It’s tiring to talk constantly about things that hurt you. It’s painful when they fall on deaf ears and it’s especially damaging when people try to rewrite your experiences to feel better about themselves.
Although I don’t care much about the British Royal Family, the interview Harry and Meghan did with Oprah and all the commentary that followed touched a nerve for so many, especially black people. The irony of two rich, young and privileged people found themselves experiencing pain and isolation in ways that so many could relate to from an institution whose core foundation was built on racism and white supremacy.
As we continue to take the commentary about the interview, hopefully we can finally stop:
Black / Color Card – While the honest reality is that Black people with lighter skin manage to progress faster than those who are darker, the severity of the pain remains the same. In fact, that pain is even riddled with guilt because even though there is relative acceptance in some social circles you are constantly reminded of your otherness and how quickly it can change if you choose not to draw the line.
Suicidal / Mental Health Idea – Suicidal ideation and thoughts are real. They can happen to anyone and it’s such an ugly truth to face. I got them when I had just moved to Europe and my life, according to society’s markers of doing, ticked all the boxes well. I had food, a happy marriage, money. When we try to measure how happy someone should be the material and social mark of society, we further isolate people who hang on them by thread. Mental health problems cut across all races and economic brackets.
The Politics of Famous Respect – ‘Family business is a family business’ and ‘blood is thicker than water’ are two of the quietest statements I’ve ever heard growing up. What they do is condition and program you into believing that problems can only be solved within certain limits. It is harmful, toxic and extremely unhealthy. Assuming that there are no alternatives to the views of a particular group who have all had their own experiences is counterproductive to growth.
We all take our own lessons from the interview and some may choose to ignore it which is a valid stance, but like all experiences there are lessons to be learned and God knows it will help reduce the burden of so many who literally feel it. tired of saying the same thing over and over again.