My people do. My parents and grandparents also have stories that would make any grown man cry. But there is no denying that the experience of the Jew in this country far trumps that of Black people. Jews are regarded by most with reverence and respect (excluding the horrid supremacists and racists). Jewish people are in a much better position in this country and our journeys while both oppressive are not the same. Not by a long shot. This is not how I wish things were, this is just a fact.
No one is asking for anyone to kneel in repentance. The ask is to use the privilege and upper hand that you have in society to reach back and pull someone else up. White people can deny their privilege until they turn blue in the face but that doesn't make it go away. I've had the privilege of discussing race with very educated and well-read individuals from all over the world and in America. And there are many educated White people who clearly understand that to whom much is given, much is expected. If you have more and have a touch of humanity in your heart, you help instead of looking the other way for someone else to do it. The way things work now, we (Black people) are blamed for our oppression and also charged to educate the masses about it and fix it ourselves. And while we do this, we are met with White people who disrespect and deny us every step of the way.
Where does this ever end? Will those who are not currently being oppressed forever remain apathetic to those who are? And will they constantly turn a blind eye and deaf ear and refuse to help when they 100% benefit from the way this country was founded, even if they didn’t create it? That’s like receiving an inheritance from your family’s business. You may not have been alive when it was created, but you most certainly reap the benefits from its success due to bloodline. White people reap the benefits of white supremacy in this country simply because of their proximity to whiteness. That’s not something Black people did — that’s the foundation of America. It’s not against the law for anyone to wave a confederate flag or to revere Confederate soldiers like it is unlawful for anyone to uphold Nazi’s in Germany. This country does not care about the wellbeing and safety of its Black citizens in the same way Jewish people are respected. And I can say that with complete confidence based on my own experience here as an educated, law-abiding, and successful Black woman.
We had no hand in many things that took place in this country, but we have borne the brunt of them for centuries. If no one is willing to stand up to make a difference, it won't happen, which is why it hasn't yet. Everyone is passing the buck and looking out for their own, with the exception of a few brave souls who see past their own lives and work for the greater good. Those are the people I'm thankful for and hope to be considered as one. Thanks for the great discussion, I sincerely appreciate the talk and your kind exchange. Have a great rest of your day.
