I was awake past 2:00am thinking about the recent acts of terrorism targeting Asian women. And I found it difficult to gather and articulate my thoughts and feelings. But here’s where I stand today.
Early in my work on Colorism Healing, I knew that my work was global, cross-cultural, and intersectional. This is the case even while also needing to center dark-skinned African American women at the heart of what I do. But centering one group is not the same as ignoring all others.
In the past, I have been tempted to remain silent in the wake of violence against Black men because I have been so deeply betrayed by many Black men, including ones closest to me. I have also felt betrayed by other Black people in the diaspora who look down upon African Americans. I have felt betrayed by light skinned Black people. I have felt betrayed by other dark-skinned women. I have felt betrayed by white people, by other women, by other people of color, including Asian women.
It’s the nuance we always talk about with colorism–privilege does not mean you completely escape oppression. It’s also the reality that privileged people of color must realize–aligning with whiteness in all the many ways that one might do so, often by way of antiblackness, perpetuates the very system that would destroy you.
And yet it feels inauthentic for me to look on in silent apathy (or resentment) while these groups are experiencing collective hurt, harm, and trauma.
I heard a saying once: Don’t treat people based on who they are, but based on who you are.
If I insisted on only standing with groups who’ve never betrayed me, I’d very much be standing isolated and alone. But, no. The harsh truth is that I would not even be able to stand (with) myself.
Colorism Healing is my commitment to help heal the world. It has always been an inclusive effort. That doesn’t mean I sacrifice myself for people with more privilege. That doesn’t mean I prioritize the voices and experiences of privileged groups over more marginalized groups. It means that I know the target for what I’m trying to help dismantle extends far beyond the shortcomings of the people just ahead of me in the hierarchy. I’m choosing to focus on that target.
This week my thoughts are on, and my heart is with the many Asian women whom I’ve met over the years (and the far more whom I haven’t met) in a more focused an intentional way. It saddens me that they would have to live in fear. I know what that is like. I truly have empathy.
I can’t be at the forefront, at the helm, or leading the charge of every issue that I care about, but I do stand in solidarity.
Sincerely,
Sarah