My White Privelege

 I gaze at the wonder and the pain in their eyes

I hear and feel a desperate struggle to stay alive in the sound of their voices

The stories of  families who are displaced into the cellars of society

Who have been thrown down like a doormat to be stepped on by those who feel entitled

Who I've ignored, not seen, passed over and dismissed

Even though I swore to myself I wasn't that type 

Even though my job was to help those in need

Even though my reputation was the tender, vulnerable, male therapist who is compassionate

Even though I was known as the one to teach men about being open

Even though I protested, marched with, and gave credence to the antiracist movement

Even though I campaigned and voted for progressive candidates

Even though I pledged allegiance to the social, criminal and climate justice movements

Even though I grew up in New York City and saw and felt inside myself, the pain, joy and everyday life experiences of people whose skin is darker than mine

I still walked over them

I didn't speak up

I didn't pick them up

I pitied and left them where they were

Because I was out for myself

Because I wanted to be comfortable and hold on to my male White privilege

We get caught in the trap of accumulating money, stuff, achievement and status

To look good and to feel in the flow

That is the American dream

We in our White skin, able bodies and supposedly our sharp minds, have the power, privilege and entitlement over everyone else

And we expect those whose skin is darker to serve us and meet our bourgeoise needs

Those voices of youth 

Who I listen to with humbleness - shame - and eyes full of grief

The sounds vibrating out of their bodies that move me

I feel the power that is flowing from their insides that narrates their stories

Their faces are implanted in my mind's eye

They have impacted my soul

A flame is lit inside my core

My heart is touched by their bold vulnerability

They have given me an opening to love

I know that our hearts beat together

Especially when I stop and listen to what they have to say




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