Widening the Lens

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2020 represents the year of the metal rat. The rat signifies prosperity, wealth and surplus. The metal element signifies stability and reliability. The metal rat combined can suggest stockpiling or hoarding but also the ability to turn unlucky events into fortune. So far 2020 seems anything but profitable, stable or lucky. With nearly 42 million people out of work and a recession, the only element that appears to line up is an insatiable need to stockpile toilet paper and cleaning supplies. Now, just as the season changes from a cool, quiet spring, the country is heating up with intense protests and demands for justice and racial equality. 

This sentiment surrounding George Floyd’s and too many other senseless deaths far outweigh fears surrounding the pandemic. Despite the constant, terrifying news reports regarding the dangers of the disease, people actively chose to support the Black Lives Matter movement and demand justice. As a white woman I recognize the importance of our voices to express our outrage but am also so afraid of saying the wrong thing or be taken the wrong way. I’ve spent the past week trying to learn about the most appropriate way to show support. 

The last year of the Metal Rat was 1960. So much progress in the last 60 years. So much to be proud of. However, somewhere along the line, progress towards racial equality stagnated. It reached a comfortable level for white society to feel they could drop the issue. I’ve heard whites of the Baby Boomer generation use examples of successful immigrant populations in the face of prejudice as an example of what they felt black communities should be able to do. While Asian, Hispanic, Italian, Irish etc immigrants faced adversity and society shunned them. I think its an unfair comparison because black Americans were already Americans and therefore should not be burdened to prove themselves. They also faced generations of racism. Despite how well educated or how successful they became, they could never change the perception of racists. I can only image that the mentality of an immigrant, determined to make a place for themselves in a country they chose to move to is completely different that a that of a born American who learns from a young age that their skin color will always prevent them from being fully accepted, appreciated or respected. 

I grew up fairly sheltered and was taught that I can be anything I want to be and that no one should judge another by the color of their skin. I believed sexism and racism were issues that had been defeated in America. It was very painful for me to learn that sexism is very real, very present and largely impactful on society. It is devastating to realize that I have been personally blind and deaf to the prevalent racial inequalities which pervade every aspect of society from education, to banking, to medical treatment to police brutality. I have been comfortable because I don’t see or hear blatant racism. I wanted to believe things were better and was unable to open my eyes to the realities. I remember being outraged by Rodney King and thinking that was a major turning point in society. The truth that very little has changed since his brutal murder is unacceptable. Our grand-parents knew that educating people away from racism would take generations but now the progress has stalled. I believe that America is no longer plagued by racism in the same way it was 60 years ago, but have allowed our deeply ingrained racial biases to remain. Our society is set up to allow racial inequality to continue. 

It is not enough that we I don’t judge people by the color of their skin, I have to be anti-racist. We have to be anti-racist. We have to look for ways to push equality, change the system and close the gap. I am still trying to learn how we got to this point and how we can be better activists and the most effective ways to improve society. I am open to discussion and to trying to see a new viewpoint. Of course I am afraid of saying the wrong thing and offending people but I willing to keep learning to get it right. I have hope that in the spirit of the metal rat, we as a nation are able to make a positive change out of these horrific events. 

I’ve read many articles about ‘how to support the Black Lives Matter movement.’ Most suggest talking to friends, watching documentaries and donating to families recently affected by police brutality. I think more impactful actions include supporting Federal Reforms in response to police violence and seeking ways to support your local black population. Join diversity committees to learn more about actions that can be taken locally and federally. 

As a student of all things prenatal. I found this podcast very informative. https://www.natalstories.com/listen

This author is from a town close to my home town and opened my eyes to a different experience. It also made me a more confident yoga instructor since it shows how we are all individuals. Not all yoga instructors look like Cali girls. She also offers free yoga classes on youtube.