Racism. It’s an ugly sad word. If you are white, in America, you have the luxury of ignoring it. If you are not, it is in your face every minute of every day, and it is exhausting.
I was moved by Van Jones’ words in this interview recently. I encourage you to give it a listen and consider, come up with something, anything, you can do to make a difference in your own life, your own surroundings, your own piece of this world.
I also found Trevor Noah’s thoughts about the recent violence to be very insightful.
You may think, whatever it is that you can do will make no difference. You are wrong. It is the tiny things that DO make a difference. Do one today. It won’t kill you to smile at someone or help someone, or read a book to educate yourself, or step back and take an honest look at yourself; you’ll feel good about it. Then do another one tomorrow. Make it a habit.
If you are white, don’t feel guilty or defensive, just take a deep breath and try on this thought, “maybe, just maybe, I don’t know everything. Maybe I should listen more than I speak. Maybe ten times more.”
Thank you.
“I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do something I can do.” – Helen Keller (1880 – 1968)
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has ” – Margaret Mead (1901-1978)
Adrian Dee, flutist, composer 