Thanks for your response Julia.

I of course know that I will never fully be able to comprehend what it’s like, which is why I put a disclaimer out there in my original post.

I don’t think the chasm is as wide for certain people though. Women, other minority groups that are not Black, and people with disabilities have experienced different types of oppression and discrimination as well. (Not to the same extent, I know this). So while I can say that I will never know what it’s like to be Black, I can say that I can empathize with (SOME) of the feelings they are experiencing. Feelings and emotions are universal in that sense. I can say “I know what it feels like to feel unheard or unimportant.” It’s not meant to be a comparison game, because in the end it will never add up… or take away what has happened..ever. It might give a little more credibility to the people who are trying to help, though. I don’t know, maybe people will take that as a comparison..I don’t really know what the “right” words are anymore. I feel like I’m constantly walking on eggshells.

I agree with your comment about how my ideals of peace and love come from a sense of privilege. I’ve never been made to feel that violence and retaliation is my only option to keep myself and my community safe. I can’t imagine how that must feel…so maybe I won’t try, because that’s not good enough right now.

Regardless of where it comes from though, I will never stand behind more violence. That is the only thing about this that I am absolutely not budging on. We go to war and more people of color WILL die. Whatever needs to happen will happen, but I won’t support it if it means more dead bodies.

Thank you for providing your perspective on this. Like I said, I wrote this piece with feedback as a goal. Otherwise I’m just talking to myself!