Black Lives Matter & Why It Matters For Me To Say So

What I Learned at "School" this Week

Hello Friends,

It’s been a heavy week.

On the tail-end—hopefully!—of almost three months of Sheltering-in-Place for Coronavirus, we had another tectonic shift in the people across America.

However, this time, it’s something we can control. But also, something that didn’t pop up just months ago—it’s been around for centuries. Yes, I’m going to talk about Systemic Racism today. I thought about keeping “politics” out of this space, but it didn’t feel right not addressing it.

If you don’t want to read about this topic, I’ll see you next week. But, I do hope you’ll stay.

And, if you want to read my words (and see some of my fiance’s photos) on the current situation, check it out here.

Now, I don’t want to pretend everyone who receives this Newsletter is on the same page, politically. That said, I want to speak on a human-level today. So, let’s put politics aside, just for a few minutes. We can revisit them later. And we should! But for the next 10 minutes of reading, I’d ask you to take all of your personal bias, however that may lean - left or right - and allow me to guide you through the journey I’ve been on this past week. I hope it helps you.

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1. What is Causing The Current Movement Against Social Injustice?

   First of all, if you somehow haven’t already heard about, or seen, the video of George Floyd being killed in cold blood by a police officer, with 3 other officers by his side, feel free to get up to speed.

   One of the most painful things to watch, is how little George fights. I couldn’t ignore it once Trevor Noah pointed it out. It almost feels like it’s something that he expects. Or that’s “supposed” to happen. Like it’s normal. 8 minutes and 46 seconds he was held down.

   Unfortunately, I’m really starting to believe it is the norm in America.

   This murder, among other instances recently, led to mass public pushback by the American people. And then, by way of Executive Order, Police across America were instructed to suppress the fight against inequality. You’ve probably already seen videos like this one of police aggression at rallies, in the last week.

   This is all a really big deal.

2. Inequality in America

   The graphic below was super helpful for me to understand the differences between Inequality, Equality, Equity and Justice. Ignore the cheesiness and playfulness of the graphic, about such a serious topic.

   AJ Lofton ❄️ @Levance_

   Know the difference.

   

   

   

   

3. What Causes Inequality and How Do We Get To Justice?

   We have to solve the root cause.

   And I believe that is: Systemic Racism.

   I’ve seen it first-hand, and I personally plan to build out resources that give data to definitely prove its existence. But it’s complex and messy. In the meantime, here’s a nice and neat little 4-minute explainer video* on systemic racism.

   *TLDW: the causes of System Racism in the US exist within four categories:

   • Wealth

   • Incarceration

   • Representation and

   • Education.

   Here is another great resource that showcases eight policies that can decrease police violence by 72%.

4. What’s My Personal Role In This Movement?

   

   As I mention in my article,

   I’ve gone through a journey consisting of three steps.

   Step one was acknowledging injustice is occurring. Step two was being willing to engage in the conversation around it–not “staying silent”. And step three is taking action.

5. Take Action

   A great thread with tactical options:

   Barack Obama @BarackObama

   As millions of people across the country take to the streets and raise their voices in response to the killing of George Floyd and the ongoing problem of unequal justice, I’ve heard many ask how we can sustain momentum to bring about real change.

   At the end of the article that I wrote, I share some of the actions I’ve already taken. And I invite you to join me. Also, if you do read my article, please share your feedback with me, I’m here to continue evolving my thinking.

   The Riot Had to Be Outside My Window for Me to Join It

   

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   Note: I’m not an “activist”. I don’t get very involved in politics. And, admittedly, on issues that bubble up like this in America, I usually am on the sidelines just observing. But this time, for one reason or another, I don’t feel right staying silent. You don’t have to agree with me on all of this. But you do need to have an opinion.

   I’ll close with an excerpt from a story about Dave Chappelle. I really encourage you to find a few minutes to read the whole thing. It’s moving and hilarious - what Dave has always been good at.

   He goes on to explain that one of his best friends is South African. He said “I asked him what it was like in South Africa right before apartheid ended and he said it was chaos in the streets. There were riots & car bombs etc, but the amount of people caring hit critical mass...

   ...and there was nothing they could do to stop it. The people had momentum and apartheid ended. Critical mass. That’s what we have to hit. Once enough of you care, there will be nothing they can do to stop the change”

   I ask you to not let the riot pass by your window, be that your physical window, or the digital window you’re reading this Newsletter on. Especially white folks. You can speak up. It’s okay to speak up. I know it’s intimidating. But it’s far less intimidating than what black people are experiencing. You have to be willing to take a stand.

See y’all next week. I’ll be talking about the alien encounter that will have happened. Because at this point, anything is fair game.

With love, hope and humility,

Brendan J Short