Summary

The article underscores the importance of actively combating racism by calling out racist behavior, emphasizing that staying silent perpetuates racial injustice and that everyone has a role to play in fostering a society where all lives, especially Black lives, are valued and protected.

Abstract

The author of the article expresses a deep personal connection to the fight against racism, asserting that silence is complicit in the perpetuation of racial harm. Despite not being directly affected by racial crimes, the author feels a profound emotional response, including hurt and shame, which they argue is not sufficient on its own. The article advocates for a collective recognition of our shared humanity and the interconnectedness of all people, suggesting that harming another is equivalent to harming oneself. It calls for the celebration of diversity, likening it to a beautiful painting or a rainbow that forms a community. The author emphasizes the necessity of outrage and action against racism, stating that it is everyone's responsibility to protect each other and confront racism when encountered. The piece also touches on the author's aspirations for their multi-racial son, hoping he grows up proud and safe, without fear of discrimination. The article concludes with a call to action, urging readers to leverage their privilege to make a difference in the fight for racial equality and justice.

Opinions

Silence in the face of racism is a form of enablement and must be replaced with vocal opposition.
Emotional reactions such as caring, hurt, and shame are insufficient without action against racism.
The author believes in the unity of humanity and that discrimination against any group harms everyone.
Diversity is portrayed as a source of beauty and strength in society.
The article insists that it is the responsibility of every individual to confront racism and not remain a passive observer of history.
The Black Lives Matter movement is explicitly supported, with the author asserting that the specific struggles of Black people must be acknowledged and addressed.
The author expresses a desire for their multi-racial child to grow up in a world where he can be proud of his heritage without fear of discrimination or violence.
The author appeals to readers to use their privilege to take action against racial injustice, reinforcing the idea that freedom from racism is not free and requires collective effort.

Why You Have to Call People Out

Silence enables racism and I will not be silent.

I’m in the group that people would argue to be unaffected by the outrageous racial crimes but let me assure you, it cuts me viciously.

How can I watch this and not care?

But caring is not enough.

How can I not be deeply hurt?

But being hurt is not enough.

How can I not be ashamed?

But being ashamed is not enough.

Therefore, I write this in the hope that my message can spread:

Everyone is connected because we are all people.

We are one species.

To hurt anyone else is to hurt oneself.

Let’s emphasise that.

To hurt ANYONE else is to hurt oneself.

We must acknowledge with appreciation and embrace the differences within us as people.

Multiple colours form a beautiful painting.

Multiple colours form a rainbow.

Multiple colours form a community.

This is why you have to be outraged.

Everyone must be protected.

You think it’s not your place to confront someone who’s racist? It is.

If you think it’s none of your business, you are enabling the problem to grow. You cannot just be in the audience watching history form itself. Be part of it.

All lives matter, yes, we know. But black people have suffered and continue to suffer now so we must shout:

BLACK

LIVES

MATTER

My son is multi-racial

I want him growing up to embrace having a white mum and a black dad.

I don’t want him growing up feeling scared.

I want him to enjoy learning about our cultures and all aspects of his heritage.

I don’t want him to feel that he doesn’t fit in.

I want him to feel proud of who he is.

I don’t want him to be worried of what others might do to him because of the colour of his skin.

I want to see my son smile like this when he’s an adult.

I want him to experience pure joy without a shadow of fear.

Do you understand the severity and gravity of what is happening?

Do you treat each racial injustice with genuine seriousness?

Do you trust that you can make a difference?

For the love of the world that we live in, use the privilege that you have to act.

Take action against racism.

#blacklivesmatter

#strengthinnumbers

#freedomisntfree