom for the umpteenth time, while others complain about the looting and burning of buildings and corporations built and run by the very hands of the oppressed. Posting and reposting on social media does not excuse the way black people are treated and interacted with on a daily basis. Don’t get me wrong. I think it’s great that so many want to help, but there are other ways to do so. This is the time to LISTEN to those who’ve had their lives and voices controlled by white supremacy for generations. True allies are those who are willing to stand up, stand out, and stand alongside their black brothers and sisters, regardless of circumstance. True allies are those willing to educate themselves, their families, friends and acquaintances about racism and what they can do to stop or prevent it. Black lives are in danger, not only in the US, but all over the world. If you really want to help, ask yourself, especially if you’re privileged, “what can I do TODAY to stand in solidarity with black people in a tangible way?” There are many options. You can support black-owned businesses, donate money to black causes, protest, send resources, and most importantly, you can learn and teach others how to be anti-racist. From this week on, once a week I will share on this thread a book, business, or quote from a Person of Colour (POC) that I hope will inspire others to support and do the same. ✊? “We are all part of the same consciousness We are all connected We are all Brothers and Sisters No matter the colour of our skin No matter the shape of our eyes No matter the size of our body We were designed to LOVE and HELP each other To live in PEACE and HARMONY Nurturing Gaia, Pachamama, Mother Earth”
Moderator Popular Post Bj**** Posted June 4, 2020 Moderator Popular Post Posted June 4, 2020 Thank you for sharing this Candy! Nothing is easy these times, and it hadn’t before, but hopefully it will be better for next generations, if people can work on their behaviors, be more open to feel into others and give a hand when they have to. These days are a(nother) wakeup call for everyone to question things and to do changes personally and in their surroundings. It´s cruel that it has to come this way, when it always has been there, but people are just stuck in their comfort zone with a „we change things tomorrow“ behavior, so let’s do it and start moving little pieces to have a better world for everyone. I never felt i´m different or anyone is, but have to admit that those „white privileges“ (this sound so disgusting), always have been there and these roots never have been cut. We, as a family always have tried to be supportive to help people in need, and always talked with my kids about these topics. But there just need to be more to reduce this bullshit and prevent that fascism is becoming normal once again, because dumb and anger people fear to lose their privileges, to which they have no rights at all. Thanks for your advices, too. I will personally force me to do another step to help, donate and be more sensitive to those hidden racism behaviors out there, that we (white) sometimes even don’t notice or question anymore, which is horrible. No place for racism, we are all one! Ps: It felt strange to write this, because it’s easy to say something in these days, but what happens in a month or 6. And as well it felt ashaming, because even if we feel we do things for the cause, we (myself) feel and notice, it’s just not enough and this has to stay present forever
Moderator Popular Post Li**** Posted June 4, 2020 Moderator Popular Post Posted June 4, 2020 Thank you for sharing Candy, it is so important that we talk about this openly. I think it's a first step of learning and educating ourselves and others about what racism still is today, and I have the privilege of educating myself on racism instead of having experienced it my whole life. I've found a lot of suggestions online of material that educate on racism and white privilege, and I'm learning A LOT. There is a big difference between being 'not racist' and being actively anti-racist, and that is so important to realise. We can and should all do something; donate, support, protest, speak up when a friend or family member say something racist, educate ourselves and teach those around us. I agree with @Bjoern that racism is an awkward and uncomfortable topic, and it's so important that we talk about it and acknowledge all the ways racism is very much present in our society.
Moderator Tine Posted June 4, 2020 Moderator Posted June 4, 2020 21 hours ago, Candy said: True allies are those who are willing to stand up, stand out, and stand alongside their black brothers and sisters, regardless of circumstance. True allies are those willing to educate themselves, their families, friends and acquaintances about racism and what they can do to stop or prevent it. Black lives are in danger, not only in the US, but all over the world. If you really want to help, ask yourself, especially if you’re privileged, “what can I do TODAY to stand in solidarity with black people in a tangible way?” There are many options. You can support black-owned businesses, donate money to black causes, protest, send resources, and most importantly, you can learn and teach others how to be anti-racist. Thank you @Candy for clearly stating what is needed.
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