At the root of racism and every other related “ism” is the presence of supremacy. Us humans dabble in it every day and some of us live with our feet firmly planted in it, almost like an anchor.
We naturally connect with people who share our opinions, lifestyles, beliefs, etc. just affiliating with a like-minded group of people creates a bias in our subconscious minds because we feel that our way of thinking is superior. That bias becomes prejudice when we highlight our way of thinking in comparison to others in our conversations. We still don’t even notice. Then when things heat up and controversy of some kind rises up between groups, disdain and disgust enter in.
Yesterday I heard the term anti-racism, racism. We all see it growing as whites go against whites in our efforts to sort out whose fault this really is.
Neil Edwards is a gift to The United States of America. His unique perspective based on his unique experiences up until he came to the US for college offers us a beautiful example and a powerful hope.
Neil has tasted a world that most of us haven’t. The world he grew up in involved racial diversity without the presence of racism. He has a vision that I want to borrow; hope that I want to embrace.
Neil has found a way to see himself in us white Americans, a group of people who have hurt him deeply. His anger is real and yet somehow clean. I think it’s because he keeps it within his highest value, which is love. It’s a hostile world right now and there is so much to be afraid of. I want to be like Neil Edwards.
Neil can see himself in you and I. That’s the most unique thing about him. What if all of us would choose to see ourselves in him today?
What if we became willing to see ourselves in everyone whose opinions make us fearful? What if we refuse to let the script of any one group divide us from our fellow humans?
What if each of us would get serious about seeing and dismantling our human supremely?
I’m in the thick of it and I would love for you to join me.
Mentioned in this episode
If We Matter Episode 31: I can see myself in you
Resources
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