As a society, we’re scared to talk about racism. It’s time to ask the questions that make you feel uncomfortable so you can take real action.
If you weren’t careful, and you didn’t have your lived experience to show you otherwise (and if you avoided distressing news stories), you might be inclined to think that we were moving further away from racism as a society.
But while it’s true that certain abhorrent policies and systems are now a thing of the past, we’re far from a world in which equality prevails.
You need only look to the news to see examples of racism in the police force… but the George Floyd case is just the tip of the iceberg. His heartbreaking story represents an issue that runs far deeper than one unfortunate event.
Systemic racism is a solid presence in the world we live in, and for people of color, equal access to things some take for granted is not guaranteed.
Healthcare, fair treatment from the authorities, access to education and job opportunities… These issues are prevalent, and for those who want to stand against them, understanding is crucial.
That starts with listening to the lived experiences of those who face every day knowing that they’ll be exposed to microaggressions, to having to fight for the right to be heard and constantly asked for proof that what they’re experiencing is racism.
For allies and those on the frontline alike, this listening and understanding is crucial.
Enter Carrie M. Sawyer, whose passion for equity and fair representation saw her move away from her job as a design researcher, ready to use her skills and training to explore solutions for the biggest societal problems we face. Free on Kindle.
