Published: 05/17/2022 14:34:58 Modified: 05/17/2022 14:33:12 Racism is prevalent in all of our communities and is rooted in our na...
Published: 05/17/2022 14:34:58
Modified: 05/17/2022 14:33:12
Racism is prevalent in all of our communities and is rooted in our national history, culture and ancestry. My intention is not to say whether Easthampton Mayor Nicole Chapelle will be recalled, but to point out that we cannot think that removing one person will eliminate racism in our community as a whole.
This is an example of implicit bias amplified by millions. Cancellation does not address white racist ideology as the gold standard; it only punishes and creates more polarizing reactions. There are more accountable restorative models, such as transformative justice, that would foster a broader understanding of how to take responsibility. Dogpiling or firing the offender does not teach or reflect on how we contribute to the harm our words and actions cause to people of color; it only reinforces the fear of people speaking out, making people afraid of “doing wrong”.
Appealing to racism is awkward and uncomfortable. But let’s be clear; white people calling white people probably aren’t going to get you killed, arrested, jailed, or affected where you can buy a house, or even get a loan or fair credit, or where your child goes to school, or how much money you earn per year.
Appealing to racism could cause people to view you as a troublemaker. But talking about racism is a good kind of problem, you know? Words matter, and our actions as a community moving forward should seek not only to center and address the needs of injured students and families, but also to challenge ourselves to work to repair the harms of white supremacy in our daily lives.
We have a responsibility to check our internal biases, challenge the status quo of white supremacy, and educate ourselves and those around us. I must acknowledge that I am privileged to approach this issue as part of a learning opportunity and understand that for many others this is a deeply painful and lifelong issue.
Friend Joy Ross
Michelle Brenan
amy lady
Eastampton
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