So, here we are.
Where are we?
Well, in the US, 112,000 have died from Covid-19 and we’re still counting.
Forty-three million have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic.
And we have one more chance to rout out systemic racism that permeates our lives and our institutions or as the retired marine general John Allen said, This may be the beginning of the end of the American experiment.
Strong words, but what happens the next time a black man is murdered by police, the very people who are supposed to protect and serve all US citizens; do you think it will only be police stations that will burn to the ground?
That is not a political statement.
That is a prediction based on recent and deep US history.
The political part comes here: If we don’t make a change we deserve to have our cities, towns and suburbs burn to the ground.
And I’m calling me out.
Mark Liskey, as a citizen of the United States of America, as a business owner in Phoenixville, PA, and as an inhabitant of planet earth, BE the change.
As a US citizen continue to be part of this:
And this…
And this…
And this…
And this…
And this…
As a business owner in Phoenixville, PA let your customers know that you contribute to and support Black Lives Matter.
Reach out to local, black business owners in the area and see how you can align to support a black business community agenda.
Speak up against racism even if it’s a customer you have to confront.
DO.
NOT.
TOLERATE.
SILENCE.
Oh, remember that community outreach program for people without health insurance that never took off?
You worked with a local community leader and you created a discount massage program for your town’s free health clinic whose patients include people of color.
You know why it didn’t work, right?
People going to a free health clinic can’t afford to pay for massage at all.
So, do a free massage clinic day.
Or a self-massage workshop.
Or a partner massage workshop.
Or do all of them.
The point is, don’t wait for the community leader to get in touch with you. Get in touch with her. Nothing is going to change until you are the change.
Now we need to talk about you, Mark, as an inhabitant of planet earth.
Mark, I’m just going to blunt.
You live in a bubble.
It’s a bubble that when the light hits it just right you can faintly make out the letters USA.
Every now and then your USA bubble is perforated by a pandemic or terror attack and you realize that your country is not the only country in the world.
But as soon as the threat is gone a new USA bubble grows around you.
But it’s even worse, Mark, because inside that USA bubble is another bubble.
And this bubble is tough. It’s super-resistant to popping. And you sort of knew you were in it and you sort of didn’t.
By the way, this bubble has a name.
It’s called white privilege.
Get out of your bubbles, Mark.
And then use your white privilege to help people in the US and the world who don’t have it so that one day there is no such thing as white privilege.
Well, you got your list, Mark Liskey.
Get those check marks.
Then we’ll talk.
Until then, say their names again and again and again.
Comments on this entry are closed.
Excellent. Use your white privilege for change. I plan on supporting local black business owners in my town and I too thought of setting up a free massage program for people of color in my town.
That’s great, Nguyet! I think we are getting momentum. Hopefully, other businesses owners in other industries are doing the same thing. Keep me posted!
Great post, great ideas, and thank you for your honesty and willingness to look at yourself and not just expect change to happen outside of you — so inspiring!
Hey, Amy, I’m glad that the post inspired you. On a practical note, I’ve been in my brain long enough to know that I need and want accountability. So thank you for letting me know that you read the post because that means more accountability. I’ll post later to let you know how much I got accomplished. Thanks!
Hey Mark! I’m a massage therapist too and have been thinking about how best to support the anti-racism movement. I admire the stand you have taken so publicly, and the fact that you call out yourself. Very inspiring post, and you’ve gained my respect for your courage in stepping up.
Looking forward to the updates!
Hi, David! I appreciate your kind words and the accountability your eyes provide. Together we can. I’ll do the updates via email or posts depending on how much needs to be said at the time. Talk to you soon!