I’m writing today about a serious topic, something that has both moved me and frustrated me. This is based on what I’ve seen and read recently, things might change by the time this is posted. It's a long one, but please read till the end. 

Racism is a terrible thing and something that I hope, along with everyone else, will be eradicated as we travel into the future. I’m sure everyone knows there have been countless protests in the US, now moved worldwide, to find justice for a victim of police brutality. I hope situations like that never repeat, no doubt, most people in the world sympathize with this cause too.

Some protests have been peaceful, and that’s fantastic. It brings me great encouragement to see people’s shows of unity and determination. But I think other protests are turning ugly. Violence and looting, arson and theft, this is no way to make a message heard, let alone gather support. Gathering in tight crowds amidst a pandemic doesn’t seem very beneficial for the greater good either. And I feel like people everywhere are sharing their warranted sadness and outrage, but it’s stuck in an online echo-chamber. I understand the anger and urgency, I feel it like you all do. So what more can we do?

As I surfed the web and talked to people around me, I’ve noticed other ways of supporting this cause and I wanted to share five points that stood out to me the most. I hope we can keep looking at these long after the protests disappear off the headlines.  

1. Have conversations, peacefully, to the people around you. When I watch coverage of the protests on the news, I am in awe at the mass of people pushing for the cause they care deeply about. And I believe there are many more at home who also support it but were unable to make it out onto the streets. Imagine if everyone who cares about this was able to find and talk to one other person who may not yet be on board. I think it would be possible to change the world from the inside out. 

2. Be compassionate and build others up. Violence shouldn’t be followed by violence. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Rather, reach out to those you know might be struggling or hurting because of these events and help them out in word and deed. The cause we are advocating for is good, don’t let it be tainted by violence and crime. 

3. Donate if you can. Do a little research and look into companies who contribute to anti-racism efforts. I understand not everyone will be able to do so, especially in circumstances where you are younger or struggling to get by because of the pandemic, but even reading in to find which companies or initiatives whose values you support, and then sharing them to others can do a lot. 

4. Write a letter to your leaders, businesses or local representatives. Keep it amicable, and, based on what you’ve seen and heard in your community. Find some concrete steps and examples that you believe will help end racism in your area. And remember to report to the authorities if you see it happening in front of you, at the very least, a recording of it is better than nothing.

5. Educate yourself. I’m glad you’re still here reading this post, but remember to take my words with a pinch of salt because I’m not an expert in these issues and neither are your friends or the often-biased news outlets on social media. However there are resources written by experts who have spent years researching this topic, those would be more informative and reliable. 

I know protests are instantaneous and exciting, I’ve been in them too and it’s definitely empowering to be standing in a crowd of like-minded people. But I believe tackling a long and deep-rooted issue like racism requires time and endurance. Keep these points in your mind and remain in them long after the spotlight has moved on from these recent events. And know that there are more strategies than the ones I’ve just listed, be creative and remember to keep a positive attitude and a soft heart. 

Take care,

Joanne