I’d like to thank @Me4Trauma for their support in starting a real dialogue re: #racism, #AntiBlackRacism, #PoliceBrutality and the role of medicine and trauma in addressing this public health issue. The lack of engagement with this long thread tells me a couple of things:
1. We are not ready. Past the statements and the symbolisms of solidarity, we’re not ready to deal with it just yet. This is an emotional process and it’s exhausting. Look at the #BlackintheIvory thread to see what it’s like to live with racism your whole life.
2. There’s a fear of making a misstep and being offensive on such a public platform especially during this time. I get it. It’s too risky to speak on this right now.
Personally speaking, it’s too risky for me to not speak on this right now and fix this system.
3. We will not effectively address these issues until we’re able to have honest discussions. Being timid about this issue with implicit bias training, and performative diversity and inclusion initiatives will not address the root cause of systemic racism.
When we are ready to have these discussions and come up with effective strategies to deal with racism with accountability, transparency, and can provide those affected with protection from retaliation, I’ll be here.
I know this is a marathon and not a race and we all have some work to do.
We are moving out of our comfort zone and experienceing growing pains.
I’ll leave with a proverb often quoted by one of my mentors.
“Go straight into the heart of danger, for there you will find safety.”
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