This was to be a post about summer dresses, but I just feel like I would be writing from within a bubble if I did not address what is going on in our country now. I am heartbroken by what happened this week to George Floyd , then the death of Ahmaud Arbery on his run, and the harassing of birdwatcher Christian Cooper. It’s brought front and center the issues of hate in our nation, police brutality and white supremacy. This can’t be forgotten next week.
The only way we are going to begin to heal this country is to let people of color know we have their backs and are willing to march with them, demonstrate and stand up to the police brutality and inequity in this country. When the message from the top is inciting more violence, not unifying or healing, Americans themselves need to come together to show we care, we are here and that WE will demand change for our nation ourselves.
We have to be angry about this. This is OUR country and this is what we are now. Silence is the same as not caring. I don’t condone looting, but I do support the marching in the streets. People are out in the street because they feel they have no voice, no power and no hope.
People need to wake up to the fact that life as we know it in America is changing. Racism is out in the open more than ever and nearly condoned since Trump took office. Unless we all get active and involved, OUR nation is headed for worse.
Is this us? Don’t be in denial, it is. We are no longer the ”Home of the Free’, admired by the world. We have sunk so very low. Just because we ourselves are not doing racist things, does not mean that are not part of the problem.
We need to voice how we feel about this. Do not be afraid to say this is unacceptable. Every one of us needs to use their own platform whether it be your Instagram, a sign on your house, your car, a group text, friend emails, anything, everything, but something. If we remain silent, if we go past this, turn the channel, bury our heads and distract ourselves, the more we are a piece of the whole systematic failure of America. Racists feel okay to be out with their feelings and actions because most of of us do nothing. We choose not to pay attention to things that don’t affect us personally, but they affect our country as a whole.
One good of technology is the ability to hold those accountable for their actions and also shame them in the court of public opinion. We can also share what is wrong and what needs to change and support others.. If you love this country, say something, share something, speak out and most importantly, vote out the people who tolerate racism, beginning with the president.
More thoughts on racism and being anti-racist on Cup of Joe this week.
Thank you for listening and for being here. I love to hear your voice and thoughts below on how we can come together and heal this country and make a better nation for Americans of color and for all of us.
Kim
