Are you sure you
know what racism means?

Perhaps you think it is about
violence to another ethnicity,
race or creed, or threats,
intimidation, name-calling
and exclusion.

If you mean these things then you
are right.

But ask the question once
again: Do you know what
racism really means?

It is more that what is visible
and heard,
the overt and the testable.

It is in the gaps, the silences
and the turning away when
when a voice is needed
but is not heard.

It is in the pretence of care,
when sitting beneath the
well-meaning words is the
sort of distinction
that make others feel less.

It is in the denial that you are
racist when your very activity
says the most.

Are you sure you know what racism is?

Search your actions.
Search your ways.
Search your thoughts.
Search your attitudes.

Be forensic.

And when you (like I) have done
that work, ask yourself the
question again and be
honest with your soul.

 

13/9/2023