This is about as far from fitness as I’ll ever get. I apologize in advance for any part of this post that isn’t cohesive or in logical order. My mind is kind of all over the place.
I’ve mostly strayed away from political talk, because the truth of the matter is I’ve always felt it was worthless. If someone agrees with me, well, there isn’t much to talk about because we agree. On the flipside, if someone doesn’t agree with my ideals I know I’ll never convince them otherwise. Plus, who cares what *I* have to say.
I learned early on that political conversations left me frustrated, defeated, put me in a bad mood, and ultimately drained me of energy. Because of that I basically stopped talking politics even with those I agree with. I realize now that my silence has been more hurtful than helpful.
It’s no surprise that George Floyd’s murder finally set off the ticking time bomb around the racial injustices black people face. I don’t blame them. Time and time again innocent black people are murdered, mostly by police who then face little to no consequences. 9 times out 10 these murderers get off without so much as a slap on the wrist and the 1/10 times they don’t? The punishment is laughable. This is one of the many, many reasons why we’re seeing protests not just around the US, but around the world.
It boggles my mind that people don’t understand why there’s protesting and rioting going on. Well, I guess it doesn’t confuse me that much. Those with the loudest voices speaking out against these protests have also probably never ever faced any sort of oppression.
They’ve never been made to feel like the world is against them, never had to worry that they’d be killed for doing everyday things, for living their normal lives. They can never begin to know or understand the oppression black people have faced for hundreds of years.
Not coincidentally, I didn’t see any of these people complaining about white people protesting with guns for the re-opening of businesses during Covid-19. But now that black people are protesting because they want the same sort of treatment white people get? God for fucking bid!
It’s maddening to me. And again, I shouldn’t have been so silent all these years. I should’ve been a better ally. I’m a bit embarrassed that it took yet another innocent black man to be murdered to take a stand and say something.
I do not condone racism of any kind. I never have and I never will. White people need to do a hell of a better job at being inclusive. I truly hope this sparks a long lasting revolution where society changes for the better.
This can’t happen by remaining silent, though. It can’t happen by posting black squares on social media. It doesn’t happen by showing your support now and then forgetting about it in a few weeks or months. We need on-going action to prevent these senseless murders and injustices from happening again.
From this moment going forward I will be better about educating myself and speaking out against the injustices that black people face. For the month of June I am going to donate 25% of all coaching packages purchased to the KC Community Bail Fund and One Struggle KC. If you buy a package and have a preferred organization you’d like me to donate to I’m all ears. Regardless of organization, I do not want to sit idly by anymore.
If you’re interested in in-person personal training, nutrition coaching, or remote training packages please let me know. Even if you don’t start until August, as long as the purchase is made by June 30th 25% of the sales from your purchase will be donated.
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I applaud your stance, Alex.