Bystander=Oppressor

Bonner, Ra’Von M.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/113547 Copy

Description

Title

Bystander=Oppressor

Author(s)

Bonner, Ra’Von M.

Issue Date

2019

Keyword(s)

• Racism
• Privilege
• White Privilege
• African Americans
• Poetry

Abstract

I will begin by discussing who my audience i s. My audience consists of white people who do not agree with racism but who choose not to stand up for African Americans. The topic of oppression is very heav y on my heart, and I am sure t hat e very other African American would say the same thing. I am tired of my fellow brothers and sisters f eeling as though they are “less than”. I know oppression bothers all of the white people who I am close t o. I am asking for white people t o stand up and do more t han just be upset . It is essential to do more than to just talk about how bad oppression is. A change won’t be made until s omeone sta nds up and makes a difference. I know when white people stand up and use t heir voice i n order to defend, not just African Americans, but all minority groups, then it will have a big effect and create change. In this poem, I talk about how people t ry to justify oppression or ignore i t. Some people act a s though oppression does not happen. There are people who choose t o be ignorant about the issues and oppression in society, but wil l belie ve their perspectives are correct. One must have t he willpower in order to cause a change of heart on serious issues such as t his one. I am showing white people they have an opportunity to be heroes and to be forever remembered for their acts of love and compassion.

Publisher

University of Illinois School of Social Work

Type of Resource

text

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/113547

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2019 Ra’Von M. Bonner

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