Brexit and Trump have put racism to the forefront of my mind lately. As a survivor of racial violence, I have been heartened by shares of literature and videos discussing how to assist victims or disrupt racial violence. One resource suggested standing silently with the victim during an attack. I have both performed and received this action. Please, please do this.
Why?
Doing this creates a boundary by offering solidarity. It takes the victim from being alone to being part of a group, and there is strength in numbers. The most terrifying facet of racial attacks is the isolation. When a peer verbally assaulted me with a series of racial slurs, most of the surrounding peers walked away or turned their backs. One instead walked over and stood near me, just close enough for me to know he was there. That he saw what was happening. That the whole world wasn't aligned against me and I didn't need to shrivel up and disappear. Basically, that this would end and I would be able to move on.
While this didn't stop the attack, it was an incredible support that I still recall with wonder. After all, the person supporting me was a young, white male. Same as the person attacking me. He was a reminder that we are all different, not just me, the person being accosted for being different.
Why not just tell the hater to shut up?
While it is excellent to speak up when it is possible, in the above situation, that would have fanned the flames of hate for my attacker. If you see racism in action, assess the situation. When it's safe to speak up to interrupt, do it. If it's safer to film, do it. If it's safest to simply stand near the victim, choose the path. Call the police. Check in with the victim after the attack. The key is action rather than inaction.
The same is true when witnessing other forms of abuse. Remember that choosing no action supports violence. Silence is violence. So, if you disagree, speak up. Take action. You have a voice which means you get to use it. Use it to make this world a better place.
What actions have you taken recently to improve the world we are living in? What actions would you like to take?
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