A pandemic of racism,
and we’re absolutely riddled,
still.
So ingrained in society
some can’t even see
the hypocrisy
we’ve helped to maintain
and perpetuate
for centuries.
Saying
“But what about ME”
ALL lives matter.
What does that solve?
Would that have stopped George’s AO,
from creating his very own snuff video?
Doubtful.
So self involved
around you the
the world revolves
squint enough
you feel absolved.
The incapacity
to put yourself
in someone else’s clothes.
Empathy
for some people
is only skin deep.
It helps to also possess a selective memory.
“You coming to the March on Sunday?”
I answered yes.
“It’s important.”
Dad said.
“This is a long time coming”
Has anyone ever been racist to you?
He asked
“Not directly I don’t think Dad”
“It’s a horrible feeling Bab,
let me tell you a story now”
So he began
“At 17
I was dealing
with the death of my Dad.
I joined the Navy,
followed his path,
except
for the experience I had.”
“I was in an Electrical engineering class,
and I was the only mixed race lad -
well back then they called me ‘Half Caste’.
I felt like the odd one out,
but determined
to honour my Dad.”
He carried on the tale
of the Naval officer with half a brain
who’s only way to explain
the colour coding
of resistor cables
was to slip in
blatant racism.
This is what he said, and I apologise in advance:
“Black boys rape our young girls but virgins go without.”
Wow.
How the fuck do you respond to that?
But what’s really sad,
is for my Dad,
and for millions of others aswell -
this is only one of so many examples.
Why are humans such animals?
This chat got me really thinking
and brought up something
he used to tell me.
Power chooses the path of least resistance.
Let that really sink in.
Is that who I’ve been?
Because I’m mixed with white skin,
I haven’t had the same barriers thrown in my direction,
and I also haven’t done much to break them.
I’ve had this coat of protection
from my Mother’s complexion.
Is awareness enough?
Ranting on Facebook
doesn’t change all that much.
The message that’s coming across -
“It’s time to stand up”
I’ve heard many people saying
“There‘s more important things”
“Protesters aren’t maintaining
social distancing
and the message
is ruined by looting”.
Now I’m not generally a believer
in two wrongs make a right.
Not all are debts paid
with an eye for an eye.
All I can say is
It’s time.
Time
we tried
to rectify
the injustices
that still divide.
Without standing side by side,
it’s futile.