It has been a challenging and heartbreaking few weeks witnessing the pain, sorrow, and anger over the murder of George Floyd. I cried for several days. I felt frozen, and didn’t know what to do or what to say. Then one of my friends said to me that what is happening in our country right now is an ‘intifada’. In Arabic, intifada means uprising. And I couldn’t agree more as what we are witnessing is just that – an uprising of voices that have been unheard and criminalized for too many years.
Listening and learning
Being a Palestinian American, I have experienced racism and it was extremely painful. But I can’t even for a minute understand the pain the black community have endured and experienced over the last 400 years.
I am not naïve - I know racism exists here. But what I didn’t realize is that the bias is so deeply rooted in our entire system. I had never heard the phrase ‘systemic racism’ so I started reading, observing, listening and learning. And in this process, my eyes have been opened to what they have been closed to in the past. After all, we don’t know what we don’t know … until we know.
What to do when you don’t know what to do
What’s happening right now is affecting everyone in different ways. What you’re experiencing is yours to experience. We’re all reacting from our own traumas, fears, and experiences. It isn’t good or bad - it just is, so please be gentle with yourself.
You may also feel overwhelmed, thinking the problem is way too big. Perhaps you feel there isn’t anything you can do. I hear you, it’s absolutely an overwhelming feeling because there are so many layers to all of this. But you don’t have to be a social activist and show up loud on social media to make a change. You can start within yourself and in your own home.
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Turn inwards
We all have bias. As uncomfortable as it is, be introspective and start to recognize your own bias and judgement. Being aware of your bias is the first step to educating yourself. I promise you not all black people are criminals, not all Palestinians are terrorists, not all cops are bad, and not all white people are white supremacists.
2. Start within your own home and circles
If you’re in a situation where inappropriate or racist comments are made, step up and speak up. Yes, it’s uncomfortable and messy, but growth doesn’t come from a comfortable place. We can have these conversations in a respectful way; it doesn’t have to be hurtful or hateful. Be that leader and influencer in your circle.
3. Commit to love
Make an effort to show up in a loving, kind, and compassionate way. We are human and there will be times that we fall off into anger and judgement. But you can always choose again. Get back to love.
Final thoughts
We are all part of the same race – the Human Race. We’re all created in the image of our mighty Creator. We also all have a need to be seen, heard, respected, and loved. I am no different than you, and you are no different than me.
I believe with my entire heart that we can each make a difference. The small changes you make each day will create a great change within yourself, your family, and your community. And those changes will ripple out to create the transformation our world so desperately needs right now, and far into the future.