The Truth...

As a society, we find it challenging to confront many truths—the truth about ourselves, our loved ones, our idols, and our society. Since George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor's legal executions, there have been many cries for equality and the need for justice. All of which have been well-meaning, but many have been performance activism. Let us be honest.

Society Propels Performance Activism

You see, the pure embarrassment of contemporary events makes certain abhorrent behaviors undeniable and anyone that tries to make an excuse for these heinous acts looks pretty ignorant- if they care. As a result, this collective disgrace forces many into shame and propels them to denounce behaviors, yet they continue to support institutions and rhetoric that align to those same beliefs. These heinous acts against African Americans witnessed or heard about stem from the same beliefs you just publicly denounced. So, your acts of outrage aren’t genuine at all, so to save face, there is a display of being appalled and “hash-tagging.” You see, as a society, no one wants to be considered anything associated with being unfair or unjust and certainly not racist or bigoted. As a result, many people "closet" their feelings, actions, and support for racist and bigoted behaviors when deep down inside they don’t agree that there is a such thing as systemic racism. They secretly feel, yet will never publicly admit (again, if they care) to thinking that most Black or African Americans are criminals, lazy, and uneducated and that education disparity, mass incarceration, and economic disparity (to name a few) are the doing of those impoverished- bad decisions, drugs, too many baby mamas, and the like.  Except of course for the ones they know personally, oh, and Obama – they are the anomaly, right? So when we see the hashtags and outrage yet the lack of antiracism, it’s all just performance activism and we’ve witnessed a ton of it over the last year.

Current State of Racial Conflict

White Supremacy's belief is that white people constitute a superior race and should therefore dominate society, typically to the exclusion or detriment of other racial and ethnic groups, in particular black or Jewish people. This is the Oxford Dictionary definition. By virtue of this definition which also encapsulates “white pride and white nationalism” the truth of America being fundamentally created on this premise is problematic and impacts those who are not white.

However, to be clear, more generally, there is nothing wrong with having pride in one’s culture. White Supremacy is more than just pride in one’s culture or race. It goes far beyond that. It becomes problematic when the mainstream culture (white culture) impacts people that are not White. Additionally, when that group overwhelmingly holds the power to create laws, policies, societal rules, thoughts, and beliefs that inadvertently or intentionally oppresses others. See current societal conditions for details.

Oh 2020!

Throughout this year, and a long year it has been, I have been left confused and quite frankly embarrassed at times to be called an "American." I love this country, but as a person of color, it is not easy to see, hear, and experience the countless moments and circumstances of inequity displayed daily. How deafening the silence is when it comes time to talk about America's history, yet thousands of people flock to hear about the latest family issue of Kim and Kanye. As an educator and person of influence, it is a daily struggle not to harbor resentment when I see a flag flying high supporting Trump. Whether he is a racist, white supremacist, bigot, or just a plain ole narcissist, I find nothing appealing about his way of relating to, referencing, or engaging people from various aspects of diversity. Equally, it is infuriating when I see people that look like me gun one another down- demonstrate no regard for human life and live in fear while suffering daily to survive. It is challenging not to walk out my door and scream "ENOUGH is ENOUGH" loud enough for the universe to hear! I must fight to maintain a sense of balance and fairness when I feel rage at the many injustices that continue including the injustices that "we" African Americans perform against ourselves.

My Commitment to the Truth

Nevertheless, I take a deep breath and reflect on my purpose in this life. My heart, intellect, ability to see both sides and listen to both sides opens up a depth of compassion that I have to continue to engage when I understand America's current mental, emotional, and societal state not to mention its history.

The truth is this- we have all been victims of inhaling systemic half-truths, which merely are "excellent lies." For those of us on the path of uncovering the truth, it is an intentional and emotional journey of self-discovery that unveils many surprises, pain, disgrace, tears, and anger. However, we must push forward to understand the truth of history to create a sense of compassion and equity for all.

Some things we will never be able to explain away. Like, "How could people mistreat others to the degree they have?" or "Why don't they march like that when they are killing one another." Like history, the answers to these questions are complicated, and for some questions, we will never gain a satisfying explanation. I offer that we cannot continue to say "people" or “they” and say "I" and “we” recognizing that we all to some degree have reaped the benefits of historical injustices no matter which side of the economy or race we reside.

Here is what I know, history is about today as it informs contemporary circumstances. There will be some of us that desire to understand these matters to advance the fight for justice and evolution of society. This equalization is a humanistic right, not the commercialized right by which is the founding of this country. Do you get it? This journey is not for everyone- although it benefits us all- whether we ignore or engage. You will feel an impact either directly or indirectly. Why not have a hand in it in a positive way?

It is our choice either to be ignorant or informed.

I choose the latter. I choose the truth.

Here’s to the year ahead, steeped in equality, equity, and truth!

Syrine A. Reese-Gaines