Hey,

George Floyd was murdered. Systemic racism is real, and its most visible form is the recent police brutality you may be trying to ignore.

If you look like me, you'd better not be.

The riots you might consider addressing are a symptom of the issue. Not the issue.

Focus.

The above tweet is simply my overdue +1.

But if you're still here, and particularly if you check the same boxes as me on a ballot (white/male), please listen.

Listen to the people of color in your life. Dive deep into discussions on Twitter or other outlets.

Read. Listen.

When told to listen to people of color, it doesn't mean listen without critical thinking.

Quite the opposite. Think critically. I beg you.

Understand the purpose of your listening is to understand a perspective that isn't yours.

It takes time, effort, and repetition.

Through time, effort, and repetition you will earn the opportunity to do more.

More what?

Listening.

I'm 27 years old. I haven't created these issues. But by existing in American society, benefiting from it's systems that favor white males, I am a participant.

You are too.

As participants from the group that has and still benefits from this systemic racism, our job is not to lead people other than ourselves.

Our job is (surprise) to listen, and lift the POC voices that cut through the noise on these issues.

Listen. And they will show the way.

If by now you've read this far but disagree with me, I ask,

Why have you listened to me this long despite disagreeing?

Is it because I've erred somewhere? Or because it's more comfortable listening to me?

If even a hint of yes to the latter, it's time for some introspection.

I will end this on two points:
-If you feel the urge to congratulate me for this thread, don't. This is the bare minimum.

-If you feel the need to argue why the rioters are wrong, don't. It is an issue, but a symptom of the systemic issue.

Switching focus of topic is telling.