To go out and make your voice heard against that injustice is a powerful experience acknowledging what side of history you’re on, and most importantly, helping your fellow ” We see daily the effects of oppression put onto people of color in our society.
You gain a more concrete sense of morality, for one. “There is so much to be gained from advocating for this, especially as a young person. “Advocating for racial justice is literally just advocating for everyone in our society to have equal and equitable rights, regardless of what they look like or how they identify,” says Kate Iverson, ETHS Civics, Humanities and Economics teacher. They fill our lives no matter how hard we try to find peace amongst them, and though it becomes frustrating, it’s why we have to continue to fight. The lessons, conversations and harsh realities don’t end at a simple class discussion. With the growing support of Black Lives Matter (BLM) this year, many new conversations have taken place. With every new name that becomes a hashtag, we’re reminded that this country doesn’t advocate for us. While you get to jump in when it works best for you, Black advocates must consistently fight for justice. Some are only vocal when the issue pertains directly to them. It may be tiring to discuss racism, but it’s even more tiring to experience it. When they get called out for not contributing, they blame it on this exhaustion. When the conversations became packed with information, resources and ways to help they cut it short. These people also tend to show a surge of support for the Black community, but then get burnt out once they realize that oppression is in the water of every facet of american society that they choose not to be bothered. This is not only still tolerating racism it’s quite literally the opposite of being an ally. Seeing people who call themselves “allies” chant the n-word because it was just “in a song,” dance to Black music or use Black slang, but then simultaneously never stand up for Black lives, means they’re choosing to participate in Black culture only when it’s convenient for them.
Often, these same non-BIPOC people will claim to be allies, making their silence more questionable. By aiming for neutrality, they’re telling people advocating for basic human rights to hide their true values for their comfort, while simultaneously giving power to the current, unjust systems. This quote is very applicable today, because those staying neutral have chosen to take the stance that there is nothing for them to do, simply because they don’t care enough to do something about. As Desmond Tutu once said, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” Not only are you able to present your privilege, you’ve chosen to take the side of the oppressor. The silence from peers in this fight speaks volumes, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Quote those who remain silent tv#
The pure ability to simply look away, turn off the TV or choose not to worry about humanitarian and social justice issues proves this privilege. When confronted, many of them claim to be “neutral,” or claim that they “don’t care.” My response to this is “Why?” Why are others not as outraged as I am? Why do my peers choose to remain silent when their voices are the ones more likely to be heard? Announcing you have no opinion when people’s lives are at risk exposes a great amount of privilege. When we finally talk about the racial injustices devouring our country, many of my peers and much of society lack engagement or interest. In times of injustice, I’m always perplexed by the lack of acknowledgment and care from others.
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