On The Subject of How We Should Protest

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On The Subject of How We Should Protest

Dear Friends… By now you are well aware of how racism and police violence have sparked and fueled the demonstrations that continue on social media platforms and in cities throughout the Unites States and around the world. I KNOW YOU ARE AWARE – because as we continue to call for an end to systemic racism and police reform, you continue to counter our demands with instructions on how we should protest. You are so concerned about the what, when, how and where of our protests rather than why we are protesting. Why is that? I am writing to address your counter-demands on this post.

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On the Subject of Your Invalidations

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On the Subject of Your Invalidations

Dear Friends...If you try to tell me how I should feel or react to incidences of racial injustice, then I already know you don’t understand the issue and/or you don’t care. While your race may give you privilege in society, it does not give you the privilege to dictate to black people (and their allies) how they should receive and react to acts of violence and oppression. You say you are objective and well-intended, but I am not sure you know what those words mean. Let’s talk about that today.

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On The Subject of Your Microaggression

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On The Subject of Your Microaggression

Dear Friends…All acts of racism are not overt or egregious. Some acts of racism are so subtle that they seem small, inconsequential and trivial to the perpetrator, but they have serious adverse effects on the recipient (or targeted group). I am here to address them today. These subtle acts are what we call MICROAGGRESSIONS. Psychologists liken them to death by a thousand cuts. Microaggressions are pervasive and are particularly commonplace in social media exchanges. It is one of the most common way marginalized people experience antagonism.

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On The Subject of Your Fragility

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On The Subject of Your Fragility

Dear Friends….If your fragility prevents you from facing the ways racial biases are manifested in your actions, you’ll never be able to change it. There be must be a shift of your focus from your “good nature and intentions”, which prioritizes your feelings over the pain associated to your actions. A much more positive and impactful outcome  will be achieved when you focused your attention on addressing the very real, very valid concern about your contributions to racial bias and injustice.

Try stepping back and listening objectively when someone gives feedback.

If that makes you uncomfortable, it’s time to practice sitting with and learning from your discomfort instead of assuming that it means you’re under attack.

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