The Weekly Review: Vol VII Issue 10
Hello friends,
The past two weeks have been emotional for me. As I guess it was for many of you.
The last several months have been different: good in some ways, so hard in many others. But it held a sense of unity. It was us against the virus. But the past weeks were far harder to watch — violence always is. And there is a visceral feel of us versus them, and that's never a good thing.
I was shocked and surprised as events unfolded. Shocked at the repeated brutality shown by police forces across the United States, but also surprised at how emotional I became watching this unfold. Why now? It's not like George Floyd was this first time this time I've seen news of the casual murder of a black man by the police. And it's not the first time I've been aware of protesting and rioting as a result of such a murder.
Why now? Or a better question, why not before?
Unfortunately, it was the first time I had a strong emotional response. And it was the fist time I truly felt responsible for perpetuating this kind of treatment towards black people, and compelled to change.
I'm ashamed to say that. Growing up in northern Canada isn't without racism. Just ask the indigenous people in our communities. But I did grow up not knowing a single black person. It's more common to see black people in my city now, but not so much in the 1980's. There were likely some around when I grew up, but they weren't in the school or neighbourhood that made up my existence.
However, Canada is in general a diverse mix of cultures. For the most part, I grew up in an environment where differences were tolerated, occasionally even celebrated. And yet, I find myself complicit in allowing racism to continue. And perhaps even flourish.
I don't have any desire to share any thoughts about software, news, or things I've read recently. Truthfully, I haven't read much apart from the news or how white folks can improve this situation. And, if you're like me, you've likely seen a lot of resources on how to educate yourself, where to donate money, and petitions to sign.
Rather than repeat what you've already heard, I'll simply encourage you to take the next step.
Buy the books, then read them. Carefully. Sign the petition. Donate some of your money normally spent on things that keep you comfortable. Meditate on the truth that (if you're white) you've likely helped in the oppression of black people. Like the three police officers who watched George Floyd be murdered, if we're not lifting a hand or a voice against these kinds of behaviours, we're helping them continue.
As someone who believes in a Saviour who was willing to die for me and face the wrath of God, I've realized I need to care a whole lot more about this. After all…
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
I want to make sure this is a focus for the rest of my life.
See you next week!