The box - Another way to explain the complexity of racial issues...

In the midst of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, which continues to claim lives and destabilize economies, we find ourselves faced with yet another insidious affliction: a centuries-old virus that undermines humanity's fundamental values of equality, fraternity, and compassion. This invisible contagion has persisted for over four centuries, often manifesting in subtle and unseen ways.

The tragic death of George Floyd, a black man in the United States, has been a stark reminder of the sad reality that many of us either cannot or refuse to see. As a person of color, I struggle to articulate the depth of sorrow and frustration I feel when witnessing such inhumanity. When friends, relatives, and colleagues—whether white or people of color—ask about my feelings, it is difficult to describe my experience as a black man navigating society.

Throughout my life, I have encountered both wonderful and harrowing moments, all shaped by the color of my skin. My experiences have taught me that we are all confined within invisible boxes. These boxes are constructed from various dimensions, such as our country of residence, our race, our family background, our upbringing, the information we consume online, and the communities we belong to. These boxes shape our identities, consciously or unconsciously influencing our actions and reactions.

In an attempt to convey my feelings to those around me, I use the metaphor of the box. This metaphor demonstrates the complexities and systemic nature of human behavior, thought, and action, highlighting that matters are rarely as simple as black, white, or grey. Consider, for example, two longtime friends, John and Diallo, who are part of a specific box along with other individuals. One day, an event in John's life—whether positive or negative—propels him out of this invisible box. Upon re-entering the box, John is struck by a foul odor that he had never noticed before.

When John tries to discuss the smell with Diallo, his friend does not understand what he is talking about. John's newfound awareness of the box's odor leads him to leave the box, while Diallo and the others remain inside. Both friends are unable to comprehend each other's perspectives because they have had different personal experiences. For Diallo to notice the odor, he too must leave the box, even briefly. Only after a life-changing event, like George Floyd's death, can he reevaluate his thoughts, words, and actions, and escape the confines of the invisible box.

However, escaping one box often means entering another. We can only truly understand the box we left once we are no longer part of it, and we cannot force others out of their boxes. Personal experiences are the catalysts for such change. I once witnessed someone thrust out of their invisible box right before my eyes.

In my early twenties, during my soccer-playing days in France, I was one of the best players in my club, surrounded by an air of positivity and camaraderie. However, an unfortunate knee injury forced me to undergo extensive physiotherapy, which involved visiting the physiotherapist's office three times per week for three months to rehabilitate my knee.

At first, my physiotherapist seemed somewhat cold and distant, but as we spent more time together, we found common interests and began to bond over lively conversations and laughter. He was an avid fan of my club, and our interactions soon became more personal and friendly. One day, as he was massaging my knee, he suddenly stopped and, with an emotional tone, said, "Roger, I have something to tell you. I can't keep it for myself anymore."

I was taken aback by his sudden change in demeanor, but I listened attentively. His confession opened my eyes to the complexity of human nature and helped me understand the invisible boxes that confine us, trapping us like prisoners within our own minds, waiting for a transformative experience to liberate us.

He revealed, "Roger, I never knew I would tell this to a black man right in front of me, eyes in eyes. I'm a convinced racist, and I vote for the French extreme right-wing." This revelation was a shock for both of us. I could see the embarrassment and emotion in his eyes, and the atmosphere in the room became charged with vulnerability.

To break the silence, I asked him the most obvious question that came to mind: "But all these weeks, you've been massaging my leg, my knee, touching my black skin. How is it possible that you could do that, given your beliefs?" His response was unexpected and disarmingly honest. He replied, "In fact, in the beginning, I was very reluctant, but as you were a player of the club, I took on the responsibility. Over time, I no longer saw you as a black man but simply as Roger, because you are a nice and cool guy. I don't see the color of your skin anymore." We both laughed at the absurdity and sincerity of his response, sharing a moment of genuine human connection.

From that day on, he continued to treat me with kindness and professionalism, and we never discussed the topic again. He remained my regular physiotherapist even after I left the club for another one. This life-altering experience changed both of us for the better. I'm confident that it altered his perceptions, behaviors, and actions when it came to racial matters, releasing him from the invisible box that had constrained him. It also deepened my understanding of the intricacies of human interactions and taught me not to judge others hastily based on appearances, experiences, or hearsay.

The truth is that we all have life experiences that shape us, for better or worse. They can help us grow into better, more compassionate individuals or lead us down darker paths. In some cases, a lack of humanity can lead to devastating consequences, such as the awful incident in which a man allowed another to die beneath his knee, captured on mobile phone cameras for the world to witness. Despite pleas for mercy from bystanders, the aggressor remained trapped within his own invisible box, prideful and unyielding, his knee pressed firmly on the neck of his victim as if he were a hunter displaying his latest catch.

It is time for us to find a cure for the racial pandemic that plagues our society. We must recognize that we are the vaccine, and it is up to us to stop the spread of this destructive force. We collectively can achieve this by fostering a sense of unity, community, acceptance, and understanding. By coming together as human beings, we can stop the spread and reach a level of "herd immunity" that could ultimately eradicate this insidious virus for good.

Special thanks to #openai #chatgpt3 for the editing support ??

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Please share a life experience or just an event that blew your mind and helped you change and understand that you were a prisoner of a box.