Don’t tell me what to say, don’t tell me how I should feel, don’t tell me what to write or to post.
Social media accounts are curated to show the best in someones’ life, because that is what people want to see most often. They don’t want to see the good, the bad and the ugly. Most people want to “escape” their lives and do not want to read about your illnesses, your kids detentions, your bills, your trials and tribulations.
These past few months while sheltering at home I was filled with hope that we would emerge from our homes like butterflies from a cocoon, I thought we would be better people, more compassionate, more worldly and so much more. I had so many hopes and believed there was a silver lining in the suffering of so many and sheltering in place for over 75 days.
Instead we have emerged into a world of chaos, a world on fire. I cannot find the words to describe what has been happening these past 72 hours. I am speechless. I am heartbroken at the death of George Floyd and I do not know a single soul who isn’t.
But I am also heartbroken and confused as to how the utter destruction of rioting, looting and destroying cities is being done in the name of George Floyd? How can beating people who are trying to defend their shops, homes or themselves almost to death be right? How is beating an old man or an old lady who are holding a flag and defending their rights, no matter their color make a difference? How does this do anything to further your cause? How does this help? How are riots, dead bodies, burnt out neighborhoods, and churches furthering any cause?
Yes I am a privileged white woman but that doesn’t mean I cannot see the suffering and racism that is rampant not just in the USA but in the world! Racism is a world wide problem and those around the world that are casting stones at the things happening in the USA should look in their own backyard first.
We now live in a world where people want you to voice your opinion and then they tear it apart, they do not want to have a discussion unless your side of the discussion matches theirs. The last few days I have received countless emails and Dm’s telling me, not asking, but telling me that I need to post about not only the riots, but racism and several other injustices in the USA and sometimes I have even been given a script.
We live in a world where we’re are constantly told to be our own person, live your truth, BUT, if my truth is not the same as yours, you troll me, berate me and threaten me.
Just because I am not using my small platform to speak out about what is going on does not mean that I am not doing anything about it. It doesn’t mean that I am a racist, that I am not shouting from the rooftops of my own home, my community and my world trying to effect change and to make a difference. I don’t need to take a selfie next to a burning car to show you that I am out protesting, or show you a selfie with the photo of a check to let you know that I made a donation to offer a little help in any way that I think I can.
We are in need of change, and this change is not going to come overnight or from one post on social media, one hashtang, or one conversation. Frankly, I find it disingenuous that so many”influencers” that I have followed for over 12 years who have never waded into the waters of injustice or racism are now posting that they are “privileged” and sharing lists of African American clothing designers, interior designers, artists and more and act as if all these years it was a mere oversight.
Will these same people who are posting #neverforget be writing these sorts of posts in a few months or will they be back taking selfies in their closets with the newest designer clothing? I hope so but the track record of so many says otherwise.
Change my friends starts in your/my house, in your neighborhood, your county, your state, it starts with your attitude; educating yourself and your family, and voting. Vote for the people in your city, and states that are going to make changes.
I am praying for change and looking for brighter and better days. Together we can change.
Stay safe my friends.
The Dutchess says
I am with you..Thank you for this post X
Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says
thank you
Brenda Pruitt says
Well said. On my blog, people don't want to hear bad news about our country. Maybe they are just sick of it and wanting to be distracted. Maybe they don't even believe it is happening. I tend to be "scolded" when I get at all political. Or what they perceive as political. Which means, just as you said, that their viewpoint does not align with mine. Peace be with you.
Brenda
Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says
Brenda, your blog is one of my all time favorites. I love your writing, your words and your truth. You have never been afraid to share "the good, the bad, and the ugly.". I think you should post whatever you want. If they don't like it they can skip that post.
Nashville Lady says
Thank you! I think you speak for the majority.
Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says
Thank you.
Terri says
Thank you! Agreed.
Praying for peace to prevail and hope for the future.
Vicki says
Amen!
Desert Diva says
Agree.
Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says
thank yu
Unknown says
Thank you for posting this!
Anonymous says
Well said.
Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says
thank you
Karen says
This was so beautifully put into words- thank you!!!!
Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says
Thank you
Mary says
Dear friend, I thought I'd left a comment earlier this week dear but don't see it! How true is all that you share here in such a well written piece. Like you, I am heartbroken over what has, and apparently continues to happen, both around the country and here almost literally on my own doorstep!
Stay safe, hugs, Mary
La Contessa says
I HAVE TO GO SEE WHO YOU FOLLOW!
Because I received NONE of this!
"Don’t tell me what to say, don’t tell me how I should feel, don’t tell me what to write or to post."
It's all so sad and YOU said it as it is!
SOCIAL MEDIA is an ESCAPE for MOST………they want only the pretty and ZERO POLITICS!!!