HEAVY YET HOPEFUL | USING YOUR VOICE FOR CHANGE
The past week has been heavy. Living in a time of social media is empowering, yet terrifying.
Social media amplifies the good, but it can also provide a window into the darkness that exists. When everybody with a phone and a Twitter account can become the media, you start to really see what’s been going on in the underbelly of the world, outside of your bubble.
The recent murder of George Floyd by police officers has sent our society into outrage, and for good reason- this type of slanted violence and police misconduct seems to just keep happening over and over again, and without any reform. There have finally been arrests made, but the injustices in so many other situations still linger.
I think this time, things might actually change. I can feel it in the way that we are beginning to talk to each other, and the conversations that are starting to come up.
The conversations and protests happening over the last few week have really been a confusing time. Yes, I’m outraged. But mostly… I’ve been shocked, overwhelmed, and full of shame. Wanting to say something but not knowing what to say. Listening but not wanting to stay silent. Staying silent but not wanting to seem like I don’t care. Not wanting to say something disingenuous, or ignorant, or make the problem worse.
I know that I will never understand what the Black experience is like, so I can only speak from my own. So mostly I’ve just been… listening. Truly listening, watching, and learning (this has become such a cliche sentence, but it’s true.)
Racism is an uncomfortable subject. It honestly should not be as complicated as it is. I wholeheartedly believe that racism is not a political issue, it’s a human rights issue. I am a White person with a college education, and I didn’t even know White privilege was a concept until WELL AFTER I graduated in 2014 (which I know, is privilege in itself- how meta.) When protests started happening in 2016 locally in Baton Rouge because of Alton Sterling’s death, my eyes were first opened to just how oblivious I had been.
I thought that because I loved Black music, Black history, and Black people that I was an ally. Instead I was picking and choosing what I liked from Black culture (more than just Black culture, many cultures) and thinking it was ok for me to be part of it.
I thought because my Black friends said certain words that I could say them too.
I thought that because I lived in the South it was ok to ironically wear symbols that made fun of redneck culture, when in reality they offended Black culture.
I thought because I loved The Beatles and the revolution of the 60’s and had peace signs all throughout my house that I was covered.
I thought that because I THOUGHT I was an ally, that I was.
My guilt and shame has honestly been weighing heavy on me, and I know I’m not the only one. I’m so happy discussions are finally happening out in the open.
I know in my heart I’m a good person, but how do I address that I’ve been part of a greater problem? That we all have? I’ve never known how to truly express my thoughts on the subject of “cancel culture.” Time and time again I see my favorite creators and celebrities go through PR nightmares as the internet closes in on them for doing or saying something wrong in their past- something that their current self most likely doesn’t identify with or even remember doing.
What is the best way to discuss the wrongdoings in our culture and hold myself accountable for the contributions I’ve made to it? Do I silently repent for my mistakes now that I know I was wrong? Do I post a mass PSA? Can I call my Black friends about this or are they tired of hearing about it? Do I say something and risk calling attention to mistakes I made on the internet when I was younger? Do I say nothing and risk having these things come up in the future anyways?
Cancel culture is terrifying. However, this revolution that we are currently having gives us no excuse to stay silent any longer, and frankly these thoughts are so selfish in comparison with the injustices we are seeing play out in real time.
I really was made aware of the subconscious effects of racism years ago when I was accused by a Black client of editing their skin too light. I was blown away. I had obviously not done that intentionally, but it really opened my eyes and her words stuck with me. At the time, I was super defensive about it. Looking back, I applaud her for speaking up and saying something to me because I was oblivious.
That experience has made me much more aware of the responsibility I have as a photographer to accurately portray other races and skin tones in my photography. Making sure diversity is represented within my photography is also now more of a discussion when I am shooting for other companies, publications, marketing campaigns, etc.
Identifying what my privilege is and sitting in it has been the most uncomfortable yet productive outcome of all of this.
My biggest takeaway from the past week has been that we all haaaaavvvvveeeee to do better. Social media gives everybody a front row seat. The next generation of kids shouldn’t be oblivious until adulthood, like I was. These tough conversations that have been happening should be happening earlier and at home (not to say the Black community hasn’t been doing this all this time- it’s the Non-Black community that’s been tuning them out!)
here’s an umbrella pic.twitter.com/VCMZx03xkD
— Ashe (@ashemusic) June 5, 2020
SO, what can you do?
This has been my biggest question- posting a black square on Instagram in solidarity is cute and all, but what can you actually DO? I’ve never been the most equipped with information on these types of subjects, but through all the great content that’s out there right now from other thought leaders, I’ve compiled some resources below where you can choose to contribute your voice.
You can’t consume all of this in a day, and you need to do your own research to find what it is you actually agree with and are comfortable supporting. Actual change is going to take hard work and time.
PETITIONS, WAYS TO DONATE, FAQ:
WAYS YOU CAN HELP AFTER YOU’VE POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA
BOOKS/AUDIO/EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS:
12 Anti-racist books recommended by Educators and Activists
Anti-racism books to teach your children
10 Common Phrases that are Actually Racist AF
9 Powerful Black Voices to Follow on Instagram
The Best Anti-Racial Podcasts & Films to Educate Yourself
12 Black Podcasts You Need to Add to your Rotation
PROTESTS NEAR ME:
How to find peaceful protests near you
How to support if you can’t attend a protest
DIVERSIFY YOUR FEED:
Add some color to your social media algorithm and expand who you follow online to ensure you aren’t just consuming one sided content and perspectives.
Say what you need to on social media.
— Ashlee Eiland (@Ashlee_Eiland) May 28, 2020
Then put down your phone & pick up your life.
Not many will see you learning, confessing, repenting, uprooting, re-tooling, forgiving, inviting, empowering.
But we will see its fruit.
The hidden work is the heart work is the hard work.
Because racism is hard and uncomfortable and it doesn’t seemingly apply to you, it’s easy to act like it doesn’t exist. I’m not sure who I’m even writing this blog post for- I guess anyone who can relate and everyone with an open heart and mind.
The biggest thing you can do? Be compassionate, more understanding, and open to educating yourself on perspectives that are different than your own.