Summary

The author reflects on societal progress, particularly regarding technology, while highlighting the persistent issues of systemic injustice and discrimination that continue to exist despite advancements.

Abstract

The article "I Don’t Understand" delves into the paradox of a society that has made significant strides in technology and comfort yet fails to address the deep-seated problems of racism, discrimination, and inequality. The author reminisces about a childhood awakening to the realities of injustice and the subsequent realization that the nation's history is marred by slavery and civil rights struggles. Despite progress, the author points out that discrimination and prejudice are still prevalent, citing personal experiences and everyday occurrences that reveal subtle and overt forms of racism and bias. The piece calls for acknowledgment of these issues, active listening to marginalized voices, and a commitment to fighting for equality and ensuring that these problems are not once again pushed aside.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the existence of national heroes from history who fought against injustice, but also emphasizes the shameful aspects of the nation's past that cannot be erased by good deeds.
Personal anecdotes, such as the author's inclusive approach to a birthday party despite playground bullying, are used to illustrate the importance of inclusivity and the rejection of prejudice.
The author believes that racism is an undeniable reality for many, manifesting in various forms of discrimination based on background, skin color, and sexual orientation.
The article suggests that society often gives preferential treatment to white individuals over people of color in public settings, which is an unacceptable norm that needs to be addressed.
Microaggressions, such as surprise at basic acts of kindness or discomfort at interracial friendships, are highlighted as indicators of societal bias.
The author feels that it is not their place to speak on behalf of those who directly experience the harsher realities of discrimination and racism, but rather to listen and support their stories and rights.
A call to action is made for everyone, including the author, to contribute to societal change by challenging oppressive behavior and ensuring that issues of inequality are not ignored.
The author expresses a desire for a society where every individual is treated equally, with the same rights and opportunities, free from fear and prejudice.

I Don’t Understand

How Could We Have Come So Far, Except Where It Counts

We live in a fairy tale land of technology. Barring the last few months, we seem to make leaps and bounds at every turn in making lives easier, longer, and more fulfilled.

But, there are gaping holes in our progress. Those voids that often go unnoticed, or are swept under the rug, at least by some.

Over and over again, it seems to take a tragedy to bring these issues out of the darkness and into the light.

The problem is, they are top of mind for a while, but they are never really addressed or resolved. Then, as if by magic, they are out of sight and out of mind once again.

I think I was in grade 5 when I first had my eyes opened, and I’ve never been able to close them again. They were opened to injustice, hatred, and tyranny.

It was a grade school history class that did it.

We read about the underground railway. The history books painted a story about heroes who helped slaves escape their torture and confinement. It made me proud to be a part of such a great nation! Then, being me, I dug a little deeper. I’m the type of person that when I find something that interests me, I have to know more, I have to know everything I can.

What I discovered tainted the glow of that new-found pride I had felt.

Yes, our country had its heroes during a difficult time, but we ourselves had such a shameful history that no amount of good deeds could erase the taint.

I grew up in the seventies. It was a time where you saw protests on every evening news program. People were fighting for their rights, demanding justice for all. It was also a time when ethnic jokes were the norm. A time where who you were friends with was largely determined by your skin colour.

I was always a little different, and I chalk it up to having to grow up with a disability. I have written about that in the past, and I won’t rehash it here.

But, as an example, when I was in kindergarten, my parents threw me a birthday party. I was so excited and spent hours agonizing over the invitations to my class. I couldn’t wait!

After the invitations were handed out, a group of the “popular” kids cornered me on the playground. What was wrong with me? How could I have invited so and so to my party? He was going to give everyone cooties, didn’t I care about everyone else?

I don’t know where it came from or how I garnered the strength to say it, but my answer was simple and short. I said something like, “Either everyone is invited to my party, or no one is. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to come.” I then walked away.

The party was a great success with almost ¾ of my class in attendance, and everyone had a great time.

I don’t offer this up to be a hero, or for a pat on my back, not by any means, but simply to illustrate a point that many people seem to miss.

Racism is real. It does exist. No matter how far we think we’ve come, for many of us with various backgrounds, skin colours, and sexual orientations, the pain of stigmatism and isolation exists.

Open your eyes and look around you! That is all it takes.

It’s when two couples enter a restaurant at the same time, one of colour and one white. In my experience, nine times out of ten they will try to sit the white couple first. That should not happen.

It’s when my heart breaks when I end up holding the door for someone, and they are so surprised at the gesture as if it is some kindness they have never seen before. That should not happen.

It’s the sideways glances that I still get when I’m out for coffee with one of my friends. Oh my goodness, a white woman out with a black man! How scandalous! That should not happen.

It’s that look that you see on the face of the cashier when black teens walk in the store, or a transgender person or a whole host of others come in. The face tightens, the back stiffens, and they look like they’re expecting trouble. That should not happen.

These examples are exceptionally minor and do not speak to the real fear and pain that so many people have to deal with, day in and day out.

Being a white woman, brought up in middle-class society, I don’t feel I have the right to talk about those issues. Those are stories for the people who have lived it to tell.

What I can do is listen.

What I can do, in my own small way, is to stand up and fight for their rights where I can. I can call out those that seek to oppress and shame.

What I can do is try my best to make sure this doesn’t get swept under the rug again. To make change happen this time around.

What I can say is that these situations should never happen in a progressive society such as ours.

I don’t understand the idea when one person thinks they are better than another. Whether it be under the guise of wealth, station, religion, or colour, we are all human beings. We all deserve the same rights and the same opportunities. We all deserve to live the best lives we possibly can without fear.

I don’t understand the people that haven’t figured that out yet.