Hands up if you're a racist. Not many hands up I am guessing and that's not just because I surround myself with the best kind of people but because we don't regard ourselves in that way and most definitely don't relate to that label. But everyday I encounter racist remarks, asides and situations. We just don't realize we are doing it or putting up with it. Oh, and if you did put your hand up, go read 'Long walk to freedom' then come back to me.
We are great at laughing things off, brushing things aside, all the while overlooking a glaring truth; that listening to racist comments and not pulling someone up on it is in itself racist. I did it today. The usual, passing the time of day conversation, the kids, the weather, a few jokes, light banter and then the person dropped in a racist remark. It was a dead weight, a black cloud, an elephant had entered the room. It was nothing new, completely run of the mill, you've heard it all before good old kiwi provincialism. I clocked it, took it in and (I'm ashamed to admit it) continued. I chose to ignore it rather than make the other person feel uncomfortable.
Well, from now on I intend to make people feel uncomfortable. I intend to make people feel really embarrassed or angry or whatever….but mostly I just want them to stop and think and where possible, feel. Because I sure feel uncomfortable with accepting the unacceptable. I will try really hard not to worry if they are older than me, someone that I should look up to or watch my manners around, being blasé about racism for the sake of a quiet life just won't cut it anymore.
So there you have it, consider me changed and yip, I guess you can now put me in the same category that annoying opinionated and forever lecturing people inhabit. (And for those of you who put their hands up, it's by Nelson Mandela….go look him up). Change#2…."If I have to hear one more person"….
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