I was born into a world of privileges, cloaked in the
protective bubble of a system designed for me, a white male. For 21 years on
this Earth, particularly in the United States, every advantage was handed to me
on a silver platter. From access to quality education to the undying support of
my community, the world seemed to lay at my feet.
Yet, despite the bounty of benefits at my disposal, I was
misled. Radicalized into believing that Black people were not only different
but also a problem. And it wasn't just a benign, passing thought; it was a
deeply-rooted belief that Black people deserved less, and in some twisted
minds, even deserved death.
And I ask myself: How? How did I, who was given every
opportunity, come to harbor such prejudices?
It was because of an insidious force: white supremacy.
The Invisible Influences
For many like me, who grow up in predominantly white
communities, the idea of white supremacy
To understand my own journey is to recognize that these
seemingly innocuous behaviors were the foundation of an ideology that has
caused so much pain.
What I Mistook for 'Normal'
When I was younger, I thought my experiences were universal.
I believed that everyone had the same chances, the same opportunities. That
belief, however, was naive.
As I began to step out of my bubble and engage with diverse
communities, I was confronted with stories and realities that challenged my
understanding. From police brutality against Black individuals to the unequal
access to essential resources, it became clear that my 'normal' was, in fact,
exceptional.
The Fallacy of the 'Other'
White supremacy thrives on division. It capitalizes on the
idea of 'us' versus 'them.' For years, I saw Black people as the 'other,'
distinct from my world and experiences. But it's essential to recognize that
this narrative is not innate; it's taught.
The moments of realization were many, from seeing how the
media often portrayed Black individuals in negative light to recognizing the
systemic barriers in place. The truth was right in front of me: my privileges
were built on the oppression of others.
Waking Up
Admitting to one's prejudices is not easy. It's humbling and
uncomfortable. But it's also necessary.
Today, I stand as someone who has witnessed the dark
underbelly of white supremacy and chosen to fight against it. My journey is
ongoing, and while I may not have all the answers, I am committed to learning,
growing, and advocating for a world where everyone is given the opportunities
and respect they deserve.
Join Me
To those reading this, especially those who might recognize
a piece of my story in their own lives: It's never too late to change.
Together, we can dismantle the systems of oppression and work towards a world
that celebrates diversity, understanding, and love.
This story is not unique; unfortunately, it's a narrative
shared by many. But recognizing and confronting white supremacy is the first
step towards creating a more inclusive, equal society. Join me.
Note: The tweet mentioned (link)
serves as a poignant reminder of the deep-seated beliefs and biases in our
society. It's our responsibility to educate ourselves and others about the
dangers of unchecked privilege and prejudice.
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