Can we really end structural racism? What I’ve been seeing and reading in the news lately blows my mind.
I get goosebumps, I get angry, I feel sad. I examine my white fragility, my whiteness.
Even though I was too chicken to be on the front lines of local Black Lives Matter demonstrations (I’ve been in the middle of a riot before. Scary!), I really want to do something.
I just looked at a list of the books I’ve read the last few years, and I feel like this is a good place to start.
Today, I’m committing to reading more books and articles by authors of color.
I know that sounds wimpy and totally like a librarian, but studies say that hearing or reading stories (non-fiction AND fiction) makes us more empathetic and more open-minded.
Why? Science shows that when we experience character-driven stories, our brains pump out more oxytocin. That’s the feel-good hormone that we get when we hug a loved one.
Stories make us more empathetic and build—here’s an interesting phrase—INTELLECTUAL HUMILITY.
That means changing when change is hard.
And to be an activist, says Layla F. Saad, author of Me And White Supremacy, you’ve got to Do the Work. You’ve got to educate yourself.
Get yourself some perspective.
Feel like you (or someone you know) need some new perspectives?
Here’s a Required Reading list from Bustle.
And here are some exceptional titles I’ve read and recommend:
Ready to edit?
If you’re wondering what else you can do to be part of the solution and how to support BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), here are some other ideas.
I’m committing to these, too:
- Support food justice
- Talk to your child about race, racism and anti-racism
- Get involved in a non-profit or in local government
- Write a letter to or call local government representatives
- Bring anti-racism into your daily life
- Learn how to be an ally
- Listen
This is real. This is about making a societal change.
One last thing: PLEASE remember to give your brain a break. Stop scrolling for a few minutes. Turn off the TV. Put down your book.
Do nothing for a few minutes. It’s essential to your happiness.
ICYMI, here’s how to do nothing.
Let’s keep editing!
Erica