Not Everything Is About Race

Not everything is about race when you’re White.

Not everything is about race when your race has never impacted you.

Not everything is about race when you haven’t had to worry every day that your race might get you hurt.

Not everything is about race when you haven’t had to explain to your child why they have to act a certain way to remain safe because people target people that look like them.

Not everything is about race when systems haven’t historically been designed to harm you.

Not everything is about race when everyone around you looks just like you and your worldview is limited to those like you.

Not everything is about race when your race isn’t disproportionately represented in systems like the criminal justice system or the foster care system.

Not everything is about race when you don’t have to worry about being traumatized each time you turn on the news because someone that looks like you was targeted in a race based hate crime.

Not everything is about race when most “nude” colored products all match your skin tone.

Not everything is about race when you have always been able to own property without question.

Not everything is about race when no one’s ever followed you because you “look suspicious.”

Not everything is about race when no one’s ever accused you of only achieving something to meet “diversity quotas.”

Not everything is about race when no one’s ever asked you if you’re babysitting your own child because their skin doesn’t look exactly like yours.

Not everything is about race when you don’t ever worry about being the only person that looks like you when you go somewhere.

Not everything is about race when the shows you watch on TV have always had characters that look like you.

Have I made my point?

Stop being racist. Stop pretending that racism doesn’t exist simply because it’s not impacting you.

Racism is rampant in the United States and the people saying “Not everything is about race” are perpetuating it.

Be better. Do better.