Racism

Post-Lockdown, What’s Next?

We’re back! We took a long-ish break but we’re ramping up again…collecting our thoughts…getting rid of anger and frustration as the world seems to be literally exploding.

What’s Next

RafifJ, #Malaga, #Spain

The lockdown in Spain is over, at least for now. We’re mostly practicing social distancing (and are required to wear masks in public), but the situation around the rest of the world is hardly comforting. Numbers are going up in areas that have resumed almost-normal. The potential for a second wave is there and probably increasing. Meanwhile, the world is going to shit with more-obvious-than-ever hatred and racism. Didn’t we once believe humanity was better than this? What we’re seeing on flagrant display is just devastating. But I’m trying to think positive thoughts: DC statehood, #BlackLivesMatter, and movements for justice cropping up around the world. I am personally embarking on a couple of big initiatives that involve Syria and activism.

I’ll leave it at that tonight. Tomorrow is another day. Who knows, maybe Trump will finally catch the #Coronavirus.

The New Karen

Tina F., Fairfax, #Virginia

During the past few weeks, we have witnessed the world waking up to confront years of bigotry and racism in the wake of the horrific murder of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minnesota. There are fleeting glimpses that we the people may actually be coming together in support of the social injustices perpetrated against the black citizens of this country and the minorities of the world.

With that awareness comes a different problem in America. People are policing others and shaming them into doing the “right” thing. Meanwhile, thanks to technology, there is a camera rolling somewhere, capturing these encounters. Many recordings have gone viral and made headlines.

Most prominent is the angry middle-aged white woman nicknamed “Karen” who personifies white privilege and entitlement. It is a little vague as to the origin of this nickname, but recently “Karen” has been recorded ranting at people of color and minorities in a confrontational and aggressive manner.

As I watch the scenes unfold on my social media feeds, I am touched by a myriad of emotions. I am shocked, amused, angry, sad, and even disgusted. These encounters are not new, but have a new meaning in light of the rising black voices against racism.

By now we are all familiar with Amy Cooper, the Central Park woman who becomes irate at a black man for telling her to keep her dog on a leash. She even calls the police and lies that she is being “attacked by an African-American man.” Why does she think it’s okay to do that?…. because she is a Karen. This Karen is using her white privilege to put a black man “in his place.”

Or the other one was the Karen in San Francisco who accused a man of defacing private property because he was chalking “Black Lives Matter” on the front of a home in an affluent neighborhood.

She and her husband assumed that he did not live there because of his “brown” skin color. Not only was it his home, but he had lived there for 18 years.

I realize that there are two sides to every story, but as soon as a white person takes a hammer and beats the shit out of a neighbor’s car they have lost the argument. As was the case with the LA Karen.

White privilege in America and the delusional assumption that they are superior has really gone on way too long, but isn’t that why millions of people have been protesting around the world these past few weeks? Demanding social justice for people of color? BLACK LIVES MATTER! Black people matter.

Remember I said I had a myriad of emotions? Well I forgot to add conflicted. I wonder if these incidents can be avoided altogether. Maybe we should we stop trying to police each other? Especially during tenuous times when everyone is on edge. Everyone is on hyper-alert at the moment. I think if we lay off the antagonism and take a chill pill or walk away, we could avoid these blow ups. Hey, just don’t be a Karen!

Becoming an Activist

Reposed with permission from Wayne Wallace, McLean, Virginia

It didn’t happen overnight. Despite (or perhaps because of) growing up in the South in the 60s and 70s, I have been offended by overt racism most of my life. But the more insidious, constant racism that permeates our society, not so much. It’s not that I didn’t see it; it’s that I didn’t see how harmful it actually was. Plus, it didn’t affect me. And who am I to change the world?

While I never thought it was fair that my opinion mattered more than my Black, Brown, and female colleagues, I didn’t see it as that big of a deal. I could see that it was annoying, but worth making a fuss about? Certainly not

for me. For one, I was the beneficiary of the subtle racism, and I had more important things to do. And who am I to change the world?

Then a lot of things happened that changed my perspective. For starters, I spent a lot of time with Syrian activists and saw what a difference a little activism can make. No, they didn’t topple the regime, but they did a lot of good and have helped establish the bedrock needed to make Syria better once the regime is gone. They made a difference. It’s inspiring.

I also had major changes and losses in my life that significantly altered my perspective about what is important. Not that I ever thought material possessions were key to a successful life, but my focus was more there than on improving the world beyond my very small circle. And besides, who am I to change the world? I should focus on raising my kids and improving MY world. Not THE world.

Now, the injustices in the world are too much for me to simply watch and ask, “Who am I to change the world?” I’m just one voice, but if a group of voices can work together, we can pry dictators out of their fortresses and into courts of justice. We can bring about real change.

So today I write, I document, I photograph, and perhaps film the world I see around me. I will add my voice to those of the others marching in Washington, Minneapolis, Paris, Sydney, Amsterdam, and Idlib. I know I can’t do much on my own. But by joining with others, we can bring about real change. People of color in my country can achieve true equality; oppressed people in other countries can know democracy. Peoples suffering from decades of occupation, war, and injustice can one day know freedom and peace.

Who am I to change the world? I’m an activist.

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Post 80: #Coronavirus and a perspective.

We’re sharing our experiences, thoughts, and uncensored opinions during lockdown, quarantine, and self-isolation. For some of us, it’s DAY 80.

Liberty and military power

Tina F., Fairfax, #Virginia

I have an ache in my heart and a burn in my stomach. I am angry. I am seething. My president is a narcissistic racist.

The American president’s response to the Black solidarity movement happening in America today is instigating hate. The president has called the protestors “thugs” and “lowlife scum” when he is one of the biggest thugs in office. He wants to unleash the military to quell the [protestors] “violence.”

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s hear it for this great leadership! It’s like the frustrated parent yelling at their kid to “stop crying or else I will smack you so hard you’ll really have something to cry about!”

America needs to get to the heart of the issues and address the core values that have led us to this point. Our president is a racist! Our police forces have not been held accountable for their unnecessary use of force toward African-Americans.

We are not serving anyone by sending out the military to fight their own people. Let’s face it, the military presence will escalate the deaths of innocent people.

All my life, I have been watching activists speak up against anarchy, corruption, inequality, and racism – only to be silenced by the military powers of dictatorship and fascism.

America is waking up! Let’s hope this a start of a new understanding for the downtrodden and not a backward slide into a third-world dictatorship.

Dave Granlund cartoon retrieved via Internet search.
No copyright infringement intended.

The banana republic

Wayne Wallace, McLean, #Virginia

Yesterday morning, I woke up in a free country. For all its faults, it was at least free.

Last night, I went to sleep in a military dictatorship on the brink of civil war.

I recently heard Carl Bernstein use the term, “Cold Civil War,” to describe the state of affairs in this country. He was talking about the chasm between the alt-right and the rest of us. The uneducated White Trump supporters against the rest of us. I thought it was a very appropriate term to capture the state of affairs in the U.S.

I fear it will not be a cold civil war for long. The statements and actions of the @realDonaldTrump yesterday were not only announcing the end of democracy and the rule of law in our country; they were heralding the ascension of a despotic dictator. It was a big step that is sure to widen the divisions between the different factions in America. The steps announced from the Rose Garden yesterday will make the gap between Right and Left even wider. It will make the distrust between Black and White deeper.

@realDonaldTrump seems willing to tear the country apart to ensure his own reelection. Yesterday he took yet another giant step – not for mankind, but toward outright civil war – when he used federal troops to attack a crowd of peaceful protestors. That he did it solely to enable a photo op of him holding a Bible in front of a Church because he was embarrassed about being exposed as a coward hiding in his bunker makes it even worse. This is not what the country needs. This is the national-level equivalent to the White kids driving around the protests trying to hand bricks to Black protestors. Scaring White suburbia into reelecting a despotic thug just might work. I fear for this country if it does.

Retrieved from The DCist.com

Mein Trumpf

RJD, #Beirut, #Lebanon

Yep, ladies and gentlemen, we have a Hitler in our midst and the 21st century version is living up to its name.

What in God’s name was Trumpf thinking of yesterday? Seriously, a photo op for campaigning purposes? Really? After tear gassing protestors to get there? Really?

To think of the message that Trumpf was conveying at a time like this…using a Bible to reach his base…being a hypocrite to show up at a Church he has ignored for 3 years…to spew the venom…to actually pave his way there with tear gas from taxes we pay for…is this really the time for egotistical behavior??? Is it????

And now St. Paul’s II National Shrine? Seriously?

I don’t want to lose my focus today; we have a big Thawra day coming up on June 6 in Beirut. There are also #GeorgeFloyd protestors in every city around the world, and the #Coronavirus isn’t done – but the gall. The bloody gall.

And Ivanka in the background, sporting a designer white bag? Really? At a time of pure crisis…And Jared lurking as usual? I am ranting again.

Focus. Stay focused.

My brains can’t. I have too much anger and grief. I am outraged. I must stop here because I won’t be responsible for what else I might say.

The death of democracy

RafifJ, #Malaga, #Spain

In 2011, Syrian-American activists and supporters starting holding demonstrations – against the Syrian dictatorship – in front of the White House. I remember being so impressed with the Secret Service officers, who told us they were there to protect us. As long as we kept things peaceful, there would be no trouble.

Those were the days when one of our chants was, “This is what democracy looks like!” We were all so impressed – the freedom to speak! The respect the authorities gave us!

Of course, those were different times. We were protesting the Assad regime, under whose brutal dictatorship in Syria, holding up a sign would get you arrested. Soldiers would fire teargas and bullets. True: your arms might be cut off in the torture chamber to teach you a lesson about holding up a sign.

But in DC, far away from Damascus, in front of President Obama’s White House, we were safe.

Yesterday I watched as peaceful American protesters assembled in front of the White House. They were People of All Colors demanding an end to racism. They were peaceful: Hands up, don’t shoot!

At first I thought, this is what democracy looks like. Tensions would surely be defused. POTUS – as infantile and sophomoric as he is – would realize that his legacy could be different if he would just put country before ego. I was sure the Secret Service or National Guard would never fire on American citizens exercising their Constitutional rights – because this is what democracy looks like. Until it didn’t.

I didn’t think they would teargas their own people, or fire at unarmed, peaceful civilians. Until they did.

This is not what democracy looks like.

We’re not in a democracy anymore. Just as surely and intentionally as Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd, the President of the United States killed democracy yesterday when he declared war on We the People.

Rise up, America. MAKE NOISE. #BlackLivesMatter #Protests2020

Retrieved from Newswars.com.
No copyright infringement intended.

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Post 78: #Coronavirus and a perspective

We’re sharing our experiences, thoughts, and uncensored opinions during lockdown, quarantine, and self-isolation. For some of us, it’s DAY 78.

Tonight we’re free-form writing

Them Cats

RJD, #Beirut, #Lebanon

Today, I want to add a little humor into our otherwise morbid quarantines and the ticking time bombs exploding worldwide. Hong Kong, Lebanon, Minneapolis, and most U.S. cities are but a few places where racial inequality, hunger, and poverty loom and are among the many issues that we will have to grapple with once we start “re-living.”

I live with 5 felines who consider us humans their staff. And each one of them has personality traits that crack me up! I just might need to change their names.

Cosi, our eldest Himalayan Lilac Point is a quiet soul who never needs anything except his treats. He meows and demands this right several times a day. The rest of the time, he contemplates and sleeps. Very much like Putin. He states his intentions, gets what he wants quietly, and retracts.

Casper, who is 4 years old, is an adventurer, a hiker, and a climber. Where there are heights, he needs to reach them. Very much like Jacinda Adern. Once he reaches the top, he will only look to reach higher.

Bambi, a 3-year-old Persian, is a cuddle of sweetness and kindness. He is very much like Angela Merkel: efficient, effective, and direct.

Jazz, a grey Persian kitten, is the epitome of a bully. He doesn’t poop in his litter box, he steals the treats from other cats, he pushes everyone out of the way to reach his food bowl, and then makes the other 4 play musical chairs with theirs. You know like ummmmm, yep, you got it…Idiot-in-Chief!

Miskeh, his twin sister, is the relentless one who lives by her rules. But she also wants to be loved and taken care of. She is the smart one, she picked whom she felt is the right person for her. She did not vote for me. She voted for my husband. It’s her right. She made a choice and in an otherwise democratic household, she exemplifies today’s poor world citizen.

Me believes me will need therapy after the lockdowns are lifted for many-a-reason!

G-5 Summit

Freedom for All

Tina F., Fairfax, #Virginia

I want to write something lighthearted today, I really do, but I’m unable to concentrate. My brain is in mourning over the crazy shit we are seeing in America.

I finally watched the CNN reporter and crew being arrested on live TV. As they were covering the protests in Minneapolis, the police arrested the crew for no apparent reason. It did not make an impact on me a few days ago because I was fuming at the lack of justice for George Floyd. Now with all the frenzy of the clashes of demonstrators and police, we are looking at an amplified response from citizens of the United States.

Are they protestor or demonstrators? Are they making a valid point or are they “thugs”?

How can we even begin to pass a judgment? ENOUGH ALREADY. People have had enough of the inequality and the racial injustice in this “Great” country.

A physical response from the people is what happens when people are at their wits’ end for not being heard.

America has ignored racial disparity for far too long. George Floyd’s death at the hands of the police was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

As an immigrant, I stand by minorities and I stand by the downtrodden and the underrepresented. No matter how we protest our mistreatment and inequality, we are silenced and/or imprisoned.

Living in a country where we afraid because of the color of our skin is not the country I immigrated to. When prominent sports figures took a knee in silent protest, they fired and labeled “unpatriotic.”

I am reminded that I could be living in any third-world dictatorship at this point. Where the government has to control its people with might. Where curfews are imposed. Where police drive cars into protestors. And of course, where the country’s leader is justifying this ugly behavior.

But I chose America! A proud country of immigrants. The free America. The America that speaks up against injustice. Or so I thought.

As it turns out, my America is selfish and self-serving. It speaks up only when there is something in it for the privileged few.

If you do nothing else…

RafifJ, #Malaga, #Spain

…change your profile pic. Support the Movement for Black Lives in their call for a week of action June 1-June 5. Use hashtags #DefundPolice and #DefendBlackLife.

Silence equals acceptance. Stand up for human rights. #BlackLivesMatter.

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If you’d like to contribute a post, please get in touch! Send me an email, contact me on Twitter, or leave a comment here. 

Post 76: #Coronavirus and a global perspective.

Today’s topic: #BlackLivesMatter.

We’re sharing our experiences, thoughts, and uncensored opinions during lockdown, quarantine, and self-isolation. For some of us, it’s DAY 76.

Get out there

RafifJ, #Malaga, #Spain

#BlackLivesMatter. #BlackLivesMatter. #BlackLivesMatter. #BlackLivesMatter. #BlackLivesMatter. #BlackLivesMatter. #BlackLivesMatter. #BlackLivesMatter. #BlackLivesMatter.

Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

People, GET OUT THERE AND MAKE NOISE.

Join a protest.
Stage a rally.
Demand justice.

Kneel. Boycott. MAKE NOISE.

Because silence equals acceptance, and silence is killing people.

There must be an answer

Wayne Wallace, McLean, #Virginia

I am tempted to start with, “When things like this happen…” Except things like this don’t happen in my world. I am at a loss. Unfortunately, “things like this” do happen. A lot.

I don’t often think about White privilege, but I do recognize it and know that I often benefit from it. I have always known that White privilege means my opinion matters more in meetings. I know that I will get more respect than my non-White (not to mention female) counterparts.

What I haven’t thought about with regard to White privilege is how it affects me in my personal life. Now, I understand, White privilege means petty offenses do not carry a death penalty for me. I’ve long been of the opinion that U.S. drug laws are racist, but now it’s clear that far more often than should ever be tolerated, basic laws and law-enforcement activity are applied differently – depending on race.

As a White parent, I fear that my children may make stupid mistakes or bad decisions. But I don’t have to worry that their choices could carry a death sentence simply because of the color of their skin.

I don’t know what can be done to fix this. There are certainly legal remedies that need to be implemented. But more is needed. We, as a society, must reject the notion that Black men are to be feared. We need to stop accepting and electing politicians who play on our insecurities, biases, and fears. Instead, we must elect leaders and promote ideas that unite, tear down barriers to advancement, and eliminate the unequal application of justice.

What is not needed is more indifference to disproportionate treatment for criminal allegations, depending on the race of the suspect. What’s not needed is for the rest of us to avert our gaze while others plead, #ICANTBREATHE under the knee of police brutality. What is not needed is more White liberal guilt that ignores the real pain and suffering while being all too willing to weaponize race for personal gain.

Much the way it took men to “allow” women the right to vote and begin to heal millennia of gender inequality, it’s going to require the conscious effort of right-thinking White men and women to stop allowing separate and unequal justice, and demand equal treatment and dignity for ALL. Not just all of “us.”

Retrieved via Internet search.

Enough

Tina F., Fairfax, Virginia

I have spent a lot of time pontificating on what I have learned from the #coronavirus. I’ve reflected on the impact this whole experience has impressed upon me. It’s all been a bit overwhelming, really.

Now many are returning slowly to “normal” life. How do I start to move on? Personally, I don’t want to move on. I want to move away! Out to the country and be self-sufficient and live sustainably. But I want my voice to be heard.

I’ll emerge back into full-fledged engagement with “real” life after I am assured that the government really does hold the wellbeing of its citizens as a priority.

After the police is held accountable for murder.
After “Black Lives Matter” is a slogan imprinted on every American’s mind.
After “All Lives Matter” is a slogan we all live by.
After everyone, including officers, are arrested for committing cold-blooded murder.
After my America is so longer Amerikkka!

Enough is enough. We cannot continue to allow the racial divide to fester.

I leave you with the names of a fraction of those Black lives murdered by police. May you all Rest In Peace.

Michael Brown. Alton Sterling. Philando Castile. Eric Garner. Ahmaud Arbery. George Floyd.

Retrieved from @MrsChrstiBerg on Twitter

My country ’tis of thee

RJD, #Beirut, #Lebanon

My country, the one I pledge allegiance to and the one I am proud to live in, is breaking my heart.

We abolished slavery.
We claimed equality.
We call ourselves a melting pot.
Lady Liberty says she welcomes everyone.

And yet, every American who is not a WASP or an Aryan, is definitely not welcome here – be they Native Indians, African-American, Asian, Arab, Latino…

We, non-WASP or Aryan Americans, make up 30% of people in these United States and still we are considered inferior to the White ones.

We are the ones working on today’s frontlines, in grocery stores, in menial jobs that no White American wants to do. And yet we are considered second-class citizens.

Are these United States a third-world country or first? Today, after the horrifying choking death of George Floyd, we have absolutely proven that we are worse than any third-world country.

We chastise these third-world countries on their leaders and policies. We condemn terrorists, sanctioning foreign governments. We still hold our heads higher than any other country, but we spew more hate and racism than any other life on Earth.

My country, you put me to shame. You ain’t no land of sweet liberty. 

Retrieved from lightboxcollaborative.com

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Post 74: #Coronavirus and a global perspective.

Today’s topic: If this were 2019…

We’re sharing our experiences, thoughts, and uncensored opinions during lockdown, quarantine, and self-isolation. For some of us, it’s DAY 74.

Head in the sand

RafifJ, #Malaga, #Spain

It’s May 2019, and I am weeping uncontrollably. My countries are a mess and there’s nothing I can do about it. The land of my parents is embroiled in a conflict that has killed at least hundreds of thousands of civilians, while the international community has watched, impotently, and clucked sympathetic yet meaningless drivel. The struggle for power in #Syria just fuels hatred and sows fear while civilians are literally dying to be free.

Meanwhile, the land of my birth, once (to me at least) the bastion of freedom, the land of equal opportunity, the upholder of human rights, is descending into authoritarianism, the kind we see in the land of my parents. The ongoing racism and increasingly blatant hatred in America have chipped away at any belief I once had that the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were sacred for all Americans, not just the White ones. Since January 2017, I have been watching a power grab that sows hatred and fear in America, while people of color are literally dying because they are not free.

It’s May 2019, and I cannot stomach the thought of another revolution. The one in Syria was already too much for me. I apply for a long-term visa to Spain. If I can’t be effective in either of my countries, at least I can figuratively stick my head in the beautiful, peaceful, soothing sand of the Costa del Sol.

Silver Lining in Every Cloud

Charlie, Metro #Washington, DC

What was I doing with my life this time last year? I was swigging Dr Pepper. Eating pre-digested, nutrient-free junk food, engorged with every petro-chemical-laden flavor enhancer. All this high living was topped off with me watching 24/7 news 24/7.

Today, in the time of corona, I haven’t had a Dr Pepper in three months. I only let homecooked, fresh foods pass my lips now, so my digestive system’s doing the happy dance 24/7. And 24/7 news binge watching? Off the menu. I refuse to let the words of another broadcast opinionist, who’s posing as a journalist, hit my eardrums ever again. And this is coming from someone who used to be a member of that tribe. It was once a semi-proud profession. Now the Founding Fathers are wondering about the wisdom of the First Amendment. They may be thinking someone should open a good old-fashioned can of Second Amendment whoop-ass on that tribe.

No longer watching the news has given me all the time I need to work with a business/publishing consultant to put the polishing touches on a book I’ve written. Comes out in a few weeks. The consultant’s also guiding me in retooling my business, which corona has taken its toll on. But that’s okay, because now I created a better…pandemic-proof…business.

So, even when the lockdown’s lifted, I’m staying in. Except for going to the hair salon. This time last year my hair looked pretty fetching. Not so much today.

May 27, 2019

Tina F., Fairfax, #Virginia

If this were May 27, 2019, it would be Memorial Day and my family and I would be gathering at my friend’s pool for the annual “official start of summer” party. There would be around 25 adults and teenagers for a special kefta BBQ. We would be eating, drinking, and swimming all day. Whilst a few brave souls attempt to sing karaoke.

But it’s May 27, 2020, and it is Day 74 since the Covid shutdowns began. I have been at home celebrating for the past 2.5 months, eating and drinking every day. The public pools will not open for the season this year and it looks like my friends pool will not be open to non family either. But don’t worry about me, after several cocktails I will shake the dust off my bikini and attempt to wear it on my overweight body. Then I’ll go running through the sprinklers in the front yard singing Shake that Money Maker at the top of my voice. That should spice up the neighborhood gossip.

Retrieved from pinterest.com

Italy, work, family, work

RJD, #Beirut, #Lebanon

Every summer, I visit my family in Virginia for a few weeks and then my husband and I go on a trip for a month. Usually, Italy is on the books for 10 days, somewhere during that month. 

Last year, we spent 3 weeks in Tuscany and Cinque Terre. Blissful, peaceful, quiet, beautiful. 

I always used to worry about my work back in Beirut, because during the summer the workload was lighter and we usually did some housekeeping. I had to stay on top of things and could not disconnect completely from Beirut. 

But what I do, when on these trips, is spend time alone walking the streets of where we are for a few hours, go to a spa, and immerse myself in the culture. In Italy, cocktails before dinner is a tradition. Sitting at a bar in the local piazza with a glass of Prosecco and big giant green olives is heavenly.

During that time, I scan through my phone to locate the best way to walk to the restaurant, where we will have dinner, taking the longest way possible to enjoy the sounds of the town, look into the shops, and talk to the natives. 

I can just hear it now, the sound of people chit-chatting, walking their dogs on cobblestone streets, stopping by to say “ciao” and there is always the one guy who knows everyone and is the loudest! He also always has a dog!!!

Oh, how I miss Italy, my work worries, my family, and my life in 2019. And oh, how I look forward to visiting Italy and my family as soon as possible. Meantime, I do also miss my work and my ex-normal life. Yes, I am adjusting to 2020, and 2019 is nothing but a distant memory in my otherwise busy head. 

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We sometimes use photos and images we find on the Internet. No copyright infringement intended.

If you’d like to contribute a post, please get in touch! Send me an email, contact me on Twitter, or leave a comment here.