Justice and Fairness Matter

We white people have silently girded our loins for complaints on racism. Deep down we don’t feel racist until something sparks doubt. I’m white and proud of our family’s long heritage. We have been here for centuries and have welcomed countless nationalities to our embrace over all of that time. It is that history that supports our ease in saying we are not racist.

But we are. Uncomfortable truth. We have been blessed with talents and skillsets, education and yes, comfort for many generations. We have worked hard to accomplish good things. we have shared with others. We have embraced community and pitched in for the common good. We feel good and involved.

Then reminders of our privileged lives pierce our comfort. Families living in poverty for generations have a tough time. Often such families are identified as ‘problems’ and in need of government assistance. That alone is demeaning. It chips away at self-esteem. Accomplishments are somehow tainted; their achievements were subsidized by all of us through public programs.

And yet, our own family benefited from public education, streets and sanitation operations, roads and bridges, hydroelectric dams and power grid, public libraries and parks, fire and police departments. In most cases, our treatments received from public programs were nicer and kinder, too. We were not shot at, or wrestled to the ground on a traffic stop. Because our skin was not the color of discrimination.

Or a discussion with a person of color demonstrates articulation and brilliant thinking, I am impressed. Why? Why should I be impressed? Did I think it was surprising that a person of color was able to think independently, intelligently and with clarity? Doesn’t that say something about me? Yes. It does.

A chink in my defenses. I am racist to a degree. I must do something about that. my conscience demands it. My values insist on it. It is the fair and just thing to work toward.

Black Lives Matter is a movement that addresses this. They don’t do it to put down white people. They simply make the statement that their lives matter as much as everyone else in America.

Defunding Police is an unfortunate name. Even as a label it is not accurate. The sentiment is not to dismantle police departments but rather to re-imagine community policing. Why send armed police to a situation that needs counseling and social work programs? Send those professionals to address breakdowns in family and community.

Re-imagining policing provides fresh opportunity to invest in our people and communities. It is the people who make up community. Healthy people build healthy community. Healthy communities need less policing with guns and force.

Local governance is up close and personal. We also have more personal control over it. We are part of the community and can gauge what is needed, where and when. We can do this intelligently and with heart. Communities already healthy know this. So do their police departments. But urban areas have a different history and socialization. Unhealthy communities exist within cities. Policing is a challenge to keep order and protect lives. It is the duty of other professionals to keep personal development and healthy communities building. The cities need this shift in emphasis.

It is all part of being kind, just and fair. It is also a method to reduce racism and heal all of us broken souls who can’t see their own flaws. It is hard work. But I must do it for myself and for others.

Won’t you join this effort?

August 26, 2020