I will not be silent anymore

My heart has been so heavy with grief in the past few weeks. There has been shooting after shooting, bombings everywhere, and people being killed for no damn good reason. There is so much hate in the world it is absolutely disgusting. ISIS, or whatever you want to call them, is destroying the human race, and so are their brother groups in other countries like Boko Haram and so many others that are thriving on the carnage of innocent people. The foreign world is in such turmoil, and it's seeping into our culture. It's breaking through into our hearts. That's right, not our land, our culture and lives. This is not about securing our borders, although idiots running for president would like you to think so. This is about how we, you and I, are allowing prejudice, racism, and hatred propel forward. And it needs to stop, now.

I just heard about Philando Castile, a black man, who was shot and killed by a police officer for a broken tail light. Castile was pulled over for his broken light (something I've been pulled over for at least 5 times on my Civic), and when the officer pulled him over asking for license and registration, Castile said he had a permit and a pistol--he was trying, I would imagine, to cover his bases. I mean, I would have done the same thing--I'm letting you know ahead of time that I am in possession of this thing so you don't get spooked later when you find it. I would've done that exact thing if I carried a gun. Except when he went to his pocket to provide the license from his wallet (isn't that where *most* people have their license??!) he was shot four times. Let me be clear. He gave the officer a heads up that he owned a gun. Then he went to provide the officer with what was asked of him. And he was killed. In front of his girlfriend and her four-year-old daughter. It really leaves me asking the question, "Under what circumstance would he *not* have been killed?" I mean, he was complying with the officer's orders. Had he not, I'm sure it would've been just as terrible. No doubt the non-compliance would have escalated to him being shot anyway.

So this is our problem. OUR problem. We are all one humanity, and if you live on Earth this is your problem too. It's time to start changing the system that is so oppressive to undeserving people. We cannot sit in silence anymore. When you say nothing you are part of the problem. Does that sting for you like it does me? It should. You should be so outraged at what is going on in our world, and if you aren't, seriously ask yourself why. I'm not here to judge or condemn anyone--thankfully that's not my job :) But I am here to say that you need to speak up. Don't be apathetic. Be a voice for the voiceless. Use your two working hands to write a quick email to someone in leadership, or a non-profit that works on advocacy. Make yourself informed, don't stick your head in the sand. I know it's discouraging to see so much negative in politics and the media, but my friend, it will not stop unless you make it. I can't do it for you. You must do your part.

Denzel is going to be four in a couple of months, just like that little girl that witnessed a policeman kill a grown man in front of her own little eyes. The one who can never erase that from her memory, and will always see the effect it had on her mother--forever. I weep at the thought that she will be forever changed by that experience. And it didn't need to happen that way. I cannot imagine my own son witnessing an event like she did. And yet, I have to make him aware of our current system, and how he has to intentionally go against the grain in order to stand up for those he loves. My son's best friend is black. His family are some of our closest friends. I'll never forget the day that he came home and said, "Mommy, I want to be dark brown like A." I was speechless. The innocence in seeing that his best friend was a wonderful person, and so why wouldn't he want to be just like him? In due time though, Denzel will need to learn that not everyone is as loving as he is toward his best friend. And the feelings that are totally opposite from his are all based on sweet little A's skin color. I anticipate that he won't understand, and maybe even be brought to tears as my strong-feelings-boy would be. I know that his empathy will be spurred into action though, as we teach him to step up into protecting his friend, as a white male. It is his job. And I know he will, because he doesn't have the prejudice that so many of us adults do. Teach your children, and don't shy away from racial issues. Empower them to stand strong against hatred, because they'll need to hear your voice amongst the world. If you don't have children, you have a sphere of influence. Someone listens to you--start talking. Humanity is not getting better, but there is always hope. It is time to take action.