Now that our eyes are open, what will we see?

                Recently, one of my childhood friends posted this on her Facebook.  I thought it was important to share her story (with permission), because I know there are countless White people who have had similar experiences but are not willing to speak up.  I know this for certain, because when she posted it, I thought, “Wow, I’ve been there.”  It’s amazing how much more we see with our eyes open, isn’t it?  In a book that I am currently reading, the author says “[If] I am not aware of the barriers you face, then I won’t see them, much less be motivated to remove them.”  I’m sharing my friend’s post without additional commentary because I think it’s just important to read it and reflect.

Posted June 1, 2020:

FYI: This post is exposing a very tender and broken heart. When I say “is that the point”, I say it with genuine concern and humility, not sarcasm. Please be kind as I’m processing and reflecting on my thoughts.

 

While at the barbershop today, a beautiful and talented African American woman was cutting my son’s hair. Next to us was a quiet but witty African American man who was also getting a cut. While sitting there, and thinking of all that has transpired over the last several days, I found myself feeling uncomfortable being around these two individuals. Not because of the color of their skin. But because of the color of mine. My fear is that when they looked at me, they couldn’t see past my skin color. That they were making assumptions about my beliefs about them. I found myself wanting to make eye contact (but not too much) and smile (but not too big). I feared that my efforts to demonstrate kindness and earn acceptance would be scoffed at, ridiculed, or rejected. Then I started wondering, “Is that the point? Is that why it’s come to this?”

 

I’m not sure what my role is in this societal problem. I’m not sure what’s expected of me, a white woman, by the African American community. I want to demonstrate my love and compassion. I don’t want to insult anyone. I feel like I’m tiptoeing a line I can’t see. And I ask myself again, is that the point?