UNRELATED
THE UNFINISHED WRITING OF EJ KONTNY
Reconciliation is a big word. But how do we find the strength within ourselves to seek reconciliation with those we did not know we even needed reconciling to begin with? It can come as a hit to the face when you realize you have privilege and not only is it unmerited it comes with a truck load of baggage. We are only born into this world, we have no say on which side we land, but some enter into the world far ahead and others just as far behind.
So many that are born on the privileged side of history claim they somehow deserve it, that by association suggests that those born behind deserve to start there also. For generations, longer than we could comprehend, the oppressed have been fighting for equality. Pleading to the oppressor that they deserve a life of freedom as much as anyone. The problem then lies in the cruel reality that the oppressed never quite have enough power or influence to overcome the unequal treatment that is rampant throughout society.
The moments in history where we find resilience and finally make headway in restoring justice, happens when part of the oppressors wake up to their participation as passive observers. They stop allowing injustice, cruelty, and oppression to wreak havoc on their watch. Adding volume to the fight, the fight for civil liberty gains momentum. No matter the cost they see their sacrifice as a necessary participation to make up for their ancestors participation.
It is not until the privileged see the harm they are causing to the rest of the world that they will be faced with a choice. Either they can seek forgiveness for living in ignorance for so long and join the movement, or they can continue to turn a blind eye and harden their heart towards them. Sadly so many feel it is easier to stay in the latter group afraid of what it would cost them. Because to those in privilege, equality feels like oppression.