Wrong and Learning

Three weeks ago, I gave my thoughts and hopes after seeing the tragic murder of George Floyd and the world’s outcry that followed.

I got it wrong. 

After learning of my misuse of empathy and how my words could be offensive to the Black Community, I quickly took the post down and haven’t posted since, paralyzed by fear of saying the wrong thing again. 

Silence does no good. It’s the easy way out. So, I’m trying again.

I previously wrote, “This imaginary empathy weapon exists, and we’re all born armed.”, to imply that everyone, including privileged white people, can understand the feelings of those oppressed. 

I’ve since learned, to presume to know how another person feels strips that person of their unique experience. Despite good intentions, empathy can result in privileged sympathizers ignoring differences in racial identity and falsely claiming to understand pain as their own.

A good intention with the wrong delivery is still wrong.

I apologize for writing before researching or better understanding the weight words can carry. 

I‘m sure my error was obvious to most. 

For others ignorant like myself, I hope it provides another opportunity to learn from my mistakes. I know I will.