Image: SacréeFrangine
Have you also experienced a snowball effect with emotions after the killing of George Floyd on May 25, 2020? The ruthless killings of Ahmaud Arbery in February, Breonna Taylor in March, and George Floyd in May this year left me feeling broken. It was only the beginning. Since then, I have dedicated my days searching for articles to read and learn about racial issues, the history of racism, and the recent anti-racism movement.
My blog has always been a lifestyle blog where I’ve journaled our family experiences of living abroad and our discoveries overseas with a focus on interior design. I intend to keep my blog focused on interior design and its content apolitical. However, since the end of May I’ve felt that it would be unconscionable not to write anything about the current racial issues. I couldn’t imagine staying silent.
To be honest, I felt that no one may be interested in reading my opinion on it. On the other hand, though, the articles and videos that helped me deepen the knowledge of the racial issues in the U.S. could be helpful for others, especially my non-American readers. That thinking brought me here. I truly hope that this will help amplify the voices that need to be heard.
In terms of fight for racial inequality, it seems that we have a long way to go. The Watts riots triggered by police brutality in Los Angeles took place in 1965: 55 years ago. The Los Angeles riots in rage towards the usage of excessive police force on Rodney King happened in 1992: 28 years ago. In 2020, Black people are still having to fight for their human rights. There is so much more work to be done.
UNFORTUNATE EVENTS THAT BROUGHT AWARENESS
When the news of Ahmaud Arbery’s death was all over social media, I saw a few tweets written by Black men saying, “That could’ve been me.” Having seen the video, the words struck me. It had never dawned on me until then that Black parents in the U.S. still today lived with fear of losing their sons and daughters to hatred. An essay on The New Yorker, “The Generation Trayvon,” by Elizabeth Alexander is a must read. It will take you through a mind of a Black mother as she prays for “The Generation Trayvon,” “the young people who grew up in the past twenty-five years.”
George Floyd’s “I can’t breath,” in the video as a police kneeled his neck against the asphalt tore my heart as it did to many others. I never finished watching the video to the end. It’s mind-boggling to know how far some people would go to be cruel. A day after this heart-wrenching video of George Floyd came out, followed an appalling video of Amy Cooper calling a police on Christian Cooper, a bird watcher. The video posted on Twitter that captured the exchange between the two, a white woman and a Black man, that took place in Central Park in New York City went viral. It was a little over a minute long exchange that crystallized the evidence of abusive manipulation of power that has been dismissed. Until then.
I can’t think of a video that explained better than Trevor Noah’s on how the series of events created a chain reaction to the most recent Black Lives Matter movement. If you haven’t seen it, here it is.
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White woman calling cops on black birdwatcher puts on display the ‘everyday, run-of-the-mill racism’ of America by The Lily
Image: SacréeFrangine
DO YOU WANT IT FOR YOURSELF?
In this video below, an anti-racism activist & educator, Jane Elliot, asks her audience, “If you as a white person would be happy to receive the same treatment that our black citizens do in this society, please stand.”
No one stands.
She repeats the question and again, no one stands. She goes on to say to the audience, “That says very plainly that you know what’s happening. You know you don’t want it for you. I want to know why you are so willing to accept it or to allow it to happen for others.”
This is the very question we all need to ask ourselves. It’s only a 47-second video. Please have a look.
When I was growing up, I was taught to treat others the way I want to be treated and to think from a perspective of others, especially of those who are marginalized. Having lived abroad for many years, I have been on the receiving end of racism myself. I’m sure it’s minuscule compared to the prejudice Black people experience. Would I ever truly understand what Black people go through? Probably not. However, I try. We can all at least try our best to listen to Black people so that we can see what they see. We need to learn from them, amend the wrong mindset and attempt to dismantle systemic racism in our society.
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Filipino American confronted for BLM message sheds light on form of genteel racism, experts say
BLACK LIVES MATTER
“All Lives Matter” has been used to counteract the “Black Lives Matter” statement. The intention of its use is insincere. “Black Lives Matter” is serving on the underlying principle that all lives matter. Black lives have been excluded from ‘valuable life’ as seen in police brutality. Therefore, “Black Lives Matter” has to be voiced loudly. Nowhere in the movement of “Black Lives Matter” does it emphasize or mention that Black lives are the only lives that should matter or other lives don’t. When people try to suppress “Black Lives Matter” with other statements, they’re trying to silence those who’re calling for help and turning a blind eye on the tragic history of racism.
People who chant “All Lives Matter” make me think of a parallel analogy where a toddler is trying to get attention from his parent who is occupied with his baby sibling. Parents love their children equally. (I believe it’s the general consensus.) When parents dedicate more time to their babies, it doesn’t mean that their babies are more important to them than their older children. There are different needs and priorities to meet for parents based on their children’s ages. For many little children, it’s tough to understand this family dynamics. That doesn’t mean that parents can’t do anything about it.
Love is the only way to tackle this challenge. When I see supporters in the “Black Lives Matter” movement, I sense an enduring connection under a common goal to achieve a better society with equality and justice. We need more people to join on our side.
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Why you should stop saying “all lives matter,” explained in 9 different ways
Image: SacréeFrangine
SYSTEMIC RACISM
Systemic racism or “institutional racism is a form of racism expressed in the practice of social and political institutions. It can lead to such issues as discrimination in criminal justice, employment, housing, health care, political power and education, among other issues.” (Source: Wikipedia) Black people in the U.S. have been oppressed under systemic racism. Their socioeconomic state has been stagnated by it. Their basic human rights have been violated. I would like to list some articles under here in 3 categories, wrongfully convicted, police brutality and socio economic hurdles, which will leave you thinking.
The link below is an eye-opening article by Reni-Eddo Lodge, an award-winning journalist, published on The Guardian. It provokes thinking on the covert nature of systemic racism that permeates in our societies.
WHY I’M NO LONGER TALKING TO WHITE PEOPLE ABOUT RACE by Reni Eddo-Lodge
WRONGFULLY CONVICTED
African Americans are more likely to be wrongfully convicted. It is a heartbreaking reality. I recently learned about John Bunn. He was only 14 when he was imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit in 1991. His story is incredible.
HE SPENT 27 YEARS WRONGLY CONVICTED OF MURDER. HE WANTS TO SPEND THE REST OF HIS LIFE ENCOURAGING INMATES TO READ by Alexandra King
A VOICE 4 THE UNHEARD
An organization founded by John Bunn in 2017.
THE WORDS THAT SAVED JOHN DWAYNE BUNN Podcast by Outlook BBC
INNOCENT AFRICAN AMERICANS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE WRONGFULLY CONVICTED THAN WHITES AND SPEND LONGER IN PRISON BEFORE EXONERATION, DATA SHOWS Michigan State University
STUDY: BLACK PEOPLE MORE LIKELY TO BE WRONGFULLY CONVICTED
By Tanzina Vega
RACE AND WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS IN THE UNITED STATES
I’ve never realized until now that for Black communities, involvement of law enforcement does not mean that their communities are kept safer. The presence of law enforcement could mean a threat. This was a shocking realization.
If you have lived abroad, you probably know that law enforcement in some countries doesn’t always mean protection and safety of foreign nationals. Foreign residents don’t necessarily have the equal protection when they collide with locals in a foreign country. Black people experience the same type of prejudice and lack of civil protection even though they live in their own country.
POLICE BRUTALITY
Police brutality is violation against human rights. A Black American who lives in Osaka, Japan, wrote “Why we’re marching for Black lives in Japan” published on The Japan Times. It explains why it is an issue for everyone.
To understand the background of police brutality seen in the U.S., it is essential to examine the U.S. history dating back to 1600. This following article summarized well how law enforcement over the course of last 400 years in the U.S. shaped today’s issues.
Not just George Floyd: Police departments have 400-year history of racism
How violence against innocent Black citizens keeps being committed over and over again to this day is perplexing. It, unfortunately, proves that what has been done isn’t enough. We must continue to strive for undoing any prejudice and misconception. It requires patience. Seeing younger generation, though, I see hope for a change.
SOCIOECONOMIC HURDLES
I highly recommend you read the following article “Systematic Inequality” published by Center For American Progress. (Link below) It explains thoroughly about how Black people are challenged with systematic obstacles.
SYSTEMATIC INEQUALITY Center For American Progress
Those who disdain Black people and accuse them for not working hard enough, they are clearly not aware of the obstacles that Black people face. Ignorance may be rooted in their position where they are bestowed with power and benefit from the system. In the video below, this young girl refutes her parents in the discussion on this topic well.
Her words are striking: “Ignorance for the majority is bliss. Ignorance for the minority is destruction.”
Please take 2-minutes and listen to this young lady – wise beyond her years – calling out her racist parents. This is awesome.
She is the future…pic.twitter.com/opcb8G91eG
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) June 5, 2020
WAYS TO LEARN ABOUT RACISM
I compiled a collection of links and items that I find important in order to learn about the racial issues. Many of my readers are from countries outside of the United States and may not be familiar with the history. I hope this will be helpful.
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
“To Kill A Mockingbird” is a classic novel written by Harper Lee, published in 1960. I can’t think of a better book than “To Kill A Mockingbird” that explains the complexity of societal and systemic issues in the U.S. in one story. If you haven’t read the book, this video below that summarized the story will help you understand the excellence of the book.
A film of “To Kill A Mockingbird” that starred Gregory Peck was released in 1962.
BOOKS
Here are two links where you can find out books on racism that Emma Watson and former President Barack Obama recommended.
The 11 Books Emma Watson Is Reading As Part Of Her Commitment To Anti-Racism & Self-Education
Barack Obama just shared his 19 favorite books from 2019
Becoming by Michelle Obama is an inspirational story of her life. It feels as though you walk into her world from her childhood to the end of former President Obama’s term. Her words will embrace you. It is a story that will teach the value of perseverance and staying true to what you believe in no matter how you are judged by others.
PHOTOGRAPHY
30 SIGNS THAT HELP EXPLAIN WHY AMERICANS ARE PROTESTING RIGHT NOW
ANADOLU AGENCYGETTY IMAGES
30 Signs That Help Explain Why Americans Are Protesting Right Now
CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT IN PHOTOGRAPHY
This Is What 100 Years Of Protests For Racial Justice Looks Like In America
Photo via Wikimedia
MOVIES YOU CAN WATCH WITH KIDS
THE HATE U GIVE
You can see racial issues from a teen’s perspective and how that affects her life and community. My oldest daughter recommended this movie to me last year.
THE HELP
While “The Help” covers a somber history, it also has humor in it to lighten up. This movie was recommended by my older two girls. All my kids really liked this movie, but there was one scene that scared my son, who is 8 years old.
HIDDEN FIGURES
It’s a movie that shines light onto those women who overcame obstacles as women and women of color for a greater cause for their nation. It is a heartwarming movie as much as it’s educational.
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER
It’s a classic movie that my mom showed me when I was a girl. This may have been the first educational movie I watched on racism.
BECOMING
Having read her book “Becoming,” it was frosting on top of a cake to watch this. She’s charismatic, charming, engaging and relatable even though she’s extremely intelligent. It’s very inspiring.
MOVIES YOU CAN WATCH WITH OLDER KIDS
These two movies are very educational. The rating recommends them for kids of age 13 years old and older.
13th
It a documentary about the American system of incarceration. RogerEbert.com has a great review of the movie written by Odie Henderson. To read it, please click here. “The final takeaway of “13th” is that change must come not from politicians, but from the hearts and minds of the American people,” says the writer.
JUST MERCY
Just Mercy is based on the true story. Walter McMillian was wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Bryan Stevenson, the founder of America’s Equal Justice Initiative, was his lawyer and fought to free an innocent Black man, McMillian, on a death row.
This video below is Bryan Stevenson’s inspiring TED Talk in 2012.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED FROM AFAR
Here is an informative article, “To Understand the Movement For Racial Justice, Listen to Black People,” which lists links where you can learn more about the movement for racial justice.
Just like many of you, I wanted to do something to help while I live abroad. One thing that came to my mind was donation. The tough part is to decide where to donate because there are so many organizations to choose from. You have to make a decision on your own to send your money to an organization(s) f that you feel you can trust and your money will be used to help those who really need it.
We Stand Together Against Racism: Black Lives Matter | Design Milk
WHERE TO DONATE + HOW TO SUPPORT THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT | SLAM
ABOUT THE ART: SACREE FRANGINE
Sacrée Frangine is a creative duo, Célia Amroune and Aline Kpade. Something about the simple beauty of these paintings was capturing. Then, I thought it would be amazing if these paintings could accompany my blog post. I contacted Sacrée Frangine and asked if I could use their paintings on my blog post. They were very friendly and gave me a go to use them. Thus, here they are. It’s an honor to have their paintings on my blog post on the BLM movement.
MORE ABOUT SACREE FRANGINE
About Célia Amroune and Aline Kpade MADDER
Sacrée Frangine: Célia Amroune & Aline Kpade The Sage Mag
WHY I DECIDED TO WRITE ABOUT BLM
As I wrote at the beginning, I didn’t think my voice on this issue would matter. There are two people who influenced my opinion on it. Here they are.
Michelle Obama made a powerful and heartfelt speech for graduates in 2020. I believe that this message will enlighten anyone, not just newly graduates. If you have been overwhelmed by recent events, you will find comfort in her words. She says, “your voice matters.” The way she says it, it feels true and encouraging.
James Corden’s words resonated with me especially when I was feeling emotional. Just like he says in the video, I also felt that I didn’t have anything to offer, either. He definitely has more to offer than I do. However, his speaking up motivated me to write a post on my blog. I hope I could do so for a few others. If you do watch this video, make sure you watch all the way to the end. You can’t miss a beautiful performance.
I hope this post will contribute, even for a tiny bit, to the collective effort to spread awareness and achieve a true sense of equality for all the Black people.
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A Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Explains Why This Time Is Different
KEEPING THE CONVERSATION GOING
I would like to end my blog post with some insightful quotes by Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Love is the only force capable of transforming enemy into friend.”
“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
“The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.”
I pray that we can find more strength, progress, positivity and hope in the second half of 2020.
Thank you always for your support.
Please stay healthy and safe.
Image: SacréeFrangine
I love this post so much, thank you for taking the time to compile so many good links, reading materials, videos, and suggestions. I’m living overseas as well, and see that it’s entirely too easy to stick your head in the sand and watch things happening in the U.S. from afar with a disconnected view. This is my country and we need to make changes to make it better for everyone! Your post has given me much to think about and to continue reading and watching and to share with my kids and other family members. Thank you for this!
Thank you so much for your heartfelt comment!! It made me happy to read it. I’ve vowed to read, learn and continue to have the conversation with my children in a hope to help bring our societies to a better place for everyone. Thank you for reading my post!!
You are a bit misguided by the propaganda. Floyd (a serial wife beater and drug dealer) technically died of heart attack brought on by swallowing a large amount of fentanyl (although granted the policeman showed a disgusting lack of care to man already in handcuffs). White people proportionally are more likely to be killed by police in the USA and poor Amy Cooper had been raped in a park by a black man who started the attack in a similar way and was still recovering from the trauma at the time. The dog was basically part of her therapy. They took that from her and she had another breakdown. I would have thought you would sympathise with a vulnerable woman alone in a park.
I’m afraid I have to refute against your points. “Black Americans are 3.23 times more likely than white Americans to be killed by police” according to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. No one has the right to summon law enforcement on an innocent individual. Amy Cooper was not attacked. It was obvious in the video that she was with her dog, called a police and lied, which was recorded. A police officer’s killing Floyd cannot be justified. Every human being should be treated with respect. I don’t believe I’m misguided and I’m not here to argue. I understand that you have different opinions. I’d really appreciate it if you could respect my space and the facts I gathered from the credible sources.