Raising our Voices to Fight for those Oppressed
Adding my voice.
One at a time, may our voices add up and be enough. Someday. Now.
And not just today in the midst of unrest, but every day.
May we listen, admit, learn and act.
Admit our white privilege. Own our mistakes and wrongs.
Speak up, stand up and fight for POC who are hurting, broken, oppressed — as fervently as we would fight for and protect a child who is bullied.
I’ve seen friends profiled and treated poorly only because of the color of their skin. It is horrifying, demeaning and shocking.
In amazement, I wonder, “How does this happen?”
And then I admit that I’ve profiled — on accident with a sickening realization of the truth of my mistake, grateful for the lesson, committing to do better.
As a woman, at times I’ve been dismissed. But as a white woman, in every situation, I have the privilege of indignation, defense, fighting back, and refusing to accept dismissal.
With no risk of arrest or violence.
…
i was taught to have pride and strength
to never be put in my place
if anyone tries
i have the privilege to resist
i am powerful and big
and wide and strong
as much as i want to be
the bigger i feel, the more respect i am granted
what if it was the opposite
what if my power and strength
invoked fear
and oppression
and caused my shrinking
into obscurity
non-personhood
so that i was made small
demeaned
by other humans
every day
at what point
would my big beautiful soul
say enough is enough
and cry out
for help
and rise up
it’s enough
…
Let us help lift this burden that POC have carried since birth, using our privilege to stand up, speak up, listen, learn, advocate and fight, indignantly saying enough is enough, the time is now.
♡ Annie
Originally published at http://www.jomafilms.com on May 31, 2020.