We Need Radical Empathy To Create Radical Change

I couldn’t stomach posting what I’d originally planned to share today.

In the face of the horrific murder of George Floyd and the protests that have transpired as a result of hundreds of years of oppressing people of color, there is nothing I could talk about that would be more important than this issue. Anything else feels tone-deaf, phony, and filled with white privilege.

If you’re a white person and don’t think you’re privileged, consider this:

“Privilege is when you think something is not a problem because it’s not a problem to you personally.” – David Gaider

I’ll be the first to admit that this conversation is new to me.

I grew up in a small, rural town in Minnesota. In my town, we had very little diversity. I’d never understood what it felt like to be oppressed, treated unfairly, or profiled. It wasn’t in the sphere of the world as I knew it.

Nonetheless, this isn’t about me or my experience. I’m only sharing this with you because if you are using the excuse of “I don’t know what to say,” I hope you see yourself in my story and know that you can start now, too. It isn’t too late to join the conversation and learn how you can make a difference.

If we just say, “This is so awful!” and then take no action, we’re still leaving the work to everyone else. Our fellow human beings are hurting and have been for a long time. If we claim to be spiritual, caring, empathetic, good humans; now is the time to walk our talk.

I’m learning that it is not enough to be inclusive, kind, and non-racist. It takes anti-racism. It takes learning about white privilege; educating ourselves about black history; taking action; and supporting black/POC activists who are deeply immersed in social justice work.

Here are petitions to sign and places to donate.

Here are some direct links to donate:
Black Visions Collective (working to end systemic oppression) https://secure.everyaction.com/4omQDAR0oUiUagTu0EG-Ig2
Reclaim the Block (rebuilding black communities) https://secure.everyaction.com/zae4prEeKESHBy0MKXTIcQ2
George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd

Here are petitions to sign:
George Floyd https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/justiceforfloyd_george_floyd_minneapolis/?source=dm_sms_optin_5-26-20
Breonna Taylor https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/justiceforbre-breonna-taylor-officers-fired/?source=dm_SMS_shortcode_optin
Ahmaud Arbery https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/demand-justice-ahmaud/?source=dm_smsbroadcast_cjlist

Amplify the work of black and people of color individuals.

This week, I’m taking the #amplifymelanatedvoices challenge on Instagram which is led by two black female activists, Jessica Wilson, and Alisha McCullough. That means from June 1st – 7th, I will only be sharing the work of black and people of color activists, therapists, social workers, artists, etc.

Right now, it is not my duty as a white person to make this about me or share from my perspective. It is my duty to share the work of people who have lived and breathed this experience. It is my job to educate myself on these topics and take action by donating money, signing petitions, and protesting peacefully.

Check out Fleur Larsen Facilitation for a comprehensive list of resources to support your growth and learning about social equality.

The world needs more radically empathetic human beings. Maybe you don’t know what it feels like, but can you empathize with your fellow human? Can you open your mind to learning more about their experience? Can you care enough to learn how you can change?

With love,

Alissa