An open letter for BLM

I have always believed that words—written, spoken, or shouted—are our greatest instrument for understanding one another and catalyzing change. I have long thought that, with the right words, there is no conflict that cannot be resolved. In the midst of this crisis, however, I have found that I lack the words to describe the anguish and indignation that I feel at the unjust treatment of men and women of color in our country that has persisted for centuries. I have seen nobler words than any I could conjure bounce right off the impenetrable riot gear of those who are supposed to serve and protect their communities. It has become increasingly clear that words alone are failing, as those who are committing these atrocities (and those who enable them) are unwilling to listen. Now, then, is a time for action. I salute and support the brave souls risking their health and even their lives to take to the streets and protest. I also recognize that, for some people, this method of activism is not practical. I am writing this, therefore, to inform you of ways that you can support the Black Lives Matter cause if you feel like there is nothing you can do.

The antidote for ignorance is education. Education, though often viewed as a construct of schooling, begins and ends at home. For starters, this means that before we even set foot into a public school as children, we have preconceived notions of how the world works. It also means that whatever we learn in school can only be viewed through the lens of our personal experiences. As we make our way in the world, that lens should begin to widen, illuminating perspectives that we had not considered. For some, this lens remains clouded by hatred and misinformation. When dealing with people such as this, it is important to recognize that they are not responsible for their skewed worldview. We must make every effort to educate them without condescension. Any reasonable person, when presented with information that runs contrary to previously held beliefs, will change their beliefs to match this new information. If you have friends or relatives who have only ever seen one side of things, remember it’s because this is the only side they’ve been shown. Do not shun or antagonize them because they don’t understand the severity of the injustice that is taking place. Instead, teach them about policies of inequity such as (but certainly not limited to) redlining and the disproportionate incarceration of minorities stemming from the school-to-prison pipeline. If they are still unable to see the error of their ways, move on to someone who is willing to listen, but do not give up on them entirely. Continue to inundate them with the unfiltered truth at every opportunity, and erode their lack of awareness day by day. In this fight, every voice matters, which brings me to my next point.

Vote! If you are of legal age, and aren’t registered to vote, know that it can be done online and takes less than five minutes with a valid state driver’s license. Also, if you plan to vote in any upcoming elections and are prone to procrastination like myself, DO NOT wait until the last second to register as it can take a few weeks to process your registration. Do it now! It’s easy and I’d rather you spent the next few minutes doing that than reading what I have to say. This is important in every election cycle but especially now, with a wannabe dictator holding our country hostage while the world watches, too scared of his erratic temper to stand against him. While considering this, don’t downplay the significance of state and local elections, as these are the levels where new educational and criminal justice legislation is most likely to take place. You can also write or call your state and local representatives with any issue that you see, and I implore you to do so. I am ashamed to say that in the first election I was eligible to vote in (2016), I did nothing. I will not make the same mistake again, and I hope none of you will either. We live in a democracy, and it is our duty and privilege to have a say in who runs it.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, listen. Hear and internalize the perspectives of those who have been marginalized, as well as those who disagree with you. We cannot come together without understanding one another, and we cannot dispel harmful convictions without knowing where they stem from. Do not shy away from awkward conversations because you think it might affect a personal relationship. We must all do our part to enable change, and it starts by changing your immediate surroundings. If you have read this far, know that I love and appreciate you. If you have any questions regarding anything I have written about, or if you disagree with me, I urge you to contact me personally and I will do my best to help us see eye to eye.