My Thoughts on Current Events, Showing Empathy, and Pushing for Change

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There’s been a lot going on in our country lately. The horrific killing of George Floyd has sparked nationwide protests about police brutality and the larger issue of systemic racism that still plagues us. It’s been hard to process, and I grieve alongside my black brothers and sisters. Throughout this time I’ve been doing my best to listen, learn, and grow. I don’t have the answers or all the right words to say, but I refuse to stay silent on such important matters.

While I avoid political discussion as I want this space to be inclusive of everyone without conflict, I see the ongoing racism our country continues to face as a moral issue rather than a political one. I’ve been reflecting on my privilege and how I can make a difference.

I’m always a glass half full type of person. While it’s disheartening that our country is still plagued by prejudice and injustice, I am encouraged at how many tough conversations are happening. We as a community are becoming more outspoken and people are being more supportive of acknowledging there are problems and working together to find solutions on how to fix them.

Noticing progress

This seems to be significant progress since 2016, when Colin Kaepernick first took a knee during the national anthem. Back then, it caused uproar and controversy that ultimately led to him losing his job in the NFL – not due to lack of talent, but due to the potential public relations fallout that would have ensued for a team if they had signed him. People were so focused on his method, kneeling, that they completely missed his message which was speaking up against police brutality and systemic racism.

It was never about disrespecting the flag or the military, he was trying to bring awareness to issues that had long been ignored. While our country may not have been ready then, it appears to be embracing that message now – four years later. That’s also why we’re seeing so much hurt and outrage, apparently people found taking a knee in peaceful protest unacceptable, yet black people continued to be killed without police officers being held accountable. If that didn’t get our country’s attention, how else should they have protested? The hurt and outrage is now spilling over into nationwide protests.

It’s possible to support the Black Lives Matter movement, not condone rioting and looting, and still support the good police officers that help protect Americans. Saying “Black Lives Matter,” doesn’t mean that other lives don’t. It simply means that our black community is hurting right now, and we need to be there with our empathy and support. We need to listen, learn, speak out against injustices, and love one another.

The bootstraps narrative

I’ve always loved the concept of the “American Dream,” how anyone in this country, with enough hard work and dedication, can make something of themselves and achieve their goals. What I had missed before however, was that not everyone is running the race from the same starting line. Many people are starting much further behind, where they have to scratch and claw to even reach the starting line. I still believe we live in a great country, that offers immense opportunity. But on the other hand, there are many areas we can do better, to help provide equal footing to those less fortunate.

There are many circumstances in life that are within our control. By working hard, focusing on making the best decisions possible, and instilling positive daily habits, we can help shape the narratives of our lives to be more positive and increase our chances of success. There are also many areas outside of our control. We don’t choose who our parents are, our race or gender, and our socioeconomic background. The “bootstraps” narrative of “work hard and you’ll become successful” is far too simplistic. Everyone is afforded different opportunities and encounter different challenges. While I believe everyone can make their lives better in some way and that we need to make the best of the hand we’re dealt, more needs to be done to increase the opportunities available for people of color.

Acknowledging my own privilege

In my own life, I like to focus on what I can control. Within the past few years it has become more clear to me about what white privilege means. White privilege does not mean I haven’t worked hard to achieve what I have achieved. It doesn’t mean I haven’t had difficult obstacles to overcome in my life. What it does mean is that my skin color has never been a hinderance or an obstacle. My skin color has never been a barrier of entry, and in fact, in many instances it has probably benefited me. This doesn’t need to make me feel guilt or shame, but it’s important for me to acknowledge that it has played a role in my life. I want to do my part to help make things better, have the tough conversations, and financially support causes that are inspiring change in our country.

One of the ways I’m trying to do my part is continuing to make education about personal finance accessible and easy to understand. While we can’t control many of our circumstances, we are able to control our spending habits. Pursuing financial independence is as important as ever. By spending less than we earn and investing the difference we can build wealth – which can directly lower stress and open up more options in our lives.

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