June 4, 2020
As fires engulfed the cleaners’ shop near the now-razed Third Police Precinct in Minneapolis on May 28, 2020, during a protest for George Floyd’s death, the scent of smoke permeated the air, and ashes blanketed our neighborhood.
There is a direct connection between the tragic incident that took George Floyd’s life and where I reside with my children. My kids, like me, are white. If these events hadn’t unfolded so close to home, I might have chosen silence regarding the turmoil in Minneapolis. After all, they are merely two and four years old. However, given the circumstances, I felt compelled to explain what was happening.
I needed to address this because the training wheels on their bicycles crushed the ash beneath them as they rode. I needed to speak up because the sounds of helicopters overhead drowned out our voices. I needed to convey the truth because it was the right thing to do.
The challenge lay in how to articulate the situation. I was apprehensive about my choice of words, concerned I might misrepresent the gravity of the events. My worries delayed our discussion until the fourth day after George Floyd’s death. Yet, I realized that allowing fear to inhibit my actions wasn’t an option any longer.
As we began our conversation in the backyard, I was taken aback by how effortlessly the dialogue unfolded. The air was thick with a smell reminiscent of a campfire, but tinged with the burnt remnants of tires. My children noticed it and asked questions, prompting me to explain that this was linked to something significant I wanted to discuss.
I started with the concept of fairness. “Do you remember our talks about how some people treat others unfairly because of their skin color?” I asked. “Well, something very unfair happened here. A man named George Floyd was hurt because of the color of his skin. He enjoyed playing football, worked at a restaurant, and had dark skin.”
I continued, “It was police officers who caused this harm. You’re right; police are meant to protect, not harm. I believe those officers should no longer serve in that role.”
I explained that this isn’t an isolated incident; many similar stories have surfaced over the years, and the community is rightfully angry. “In the movie Inside Out, Riley’s anger helps ensure fairness. Right now, our community’s collective anger is working toward that same goal.”
I added, “When we say we’re in the red zone due to anger, it means we sometimes feel out of control and unsafe. This is how some people protesting feel right now; they’ve acted out, causing damage to buildings. That’s why you see ash and hear sirens.”
While it’s natural to feel sad about damaged buildings, I emphasized that it’s far more tragic that a person was harmed and that many others have faced similar injustices. “People are always more important than things.”
Fortunately, many individuals recognize this truth. In our neighborhood, city, and even across the country, people are uniting to advocate for justice. There are various ways to take a stand: some protest against the harm done to George Floyd, some assist in repairing damaged structures, others donate, and many put up signs proclaiming “Black Lives Matter.” Our family is participating in some of these efforts. It’s essential to take action, no matter how small.
The conversation, as often happens with children, took unexpected turns. We found ourselves imagining a journey to the moon, where woolly mammoths roamed 10,000 years ago. As we navigated our neighborhood—the same area where George Floyd lost his life—my children pointed out the ash, the helicopters, and signs of protest. Together, we explored the meaning of “Justice.”
I recognize that our understanding is imperfect; I didn’t deliver the conversation flawlessly. However, the key takeaway is that we started talking. For further insights on home insemination, check out this informative post at this link.
In summary, initiating discussions about difficult subjects, like race and justice, is vital, even if it feels daunting. Engaging in these conversations helps us clarify our thoughts and fosters understanding in our children.