“Compassion is not helpless pity, but an awareness and determination that demands action.” – His Holiness the Dalai Lama
In the wake of the horrific killing of George Floyd, many of us here in the US, and people around the world, have been freshly opened into awareness, mourning and outrage. Awakened to or renewed in fierce determination for social justice and true change.
If you are beginning your learning, there are incredible resources for education on racism in the US, how to interrupt implicit bias and white supremacy, and how to dismantle unjust systems and policies. Here’s a glimpse of what I’ve been reading, listening to, watching or revisiting on these topics — resources I recommend:
- Clips and episodes: The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
- Podcast: Brené Brown with Ibram X. Kendi on How to Be an Antiracist
- Video conversation: Where Do We Go From Here? Oprah Winfrey talks with Black thought leaders, activists and artists about systematic racism and the current state of America
Articles:
- I Know Voting Feels Inadequate Right Now by Stacey Abrams
- How to Fight Racism Through Inner Work with Rhonda Magee
- Performing Whiteness by Sarah Bellamy
Film:
Nonfiction:
- Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do by Jennifer L. Eberhardt
- How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
- Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds
- What Does It Mean to Be White?: Developing White Racial Literacy by Robin DiAngelo
Compassion is an awareness of an other’s suffering coupled with a willingness to take action to relieve it. It’s “an awareness and determination that demands action” (HHDL).
And critical to this moment in history: “One either allows racial inequities to persevere, as a racist, or confronts racial inequities, as an antiracist. There is no in-between safe space of “not racist.” The claim of “not racist” neutrality is a mask for racism.” – Ibram X. Kendi, How to be an Antiracist
What are you aware of today that you weren’t aware of a few weeks ago? A few years ago? What is this new awareness inspiring in you? How is the national and global conversation about race motivating you?
I saw this IG post being shared around other day with a message I wanted to pass along:
some are protesting in the streets
some are donating silently
some are educating themselves
a revolution has many lanes — be kind to yourself and to others who are traveling in the same direction
just keep your foot on the gas
May we all experience clarity, kindness and endurance in our efforts to confront and end the devastating legacy of racism in the US and beyond.
💕