Editor's Opinion: We need to talk...

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By Yakosu Umana
June 16, 2020.

Get today’s assignment and head out for some comments and a photo. That’s no issue for a journalist, till one of your biggest fears happen.

I met a red-haired lady and an old man with a cane sitting on a bench at an open field by the province house.

I approached the lady first and went on with my mental script, introduce myself as a reporter and ask if she’s willing to comment on an issue.

“Oh sure, go ahead. You must be from Holland College, my son went there I know it’s tough sometimes,” she said.

The old man made a quick remark.

“But your son ain’t black,” he said.

My adrenaline rose and I could feel the sting in my skin.

Although that day, I wasn’t Yakosu. I was an intern journalist for the Guardian.

The red-haired lady quickly spoke in disgust.

“I’m very sorry,” she said.

She turned to the old man.

“Why would you say that. Come on, apologize.”

The old man mumbled a quick apology, I simply nodded and went on with my work.

This was one of the rare occasions I experienced racism, and I’m well-travelled. I consider myself very fortunate, even though I shouldn’t have to.

We have seen those images of kids of different races playing together, captioned "no one is born racist".... so where does it come from?

According to several researchers, children from age 1 can make judgments about people based on race, with or without the influence of parents. 

http://www.childrenscommunityschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/theyre-not-too-young-1.jpgAdd caption

Racism is a grand form of prejudice. Prejudice comes in many forms and is everywhere. I’m guilty of it at times and so is everyone I know.

Regardless, there is no excuse for it because there is a simple solution to it, and that’s awareness and understanding. Life isn’t black and white like us, there is so much more in the grey.

So when people gather and yell “Black Lives Matter” please listen.

Regardless of your race, do your research and get educated on why people believe racism is very prevalent today or how black (and indigenous) people are the victims of great nations.

We all want to put behind the hurtful past of the slave trades, slaughter and disassociation of indigenous people, etc... and move on to this fallacy of togetherness, without addressing all issues.

No matter how fast, you can’t outrun your shadow.

Systemic racism and polite racism is very real, and it hurts a lot more than a white guy yelling ‘nigger’ or telling an indigenous person to ‘get over it’.

So to all adults and children, we need to talk. Silence isn’t an option, there is no neutrality in morality.