I have relatives in different nations across the globe and not all of them have the same color of skin as me. Seeing how this pandemic has hit them keeps my eyes open that COVID-19 is NOT about any of the conspiracy theories running rampant in social media throughout the USA.
We also, as a family, have had different conversations about race and ethnicity over the years. I appreciate the recent thought from one of those relatives about white privilege, “In your/my world, we associate it with opportunities, wealth, success, the ability to achieve. But ‘white privilege’ means none of those things in the context of #blacklivesmatter. Really, it means that you get to not fear for your life because of the color of your skin. You can get caught speeding and not systematically worry that it might end in a bullet to the stomach. You can walk around your neighborhood in the dark, and not worry that someone will report you because of the color of your skin. You can reach into your pocket, and not worry that someone will scream “GUN” because of the color of your skin.”
Everything that is happening these days affects people that I love in my life – my family, my friends, and my coworkers. Therefore, it becomes my responsibility to be involved in removing the biases that are affecting them. My responsibility to become a blessing to them by examining my life and doing what I can do to show love and be a blessing. I need to use my strengths to give them strength.
We also, as a family, have had different conversations about race and ethnicity over the years. I appreciate the recent thought from one of those relatives about white privilege, “In your/my world, we associate it with opportunities, wealth, success, the ability to achieve. But ‘white privilege’ means none of those things in the context of #blacklivesmatter. Really, it means that you get to not fear for your life because of the color of your skin. You can get caught speeding and not systematically worry that it might end in a bullet to the stomach. You can walk around your neighborhood in the dark, and not worry that someone will report you because of the color of your skin. You can reach into your pocket, and not worry that someone will scream “GUN” because of the color of your skin.”
Everything that is happening these days affects people that I love in my life – my family, my friends, and my coworkers. Therefore, it becomes my responsibility to be involved in removing the biases that are affecting them. My responsibility to become a blessing to them by examining my life and doing what I can do to show love and be a blessing. I need to use my strengths to give them strength.
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