These videos highlight several lines of thought for me. Chief amount them, I am reminded both of my privilege as a white cisgender man in 'getting to' turn off the experience of racism in daily life, and how this moment (in the wake of many unjust murders of black people of color) can allow me to re-engage.
Systemic racism informs every aspect of our society. It has certainly benefited me in ways I didn't ask for, but nonetheless gave me advantages when seeking healthcare, applying to colleges, and allowed my family to support me in hard financial times.
This is something I've been aware of in the past, but in scrutinizing my own behaviors when looking over the last few years it has become obvious that getting to tune out daily experiences of racial injustice is a form of privilege I have. I recognize the familiar 'white guilt' crop up when I look at these videos, but I know enough now to realize this is unhelpful for me unless channelled into action. I think of the movements coalescing or growing right now to try to address some of the problems, and part if it gives me hope because I can act (which is opportunity to address change), but part of me struggles with how best to do this while managing my own intersections of identity.
I identify as a disabled cisgender, white, man- so it's obvious I carry many privileges. I also find it hard to know how best to advocate for racial justice. I've started following some organizations, and reading, but I'd love to know what others are doing- especially those who are in the disability community- aside from joining on-the-street protests, what are people doing to be actively anti-racist in this moment in history?. If people have thoughts I'd love to hear them.
