My heart is heavy and for once I have been at a loss for words. My post is not about "the verdict," per say but the larger conversation (or lack of) in America. These conversations ARE being held- but not to the attention of the privilege, and no that is not "PC" for white people. I am talking privilege. Where people are able to exist in an isolated environment unaware of things happening outside of it. Not until so much outrage begins to burst at the seams and the internal fire becomes external that media begins to cover the "riots" and the "looting." But there are thousands of people of all ethnic backgrounds across the country not just "protesting" but gathering in solidarity to bring attention to inequality and crying out for peace.
My brother went to private high school, graduating college, a Div. 1 baseball player, a guy who makes friends everywhere he goes. Yet, SOME people will 1st and foremost always see him as a 21yr old BLACK MAN. Because of his privilege he doesn't even realize this exists for him. I fear for him, I pray for him.
Racism exists. I have traveled the country with my art. Jasper, Texas and told we could not leave our hotel because "tensions against people of color" were still high shortly after a black man had been tied, dragged and beheaded behind a truck. West Virginia, not to go find food after dark because "the klu klux klan" gatherings are in close distance from where we were. I couldn't believe this was still happening in my lifetime, and it is just "the way it is" in places. But my post is not about race.
It's about privilege. When one cannot see a problem that exists because it does not affect their community, their families, their LIFE there will always be a disconnect. If it did, change would happen- quickly. Privilege brings resources, resources allows for tangibles, tangibles become concrete policies, opportunities and eases the tension and breeds faith in the system that those resources helped support. The result? The system works for them.
As a Latina I have had more than my share of injustices. I have been told to
"calm down," "be quiet," "let it go," etc. Even in business and as an Arts Educator I have been "put in my place." When you are brought to a table because of your talents and expertise and from the make-up, you know you STILL have to fight harder, be smarter, be louder than everyone else just to be heard because in many circles your lack of privilege. Yes, this still happens to me TODAY.This is what we are experiencing in America.
"calm down," "be quiet," "let it go," etc. Even in business and as an Arts Educator I have been "put in my place." When you are brought to a table because of your talents and expertise and from the make-up, you know you STILL have to fight harder, be smarter, be louder than everyone else just to be heard because in many circles your lack of privilege. Yes, this still happens to me TODAY.This is what we are experiencing in America.
As I reflect on the work of my fellow brothers and sisters who are walking the walk and using art to empower our young people we all come form different ethnic backgrounds. It's not just about race. I shed tears knowing that after creating and empowering hope with my young artists that I pray they get home safely on a DAILY basis. Art DOES change lives and I have dedicated my life to the work. But when I hear about what many of my kids encounter daily and I have no answers for them it breaks my heart.
Change MUST happen. How? I wish I had the finite answer. Privilege will always exist. But it must stop denying that realities that do not exist for them can in no way not exist for others and need to be changed. I do know it must begin with each and every one of us. America must get to a place to not deny that MAYBE there IS inequality, that some things are NOT working and to acknowledge that there is a long, documented history of inequality, oppression and pain has to happen. If we continue to ignore it, it will be detrimental to us all.
Let's unite in love and in peace. Start today.
