By Indigo Hearn, Class 12
I’m going to be honest – I have not watched the video of George Floyd’s harrowing murder. How could I? In broad daylight, an innocent man suffered manslaughter at the hands of an authoritative figure whose duty it was to protect him. More importantly, how could he? Every time new footage of police brutality towards innocent African Americans (or anyone of African descent) surfaces on social media, you may see a dozen or so of your friends post about it, some using the hashtag: #BlackLivesMatter. The point is, unfortunately, it blows over
This time, it was not the same. The Black Lives Matter movement of 2020 is the largest civil rights movement so far. Society has had enough of black lives being viewed as ones that are less worthy of those with white skin. How is a black person living in America (or any other country where racism is still terrorising) supposed to feel safe, knowing that the people who are supposed to protect them are actually their, deceivingly, biggest threat?
The discussion of white privilege is one that I am ashamed to have been oblivious to. The phrase ‘white privilege’ is one that I had ignorantly and selfishly always associated with spoilt white kids in America who acted pretentiously because of their parents’ wealth. I, as a white person, have white privilege. I will not face discrimination because of the colour of my skin. I am not at risk of being brutally murdered by police for a crime that I did not commit.
I truly believe that any voice, whether that be through social media or having a discussion with the people around you, can make a difference. It does not take long to sign a petition, donate money and be anti-racist. It is about time we start to admit that although we, myself included, may have never directly acted racist, we have been silent. Just thinking about how you aren’t racist and giving yourself a pat on the back is not going to revolutionize anything. It is not enough to just be ‘not racist’, we need to be actively anti-racist. Use your privilege wisely – for those who need it. Be an ally.
It is imperative to take the time to educate yourself. Posting a black square on your Instagram does not count. Read the books and the watch documentaries about the indisputable discrimination of black people. I always knew that racism still unfortunately existed, but I did not realise its irrefutable prevalence. Awareness is the key to the global realisation of immorality. Acknowledge what is unjust and educate those around you.
Recommended Reading:
‘Me and My White Supremacy’ by Layla F Saad i
‘Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race’ by Reni Eddo-Lodge.
I recently watched ‘13th’ Netflix documentary
‘Green Book’ Oscar winning film
‘The Hate U Give’, by Angie Thomas, book and film