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The Questions of My Exhaustion

It is exhausting to engage with uninformed and/or misinformed people on matters relating to the social construct of race as if the privilege they deny having provides them clear insight on bias. They have been conditioned to not see the ulterior motives and intended outcomes of systems functioning as desired by the powers that be -- systems designed to ensure that those on the margins remain on the lowest rungs of the ladder. 

Who are they and why do I seem to know so many of them? Did they descend from those who supported the racial violence, also know as white supremacy, of slave traders, slave holders, Klansmen, Concerned Citizens, Nazis, and the common racists? Yes, some are, but unfortunately some descend from good and decent people who were bridge builders. 

Being a white person who is well-intentioned is not enough. Racial justice requires members of the dominant group to assume the responsibility of doing their own work. Having good friends who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color (BIPOC) does not mean that the racism thriving in society will not shape children's perspective. Racism is like a highly contagious virus. Not speaking about it leaves an empty space. The silence of this space permits racism to take root quietly in a child's heart and mind. Parents and children must engage in conversations on race just as they do on matters of behavior, discipline, faith and hygiene. It is that important.



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