When I’m home in the States people constantly ask me if I’m “afraid of getting my head cut off” living in Saudi Arabia.
Nope.
But what I’m afraid of is my fellow Americans breathing their last breaths with the same person that is HIRED TO PROTECT THEM kneeling on their necks.
With the recent murder of George Floyd and the subsequent chaos that has rightfully ensued, I’m often reminded of my own ignorance. I grew up in a town where the only black person in our school had an NBA basketball player father and a white mother. Diverse we were not. I don’t think I was racist necessarily, but I was so ignorant towards other races.
Then, I had the culture shock of my life when I was assigned to a dorm with five black women and myself as a freshman. They made fun of me for wearing sweater vests, but within a few months I fit in so well with them.
Did I ask stupid questions about hair care? FOR SURE. But did I ever look at them like they weren’t deserving of the same treatment I received? HELL NO.
And they explained a lot of these issues to me about racial profiling and their struggles in the black community and as much as I could not relate, it really broke my heart. There was also an instance when I used a racial slur at work COMPLETELY not knowing it was one. When I was called in by HR I was literally shocked that there was racial significance to an offhand comment I made. That’s how dumb I was, guys.
Thankfully, I’ve taken it upon myself to educate myself since then. But if I’m being completely honest, besides surrounding myself from then on with a diverse group of friends, I haven’t done anything with the privilege I have had. I’ve prevented myself from continuing down a path of ignorance thanks to this experience, Alhamdulilah, but I haven’t prevented others around me from doing so.
The worst part? I literally have NO IDEA what to do to help. Truly.
I can share some stupid social media posts or I can seemingly make myself look righteous, but I would love feedback on what I can do - on a daily basis - not just now but in 3 years from now or 10 years from now?
In Islam, the Prophet Muhammad said, “None of you will believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself” (Bukhari & Muslim) and you better believe I would hate being treated the way black people are treated in the States.
Sure I’ve experienced Islamophobia, but I’m not in fear for my life if I ever interact with police officers. Accordingly, I have a responsibility to you.
There is no doubt I was born into extreme privilege in many ways, and for that I have no one to thank but God, but He will also test me with how I use this privilege.
Message me, tell me how I can help or contribute, give me PRACTICAL advice so I can be better and make sure that the privileges I am given by something as insignificant as birthright are shared by you.
I pray there’s a day where I love for you what I love for myself.
And trust me, I love you. I’m here for you.
