So this past year, I really have taken time off from blogging and other social media related stuff. It hasn’t really been by choice, but it’s been hard trying to navigate social media during these times. I would sit down to write a post about trends and try to give you guys product recommendations, but it just seems so silly when there are so many big problems going on in the world. This year has really seemed like it’s been one thing after another and it’s hard to know when the right time would have been to return to social media in the way that I would typically post. I have done a lot of reflection these past couple of days and I know that there will never be a perfect time to return. However, it would be unjust for me to come back and act as if nothing is going on in the country, and even the world right now. I have built a small platform and I hope that I can use that platform in the best way possible. I have definitely been one to shy away from sharing my thoughts on situations like this on social media because I fear backlash for not being able to correctly articulate my thoughts, feelings, or being less educated on certain topics. However, this is not the time to be silent and I am going to be using my small platform for good.
I was truly sickened by the murder of George Floyd. I could hardly finish watching the video and I know that I have been privileged and have never had to experience anything in my life like that. I’ve been struggling to find the words to say and accurately express the emotions I’ve felt with everything going on. I know I will never fully be able to understand the pain that was felt from the black community when they heard about George Floyd, or any other unfair death of someone because of their race. My heart hurts for those who have had to wake up every day and face some sort of injustice because of the color of their skin. It’s not right. It’s not okay. It NEEDS to change. I know that this is not a topic I have ever touched on before, and I want to express the fact that I am still learning and I will always appreciate feedback or resources to help me learn more. Also, it is not too late for people to begin joining in this conversation and educating themselves.
This is such a sensitive topic and I do not want to say something wrong or offend anyone because I am still learning and will continue to educate myself constantly. I will admit that I grew up very privileged, I am white, I grew up in a two parent household, a predominately white neighborhood, attended private schools, and have never had to worry about money. However, my parents have always taught me that this is not the case for everyone and have constantly reminded me of how lucky and blessed I am to have what I have. I was lucky enough to have my parents teach me important values that I believe should be taught to every kid. I have been taught the importance of never judging someone because they are different than me and they have taught me how to treat EVERY single person equally. That is the way it should be. A child is not born to be racist, but it is taught from the home or the people around them. These conversations need to be happening more with the younger generation. We need to teach children these values of treating every person equally from a young age and other values to truly make a bigger change in the world. I also want to express that it will never be too late for someone to learn. We live in a world with so much access to information and it is available to us to use to learn. It doesn’t matter your age, you can still learn and educate yourself on these situations and do your part to make a change.
I want to make sure that I am doing my part to help in whatever way I can and use this platform that I have built in the best way possible. I want to help. I want to do my part to fight for those who have been silenced. Within these next few days I am going to be sharing ways that you can help, whether that’s by donating money, signing petitions, or supporting black businesses that need it. I appreciate your support and understanding as I am learning during these times. Please leave any resources or recommendations you have in the comments below or please feel free to reach out to me personally. I understand that I will never understand. However, I stand with you. I am here to listen, to learn, and to use my platform for good.
XO, Lauren
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