Pull Yourself Out of Your Privileged Comfort Zone and do Something to help in the Fight for Social Justice.
In my quest to become the best possible person I can be, I am learning how I can help in the battle for social justice and racial equality. It isn’t easy and takes a lot of deep inner reflection, but I have learned it isn’t easy being black in this country either, so a little bit of effort and discomfort on my part, is absolutely the least I can do.
I am a natural introvert, I’ve worked hard over the years to overcome this, and I think I have done a pretty good job. But, in times of stress my introverted tendencies come out and I want to fall in to my old ways, to retreat, to pull into myself, to isolate. On top of that I hate conflict. I try and avoid it at all costs, often to my own detriment. It has been pointed out to me that I am a people pleaser. I do this to avoid conflict. I remain silent and slide into my own little shell or weave myself into my own cocoon.
Right now, I am fighting just about every natural instinct that I have. I want to run, I want to hide, I want to be in my shell and make a cocoon. I want to be silent and avoid conflict.
I can no longer hide in my little self-made fortress of privilege; I must speak out. There is no room for silence, remaining silent makes me complicit to the social injustice, and institutional racism that our country was built on.
I don’t know the best way to help, I don’t know if there is a best way, but I am trying in small ways.
1) I began educating myself about the history of institutional racism and social injustice in our country and how it continues in our country today.
2) I read articles, and watched videos by and about black authors and creators to gain insight into their point of view.
3) I had conversations with my black friends and co-workers about the current events, what they would like to see in social justice reforms, how I could best support them and be a good ally. These were not easy conversations, but necessary. My biggest regret is that I waited so long to have these talks and learn so much from and about my friends.
4) I had some long overdue, and quite awkward, conversations with white family and friends about passive racism, why we can’t remain silent, and white privilege.
5) I attended some of the protests to show my support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
6) I have donated to charities working on Social Justice issues, and Police and Criminal Justice Reform.
7) I have actively sought out and supported Black Owned Businesses.
8) I proudly wear t-shirts, and masks with messages supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. Just this small act has led to many conversations, pulling me further out of my comfort zone, allowing me to continue to grow and become better educated.
It all seems so inadequate especially as our police continue to shoot, assault and otherwise harm black people they are sworn to protect. I know I will continue to do the small things I can to contribute to a better country and world. I will continue to educate myself, and I will not remain silent. Please find the small ways you can make a difference and do something.
