Racism

by with No Comment CultureFeaturedRace Relations

Racism hurts both sides. One side is antagonized unjustly (because having a different skin color is not a crime!) and one side lives in fear of retribution for the senseless injuries they have caused… fear of justice.

Racism robs us of potential friends, spouses, business partners, and soldiers.

Racism has no merit, no historical benefit, no positive outcome.

The athletes who peacefully protested were always kneeling against racism.

Not the police.
Not the flag.
Not our country.

But racists (yes, racists) who are afraid of change, afraid of admitting historical atrocities, afraid of justice… racists made what is called a “straw man argument.” This is a bad-faith and illogical way of arguing where one MISREPRESENTS an opponent’s position so it is easier to pull apart (like a straw man).

So racists said, “They hate the police.”
Racists said, “They hate the troops.”
Racists said, “They hate our country.”

No. They hate the poison of racism. And so do I.

Racism is like an addiction. You can’t overcome it if you don’t admit you have a problem. You’ll lie to yourself to maintain it. You’re afraid to confront it.

“Well, I don’t think I’m a racist.”

Well nobody does! It’s not the point. “Racist” isn’t something you permanently are or you aren’t. Racism is something you have to constantly fight and try to defeat.

Did you judge that person by their skin color alone and no other context? That was a racist thing to do. At that moment you are a racist.

Did you see video of police killing an innocent Black man and feel the need to somehow defend the police officers? That’s racist. You’re a racist.

Until you can see how their heinous act was clearly murder and an abuse of the sacred power that law enforcement is granted for the betterment of society, you remain a racist.

And that makes you poison; to yourself and to this country which is and always has been a melting pot of diversity.

Can anyone even fathom the goodness we have gained from cultural exchange? The music alone… how can we ignore the benefits of bringing together all of the peoples of the world to create America?

Diversity is good. Diversity is beautiful. Diversity is healthy.

The tribalism must end. The exclusion must end. The racism must end.

For the sake of all.

This article was originally published on 29 May 2020.

Similar Read: DIPLOMACY AND WAR: KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

“A Mother’s Dream For Change: Taking the First Step Into The Unknown”

by with No Comment CultureFeatured

My mom hated guests, guests that came with their sons who were looking for a “good” bride to bring home so she could cook, clean, and have dozens of children. My mom could see her entire life flash before her eyes if she was to remain in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for much longer. She had shared her concerns with her father, a man who took a practical approach to life and who could clearly see his daughter’s displeasure. Knowing the severe pushback, he was about to receive from my grandmother on the course of action he was going to take, my grandfather bought a one-way ticket for my mom to London and presented it to her early one morning. “Take this and go make something of your life,” My grandfather said. My mother was shocked, she knew how big of a deal this was… for a Sikh man to give his daughter a literal key to be free and to live life on her own terms. “She hugged my grandfather thanking him for this once in a lifetime opportunity, packed her bags and took the first step to creating a life for herself. That first step brought her to London, where she studied nursing and became a LPN (licensed practical nurse).

While exploring the wonders of England my mom met my father who was also working at the same hospital. The both worked overtime and fell in love, got married, to moved to Canada where my sister was born. After 8 years they moved to America, where I was born. This journey around the world made my parents experience a lot of different systems and cultures that were the identity of each respective nation. My mother will never forget the reception she received when she first walked into New York. “It was a dream come true to finally pass the numerous tests and interviews and immigration itself to know that this is where my son will be born. This is where he will grow up and find the path he needs to take to make his own life, on his own terms.” And she never let me forget it, the hardships that she and my father had to go through to get my sister and I here.

Her one piece of great advice for me was that you are born here, but too many of you will still be considered a foreigner. You need to push harder and educate yourself as high as you can to be the best you can be, because no one is ever going to give you anything. Being Indian and following the Sikh faith has taught me that all too well within the last decade. I remember the struggles of my parents and with each day I find new ways to better myself and work with organizations that promote awareness and the importance of the diversity in America. Being part of these organizations gives people like myself the opportunity to show the nation that there is nothing to fear about immigrants. That the land of the free was built on the blood, sweat, and tears of immigrants, and that only together can WE make this nation great again.