03/12/2022
Lynn Murphy Mark
Sometimes I have to turn off the news. That doesn’t mean I care less about what is happening in our world but it does mean I need to unplug and recharge. That in itself is distressing to me because I think of people in Ukraine who can’t unplug because they are literally being bombarded with deadly weapons 24/7. I have heard people say, “My heart aches for them but I just can’t watch anymore media coverage of the atrocities!”
My Immigration Law hero, Allegra Love, published a newsletter yesterday about the similarities between the Ukrainian refugees and the refugees at our very own Southern border. In her mind she tried to picture having to flee with her family – no car, no money, no firm destination, no future plans beyond the present moment. Every day that she works, she fights against untenable conditions in our detention centers. Many of them are run by for profit companies who are making money off of the people they house. Remember, these companies are largely paid by our government, which means that my tax dollars and yours are used for these purposes.
I also can’t help but think about the world’s reaction to this war. Allegra said this, and it mirrors my thoughts: “When I reflect on my own expectations, it’s really gross how much they are based on the whiteness of the European variety, mine and the Ukrainians. In all my years working in my field I haven’t seen many people who look like me lined up at the border, in ICE’s handcuffs or in black-site detention centers.”
Years ago I watched a movie about the genocide in Rwanda. I will never forget the scene where a Black man asks a white United Nations official why the world is not reacting strongly and in horror at what was happening. The UN man answers that people in the West will watch the 2 minute evening news bits from Rwanda, dismiss them, and go on with their dinner. I’ve also been thinking about our minimal responses to what Russia did in Syria, and what Arabic states are doing now to Yemen, and the situation in Palestine. Rwanda, Syria, Yemen and Palestine – countries where people of color live.
I am not minimizing what is happening in Ukraine. It is unjust, deadly, and a site of horrific war crimes. However, I have heard distressing stories about people of color in Ukraine trying to flee and getting pushed off trains.
I think this is where my compassion fatigue plays out in great measure. I feel helpless in the face of white supremacy in the United States and also in so much of the world. In my mind, I get muddled up about what I can do to make a difference. I don’t even have a decent ending to this little blog. I just hope it inspires some thoughts about our treatment of each other, and a call to action. Learn about white supremacy. There are excellent books to read and discussion groups to join, and possibilities to contribute to agencies who support Human Rights – for everyone.
It’s time. Right here. Right now.