An Immigrant Brown Woman’s Reflection On Systemic Racism
I am an Immigrant woman. I moved to USA 15 years ago and till this day, I feel that we are staying in a world where despite the diverse population and progressive culture Color of skin still matters.
Currently, it is a very weird time in the U.S., as a mother of two young boys (14 & 8), i am experiencing extremely high waves of emotions while having a meaningful conversation with them. I am finding it difficult to answer any questions my 8 year old asks about George Floyd, Ahmed Arbury, Breonna Taylor and #blacklivesmatter
Why, I am finding it hard to talk about this is because of own life experience conflicts. As on the exterior (Outside appearance), I fit more to the victim side of equation as I am an immigrant brown skinned woman. And then I have this realization from the way i was raised: I was born and raised in upper Middle Class family in Indian Subcontinent. Studied in a Private highly rated English school. Had an amazing set of educated Parents, who always motivated me not to just excel in academics but also encouraged me to participate in Extra Curricular Activities like Debates, Theaters etc. Because of the amazing parental support, excellent teachers who always inspired me, I had a perfect environment for being a confident strong girl. To sum it, i grew up privileged and empowered as I had every tool needed to succeed.
In summary, I am brown-skinned but was raised in a very unlikely cultural setting. While growing up at home, we never talked about caste or color in our house. But, that does not mean that I did not have my struggles. I did, just because of India as a culture used to be really Misogynist and Patriarchal. The categorization on basis of color is not exaggeration was a fact that Light skin over Dark skin was favored and traditionally divided roles of genders and caste were normal.
While, talking about the struggles I am not implying that only people of color have them. According to me, we all have our struggles no matter what Race we belong to. Struggles could be wrestling with Poverty, Depression, Anxiety, Job Stress, Relationship issues, Children health issues etc…
But BLACK PEOPLE have had to struggle with ALL the above and also feeling UNSAFE, Being unfairly accused, being targeted falsely, being threatened AND investigated unethically, being manhandled. Above all, they were victim-blamed when they asked for explanation. This is all so disgusting to see and I have actually felt sad and depressed seeing all the news in past few weeks.
I have some amazingly great supportive friends from different Races and honestly race / color of skin was never on my mind, while I thought of making those friends. But like many of us I have been comfortable in my obliviousness of the situation. Since, i moved to USA, I have stood up for myself on numerous occasions, when I faced racism and inequities but I never bothered to scan my blind spots (Systemic Racism) which is because of the way I was raised just not talk about it.
To each one who is reading, now, is the time to scrutinize the prejudice we all carry inside us. I am willing to change and promising myself that I will try my best to have difficult conversations with family and friends. I Promise I will do best to educate myself and my kids whenever possible so my Black friends don’t have to do all on their own. I Promise that I will be more forthcoming on listening and appreciating experiences of my black friends and all my other races friends (Latino and Asian) who have struggled on the sidelines of society.
Let’s all of us take the responsibility to create a safe-space environment and nurture it for everyone to end Racism. I am devoting myself to listening and changing are you? #BlackLivesMatter
Author’s Bio : Sacramento based mom of two boys. First Indian woman to be appointed as Parks, Youth and Community Enrichment Commissioner. Serves on several Natomas Unified School District committees. Nominated for N Factor Community awards. She has also made guest appearances on ABC 10 digital series “Moms Explain All” and Three Moms and a Dad”
Previously published articles
Fitting in as a Woman of Color
Lessons i learnt when i followed my passion and i am not giving up on it
How I Accidentally Classified My Son as an English Language Learner
What I Learnt About Success When I Quit My Job To Become A Stay-At-Home Mom
