Exploring Race in America

As a racial minority living in the United States, I’ve often struggled to understand the complexities of race and its impact on our society. This blog will explore race in America and my journey to understanding its effects on our everyday lives.

During the 2016 US presidential elections, we watched as the nation divided. We could not have predicted how deep the division would get until it hit our communities. We got struck by misinformation amidst the Covid 19 Pandemic. Campaigns of disinformation convinced many to vote against their own best interest. Many wanted to prove they were “model minorities” by condemning asylum seekers. We watched a Cuban American of Afro-Cuban ancestry become the leader of a far-right extremist group. With that thought, I realized none of this was surprising. Not by a long shot. But the lack of dialogue amongst our communities left us vulnerable to manipulation and attack.

I believe strongly in the power of dialogue as a means to raise awareness about issues related to race. In my blog posts, I’ll be engaging in conversations with people who share similar experiences and perspectives and those who may have different points of view than mine. My goal here is not necessarily to persuade or convince but to foster open dialogue so everyone involved can learn something new or gain a deeper understanding of these issues.

From routine micro-aggressions to all-out domestic terrorism, things will escalate. We must prepare ourselves with knowledge, facts, love, and healing.

Cara de gata

With climate change taking effect, refugees will need to migrate to new countries. This means our people are coming. And yet the current political climate has us divided and unsure of the truth. The previous presidential administration invoked an awakening of the white racial identity in the US. As a result, hate crimes and dog-whistle politics arose. But the US was not alone as right-wing extremism mushroomed throughout the world. As minority populations continue to grow, we can expect to face more hate than we are accustomed to. It’s hard enough to navigate a society that tears us down- especially BlPOC. From routine micro-aggressions to all-out domestic terrorism, things will escalate. We must prepare ourselves with knowledge, facts, love, and healing.

I have come to realize that understanding racism isn’t simply a matter of recognizing it exists—it’s also about understanding why it exists, how it manifests itself in our lives, and how we can address it. I found that to understand us, our cultures, and our history, we first have to understand Whiteness. Afterward, I will dive into culture and racial identities and their development. So my first few entries are meant as a starting point for anyone tuning in so that they have the foundation for understanding the complexities surrounding racial justice issues today.

I decided to start this blog because it’s something that I know I’m supposed to do. I’m talking- if I don’t write about my experiences and help people, it will be my biggest regret when I am on my deathbed type of something I’m supposed to do. But it’s scary, you know? Talking about this subject is painful and stressful in many ways. And often, you get little support. This is why I’ve named this blog in the spirit of defiance. If not being content with “good enough” or having it better than so many other people or living in a country that is so much safer and more progressive than so many other places makes me ungrateful, then FINE. I’ll take it!

I do not intend to convince anyone who disagrees that modern-day racism is real. I’m here to provide information and a safe space for minorities and allies to discuss our experiences and the topics that affect us most such as systemic racism, white privilege, cultural appropriation, and more.

If anyone else decides to read my work, I’m happy to share and hope they walk away with some perspective.

We’re at a critical moment right now regarding race relations in America. We need honest conversations about complex topics if we want real progress toward equality and justice for everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity. Through this blog, I hope to contribute my perspective while learning from others as we strive to create a better future together.

How have the events that unfolded in the last decade affected you and/or how you see things? Was there an event that stands out most for you and made you see things differently?

If you wish to keep current with what I have to say, I’m inviting you to join my mailing list by clicking here. Follow me on Instagram by clicking the link below! Thank you for joining me on this journey!

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