This is gonna be a long one, but it’s important. I’ve taken some time to process and reflect, and now felt like the right time to speak out using this platform, especially since this week’s blog post features a black-owned business run by my dear friend and inspiration @itsnydelight.
The disregard for black lives in America is inexcusable and unforgivable. If this content makes you uncomfortable, that’s good! We all should be. No growth I‘ve experienced has ever been comfortable. We must not only post in support of this cause, but need to have discussions and take action to push for change. Swipe left to find ways you can help!
Regardless of how some may find the protests controversial, I stand behind them. I don’t promote violence or destruction but I doubt most people involved want these things either, and I understand the reasons behind their reactions. What I know for sure is that, as someone who hasn’t used their voice enough in the past to actively speak out against racism and anti-blackness, I am not going to use it now to condemn the protest of years and years of abuse.
To my Asian American community that I love so deeply, this is not a call out but a plea to reflect. Now is the time to be a minority ally. If you were outraged at the racism against Asians that broke out at the start of the pandemic, you should be outraged right now. We are group that has benefited from the black movement for racial justice while maintaining the privilege of “model minority” status in the white eye. And I’m just going to say it - there’s a history of anti-black sentiment in our community. It’s not pretty but it’s the truth. That doesn’t mean we can’t step up to change, though. I teared up this week when my mom, who has had her own biases (as have I), knocked on my bedroom door to discuss the racial injustice unfolding around us. I’m proud to be her daughter every day, but this is a moment I’ll always remember. I can only imagine how proud my dad would be as someone who always stood for the equality and justice preached in Buddhist teachings.
To my black friends and followers, I know suffering, but I do not know your suffering. Still, I am with you. Enough is enough. @ Live Cycle Delight
