I have learned some things

I can't remember when I first heard the term systemic racism. I do remember having a foggy understanding of it, mainly because I couldn't name and explain examples of systemic racism in action. While I knew it was about systems of oppression that are built to specifically marginalize some people, I wasn't equipped with a deep enough understanding of it to be able to engage in conversations about it. That's what happens with white people who benefit from systemic racism. It becomes so normalized that we don't even think about it. I'm sure any person of colour could give me a nice long list of examples. 

I wouldn't have done a very good job of explaining it to someone in the past. I'm still not great at it, but I'm trying. 

The world now has a clear example to use to explain systemic racism because it has been in the news for the last two months since George Floyd was murdered by police officers. I have a sensitive take on police and policing because there were two police officers in my family as I was growing up. For the longest time I felt that they could do no wrong. I was taught that they are safe and that they could be trusted. I still believe this because I know that there are officers who are working toward improving the system. (On the flip side, I also have first-hand experience with how racist cops can be, but that's another story for another day. I have some thoughts on how "othering" comes into play within the policing community, but I'm still investigating that.) 

But I know there's much more to it. My ability to be comfortable around cops has everything to do with my whiteness. I have never had to worry about police brutality. It never applied to me, so I have a white person's view of police -- they're there to protect us from the bad guys.   

Desmond Cole's book, The Skin We're In, is on the pile of books I plan to read this summer. I'm hoping he will help me to begin to solidify my understanding of racism within the policing system. Because I have a lot of discomfort swirling around in my head and heart regarding this topic, it's something I feel I need to dig into with an open mind and heart so I can unpack how my thoughts bump up against his. I know I have a lot of learning to do, and I'm so grateful for people like Cole who make it a priority to help other people understand.   

I wasn't really expecting this post to be mostly about police brutality, but I guess that's where I landed today. There are so many other examples of systemic racism that need to be named, called out, investigated, and reformed. I'm up for the challenge of all of this, regardless of how heavy it might be. 

Once you know, you can't pretend you don't. This is why I'm here.  



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